1,350 days total
You generally need at least 1,350 days physically present in New Zealand during the 5 years immediately before the application date, while entitled to be here indefinitely.
New Zealand Citizenship Eligibility 2026
NZ Citizenship 2026: Check Eligibility & Apply
Check whether you appear to meet the standard citizenship-by-grant rules, including the 5-year presence test, current fees, English requirement and application steps.
Standard adult presence rule1,350 daysAcross the 5 years before applying, with at least 240 days in each 12-month period.
Quick answer
NZ citizenship eligibility at a glance
For the standard adult grant route, you generally need to be entitled to live in New Zealand indefinitely, meet the 1,350-day total presence rule, have at least 240 eligible days in each of five 12-month periods, meet English and character requirements, and intend to continue living in New Zealand. The current adult application fee is $641.
Eligibility checker
Do you appear to meet the NZ citizenship requirements?
This tool checks the common adult citizenship-by-grant criteria only. Children, Samoan applicants and unusual immigration or character situations can follow different rules.
Eligible presence days in each 12-month period
Indicative resultYou appear to meet the core adult grant criteria
This is a screening tool, not an official citizenship decision. DIA checks immigration records, exact travel dates, identity, character and other statutory requirements.
Use the official government eligibility checker →Presence rule
NZ citizenship 5-year rule: 1,350 days and 240 days each year
240 days every year
You also generally need at least 240 eligible days in each of the five 12-month periods. One long absence can therefore matter even if your five-year total looks high.
Future travel matters
If you plan to live overseas, the standard intention requirement can become relevant. Limited statutory exceptions exist for certain NZ-linked overseas service or employment.
Current fees
NZ citizenship fees from 28 August 2026
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Citizenship by grant — adult (16+) | $641 |
| Citizenship by grant — child (15 and under) | $320 |
| Citizenship by descent — registration | $278 |
| Citizenship by descent + standard passport — adult | $525 |
| Citizenship by descent + standard passport — child | $422 |
Citizenship by descent is a separate pathway from citizenship by grant. If you were born outside New Zealand and a parent was a qualifying New Zealand citizen when you were born, check the descent rules before paying a grant fee.
How to apply
How to apply for New Zealand citizenship
Confirm the right citizenship pathway
New Zealand citizenship can arise by birth, descent or grant. People born outside NZ to a qualifying NZ-citizen parent may need descent registration rather than a grant application.
Check grant eligibility
For a standard adult grant, check indefinite residence status, eligible physical presence, English, character and intention to continue living in New Zealand.
Prepare documents
Typical evidence includes a birth certificate or birth record, passport or travel document, photo and an identity referee or witness.
Apply and pay
Applications can be made online, in person or by post. Online applicants need digital copies, an identity referee and a credit or debit card.
Wait for the decision
The government currently says citizenship applications generally take about 3 to 14 months for a decision.
Attend a ceremony
After approval, most applicants complete citizenship at a ceremony. A New Zealand passport is a separate application after citizenship is completed.
Future change
NZ citizenship test planned from late 2027
No test for current 2026 applications
The Department of Internal Affairs says there is currently no change to the citizenship-by-grant process.
Most grant applicants later
A citizenship test is planned for most citizenship-by-grant applicants from late 2027. Details such as exemptions, cost and exact implementation are still being developed.
Current law still applies
Applicants today must still meet the existing presence, character, English, responsibilities-and-privileges and intention requirements.
Related guides
After citizenship approval
Apply for a New Zealand passport
Citizenship approval does not automatically issue a passport. Passport application is a separate process.
How to apply for an NZ passport →Renew an existing NZ passport
If you are already a New Zealand citizen and simply need a new passport, use the renewal guide instead.
NZ passport renewal cost and processing time →Official sources
Official NZ citizenship information
Last checked 17 Sept 2026, 10:54 am. 5/5 official source pages responded successfully.
NZ citizenship requirements
Open official source →Presence in NZ requirements
Open official source →How to apply for NZ citizenship
Open official source →Citizenship fees
Open official source →Citizenship test
Open official source →FAQs
NZ citizenship eligibility and application questions
Am I eligible for New Zealand citizenship after 5 years?
Possibly. For the standard citizenship-by-grant route, you generally need indefinite residence status plus at least 1,350 eligible days in New Zealand over the 5 years immediately before applying and at least 240 eligible days in each of those five 12-month periods. English, character and intention requirements also apply.
How long do you need to live in New Zealand before applying for citizenship?
For the standard grant route, the presence test looks at the 5 years immediately before you apply. You generally need at least 1,350 eligible days in total and at least 240 eligible days in each 12-month period.
How much does NZ citizenship cost in 2026?
From 28 August 2026, a citizenship-by-grant application costs NZD $641 for an adult aged 16 or over and NZD $320 for a child aged 15 or under.
Do I need permanent residence before NZ citizenship?
You need to be entitled under immigration law to be in New Zealand indefinitely. The exact immigration-status assessment is made by DIA and Immigration New Zealand records are used in the official eligibility check.
What English level is needed for NZ citizenship?
Government guidance says applicants need to be able to hold a basic conversation in English, or speak English in everyday situations.
Is there an NZ citizenship test now?
Not yet for current applicants. The government has announced a citizenship test for most citizenship-by-grant applicants from late 2027. The current grant process remains in place until that future change takes effect.
How long does an NZ citizenship application take?
The government currently says it takes about 3 to 14 months to find out whether an application has been approved.