New Zealand Citizenship Requirements

Five years as a qualifying resident

Ordinarily, the preceding five years must be under status allowing indefinite residence. Any resident-visa conditions must be met or cancelled. Australian citizens and permanent residents also need five years living in New Zealand under this guidance.

1,350 days and a yearly minimum

Within the five years counted back from application, presence as a resident must reach 1,350 days overall and at least 240 days in each twelve-month period. Meeting only the overall total is insufficient.

Intention to remain connected

Applicants normally intend to keep living in New Zealand. Specified overseas employment or accompanying a New Zealand spouse or partner on Crown service can qualify instead; ordinary plans to settle abroad are not automatically equivalent.

Basic conversational English

Applicants need basic conversational English. Non-native speakers provide accepted evidence such as school, employment or language-test records; a case officer may interview them. No fixed IELTS score or CEFR level is asserted by this guidance.

Character and disclosure

Good character is assessed separately. Pending charges, recent convictions, imprisonment, protection orders and other specified conduct can affect approval. Required disclosures and any requested overseas police clearances must not be omitted.

Citizenship test planned for late 2027

Currently applicants declare that they understand citizenship responsibilities and privileges. A test is planned for most grant applications from late 2027, not current applications. The reviewed announcement does not yet fix the exact start date or final procedural details.