How people become New Zealand citizens

Overview

There are three ways that people become New Zealand citizens:

• Citizenship by birth – most commonly, this applies to people born in New Zealand. However, some others, such as the children of New Zealand diplomats born overseas, also get citizenship by birth. In the past, almost everyone born in New Zealand was a citizen. However, in more recent time, citizenship by birth has mostly been restricted to the children of New Zealand citizens and residents.
• Citizenship by descent – this is how children born overseas to a parent who is a New Zealand citizen often gain citizenship automatically. Citizens by descent, however, cannot pass New Zealand citizenship to their children if their children are also born overseas.
• Citizenship by grant – this involves applying for New Zealand citizenship. To get citizenship by grant you usually need to meet set requirements, including having lived in New Zealand for five years on a residence class visa.