Types of New Zealand Citizenship
Typically, permanent residency follows a temporary residence. You have unrestricted access to live, work, and travel across New Zealand. You may decide that you would like to become a citizen after you have settled in New Zealand. There are three primary categories of New Zealand citizenship:
Types of Citizenship: Birth, Descent, and Grant
- Citizenship by Birth: You are probably a citizen of New Zealand if you were born there before January 1, 2006. If you were born on or after this date, at least one of your parents must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident at the time of your birth.
- Citizenship by Descent: If you were born outside New Zealand, but one of your parents is a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
- Citizenship by Grant: If you are not eligible for citizenship by birth or descent, you may apply for citizenship by grant. This involves meeting specific requirements and undergoing an application process.
Understanding New Zealand Citizenship
1. Meeting the Eligibility Criteria for NZ Citizenship
To determine your eligibility for New Zealand citizenship, use the self-check tool provided by the government. This tool will guide you through the requirements, which typically include:
- Being a permanent resident.
- After a specific amount of time spent residing in New Zealand.
- Being of good character.
- Intending to continue living in New Zealand.
- Being aware of the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen of New Zealand.
2. Preparing Your Documents
When applying for New Zealand citizenship by grant, you need to prepare various documents to verify your identity and eligibility. These documents include:
- Birth Certificate or Birth Record: A certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Passport or Travel Document: A valid passport or travel document.
- Additional Documents: Depending on your situation, additional documents such as marriage certificates, proof of residency, and police clearance certificates may be required.
- Identity Referee or Witness: Someone who can verify your identity and support your application.
3. Application Process and Fees
Applying for New Zealand citizenship can be done by post, in person, or online. The fees for applying are as follows:
- Adults (16 years and older): $470.20 NZD
- Children (15 years and younger): $235.10 NZD
The application process involves filling out the necessary forms, paying the fees, and submitting your documents.
Also read: NZ Permanent Resident Visa applications are now Online
4. Approval Waiting Period
After submitting your application, it typically takes between 3 to 14 months to receive a decision. You can check the status of your application online through the RealMe login portal.
5. Attending a Citizenship Ceremony
Once your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony. During the ceremony, you will take an oath of allegiance to New Zealand, after which you will officially become a New Zealand citizen.
6. Applying for a New Zealand Passport
You can apply for a New Zealand passport once you’ve gained citizenship. The application process for a passport and citizenship are different. By following these steps, you can successfully apply for and obtain New Zealand citizenship.
Presence Requirements for New Zealand Citizenship
Obtaining New Zealand citizenship is a prestigious achievement, offering a host of benefits and responsibilities. Let’s learn about detailed information on the presence requirements necessary for citizenship, ensuring that you understand each step and meet the criteria effectively.
Living in New Zealand as a Resident
To qualify for New Zealand citizenship, you must have been living in the country as a resident for at least the last five years. This requirement is crucial and applies to individuals holding different types of visas.
1. Residence Visa Holders
If you have a current residence visa or permit, or a permanent residence visa or permit, you must ensure that any conditions on your visa are met or canceled. For example, if your visa was granted under the parent category, the conditions might be for five or ten years. You need to check these conditions are met or canceled before applying for New Zealand citizenship.
2. Permanent Resident Visa Holders
There are no conditions if you already hold a visa for permanent residence. However, if you had a parent visa, you must send Immigration New Zealand the following:
- A cover letter requesting the removal of section 49(1) conditions, including all your current contact details.
- Copies of valid passports for all the applicants included in the resident visa applications.
Visit the Immigration New Zealand website for postal addresses and further instructions.
3. Skilled Migrant Resident Visa Holders
To see how your visa conditions can be waived if you have a Skilled Migrant Resident visa, visit the Immigration New Zealand website. There is no fee for the removal of section 49(1) conditions.
4. Multiple Visa Holders
If you have had more than one type of visa or permit in the last five years, you can apply for New Zealand citizenship as long as each visa or permit allows you to live in New Zealand indefinitely.
5. Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents
If they have been in New Zealand for the last five years or more, Australian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship.
Sufficient Time Spent in New Zealand
You must have been physically present in New Zealand as a resident for a certain amount of time during the last five years. This requirement is calculated as follows:
- Each 12-month period, a minimum of 240 days and
- A total of 1,350 days across the five years.
Intention to Continue Living in New Zealand
Your commitment to continue living in New Zealand is also assessed. Once you become a citizen, you have to plan to reside in New Zealand. However, if you plan to live in another country, it must be for specific reasons:
- Working overseas for the New Zealand Government.
- Working for an international organization that New Zealand is a member of, such as the United Nations.
- Being employed by a person or organization based in New Zealand.
- Accompanying your New Zealand citizen spouse or partner on Crown service overseas.
Addressing Special Circumstances
If you know you do not meet a presence requirement but feel your situation is special, contact the Citizenship Office for further guidance. They are available to help and advise you according to your particular situation.
Self-Check Tool
Use the self-check tool provided by the New Zealand Government to verify if you meet the presence, language, and character requirements for citizenship.
Preparing for Travel
If you plan to travel outside New Zealand, you may need to prove that New Zealand is your home. Evidence such as employment, study, property ownership, or other assets in New Zealand may be required.
Conclusion
Meeting the presence requirements for New Zealand citizenship is a vital step in your application process. Ensure you have lived in New Zealand as a resident for the required time, spent enough days physically in the country, and intend to continue your residency. Utilize the available resources and tools to confirm your eligibility and address any special circumstances with the Citizenship Office.
Immigration Chambers can expertly guide you through the New Zealand citizenship application process, ensuring all documents are correctly prepared and submitted. Our experienced team of Immigration Lawyers in Auckland provides personalized assistance, making the complex procedure smooth and efficient. Get in touch for any NZ citizenship queries, assistance – we’re here to help!