New Zealand Citizenship: Complete Guide for Investors
Your journey from Active Investor Plus visa holder to New Zealand citizen. Understand the requirements, timeline, and process for obtaining one of the world's most valuable citizenships.
Your Journey to NZ Citizenship
Active Investor Plus Visa Granted
Begin your 3-4 year investment period as a resident visa holder
Permanent Residence
After completing your investment obligations, apply for permanent resident visa
Citizenship Eligibility
After 5 years as permanent resident with 1,350+ days presence, apply for citizenship
New Zealand Citizen
Attend citizenship ceremony, receive certificate, apply for NZ passport
Citizenship Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for New Zealand citizenship by grant, you must meet all of the following requirements. These apply after you have obtained permanent residence following your Active Investor Plus visa period.
5 Years Residence
You must have held a resident or permanent resident visa and lived in New Zealand for at least 5 years immediately before applying.
1,350 Days Physical Presence
You must have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days during the 5-year qualifying period.
240 Days Per Year Minimum
In each of the 5 qualifying years, you must have been physically present for at least 240 days (approximately 8 months per year).
Good Character
You must be of good character with no significant criminal history. Convictions in the last 3 years or imprisonment in the last 7 years may affect eligibility.
DIA Presence Calculator
The Department of Internal Affairs provides an official Presence Calculator to help you determine if you meet the physical presence requirements. Use this tool before applying to verify your eligibility.
Good Character Requirements
You must demonstrate good character to be granted citizenship. The Citizenship Office will assess your background, and certain factors may lead to your application being declined:
Factors That May Affect Your Application:
- Pending criminal charges in any country
- Criminal conviction within the last 3 years
- Time spent in prison in the last 7 years
- Any prison sentence exceeding 5 years (ever)
- Undischarged protection order against you
- Pattern of fines or infringements
- 100+ demerit points on your NZ driver's license
Note: Parking tickets and speed camera fines typically do not affect your application. The Clean Slate scheme may allow some older convictions to be excluded.
Application Process
Verify Eligibility
Use the DIA Presence Calculator to confirm you meet the physical presence requirements. Gather evidence of your residence history.
Gather Required Documents
Collect your birth certificate, current passport, recent passport photo, and evidence of residence. You'll need an identity referee who has known you for at least 1 year.
Submit Application
Complete the citizenship application form and submit online or by post with the required fee. Processing typically takes 3-6 months.
Attend Citizenship Ceremony
Once approved, you'll be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you'll make the oath or affirmation of allegiance to New Zealand.
Receive Certificate & Apply for Passport
After the ceremony, you'll receive your citizenship certificate. You can then apply for a New Zealand passport.
Citizenship Costs
Application Fees (as of November 2025)
After receiving citizenship, you'll need to apply for a New Zealand passport separately (additional fee applies). The NZ passport ranks 6th globally on the Henley Passport Index.
Dual Citizenship
New Zealand Permits Dual Citizenship
New Zealand allows you to hold citizenship of multiple countries. You do not need to renounce your existing citizenship to become a New Zealand citizen.
Important Consideration:
While New Zealand permits dual citizenship, your home country may not. Some countries automatically revoke citizenship if you acquire another. Check your country's laws before applying for NZ citizenship.
Citizenship for Your Children
Children Born in New Zealand
Children born in New Zealand to a parent who is a NZ citizen or permanent resident are automatically New Zealand citizens by birth.
Children Born Overseas
Children born overseas to a NZ citizen parent (by birth or grant, not by descent) are citizens by descent. They must be registered to obtain a NZ passport.
Note: Citizenship by descent does not pass to the next generation. If you become a citizen by grant, your children born overseas will be citizens by descent. However, their children (your grandchildren) born overseas would not automatically be NZ citizens.
The Citizenship Ceremony
The citizenship ceremony is a meaningful public event where you formally become a New Zealand citizen. Most applicants are required to attend.
Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance
You'll publicly declare your commitment to New Zealand by taking the oath (religious) or affirmation (non-religious).
Receive Your Certificate
You'll receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony, officially confirming your status as a New Zealand citizen.
Family Celebration
Ceremonies are often held at local council offices and you can bring family and friends to celebrate this milestone.
Exemptions from attending apply to children aged 13 and under, those who are already citizens by descent, or individuals with disabilities that prevent understanding the oath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel while waiting for my citizenship application?
Yes, you can travel while your application is being processed. However, extended absences may affect your eligibility if they cause you to fall below the presence requirements at the time of decision.
How long does citizenship processing take?
Processing typically takes 3-6 months from submission to ceremony invitation. Complex cases may take longer if additional verification is required.
Do I need to pass a citizenship test?
No, New Zealand does not have a citizenship knowledge test. You simply need to meet the eligibility requirements and attend the ceremony to take the oath or affirmation.
Can my spouse and children apply at the same time?
Each person must meet the requirements individually. If your family members were included on your original investor visa and have maintained residence, they can apply when they each meet the 5-year presence requirements.
What if I don't meet the 240 days requirement for one year?
You must wait until you have 5 consecutive years each with at least 240 days presence. The DIA Presence Calculator can help you determine when you'll be eligible.
Start Your Journey to NZ Citizenship
The pathway to New Zealand citizenship begins with the Active Investor Plus visa. Contact us to discuss your eligibility and begin planning your family's future in New Zealand.