The following information is general in nature and you should contact us to discuss as there may be other applications or exceptions that apply in your circumstances.
General Requirements
The general requirements for New Zealand citizenship are:
a. You have received your permanent residence before 21 April 2005, and have been ordinarily resident in New Zealand for the last 3 years.
OR
b. You have received you permanent residence on or after 21 April 2005, and have had your permanent residence for the last 5 years.
You must also:
a. Be able to speak and understand English;
b. Be of good character (court convictions or unresolved debts may affect the application); and
c. Know the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship.
Special Cases
a. If you travelled overseas during the ordinary residence period you may still meet the ordinary residence requirement as long as New Zealand is your home base, and You did not enter into a settled lifestyle overseas.
b. Special Rules apply if you are under 20 or under 21
c. Special rules may apply if you are in:
Crown service under the New Zealand Government,
Service under an international organisation of which the New Zealand Government is a member, or
Service in the employment of a person, company, society, or other body of persons resident or established in New Zealand.
4. You may qualify if you were born before 1 January 1978 and your mother was a New Zealand citizen (otherwise than by descent) when you were born.
5. You may qualify if you are a Samoan and you were in New Zealand on 14 September 1982 or you legally entered New Zealand after 14 September 1982 and have been granted permanent resident status.
