NZ Citizenship Application Checklist (2027)
Everything you need to prepare for your citizenship application
With tens of thousands of RV2021 holders reaching the 5-year mark from 2027, demand for citizenship applications is expected to be high. Preparing your application thoroughly and applying as soon as you are eligible will help avoid unnecessary delays.
Step-by-step process
Confirm your eligibility
Before starting your application, verify that you meet all requirements: 5 years holding a residence class visa, at least 1,350 days of physical presence in NZ, and at least 240 days present in each 12-month period. Use the calculator to check your exact eligibility date.
Gather your documents
You will need: your current passport, original birth certificate (or certified translation if not in English), two recent passport-sized photographs meeting NZ specifications, evidence of your name if it has changed (marriage certificate, deed poll), and your travel records for the past 5 years.
Prepare your presence record
Document all your international travel over the past 5 years with exact departure and arrival dates. DIA will verify this against immigration records. Include every trip, even short ones. Passport stamps, boarding passes, and flight records can help you compile this.
Complete the application form
Fill out the citizenship by grant application form (available on the DIA website). You can apply online through RealMe or submit a paper form. Online applications are generally processed faster.
Pay the application fee
The fee for an adult citizenship application is NZ$470.20 (as of 2026). This is non-refundable, even if your application is declined. Payment is made at the time of submission.
Submit your application
Submit online via the DIA website or in person at a DIA office. Ensure all documents are included and the form is complete. Incomplete applications will be returned, causing delays.
Wait for processing
DIA states that 93% of applications are decided within 18 months. Some straightforward applications are processed in weeks, while others take longer. You will receive correspondence if additional information is needed. Processing times may be longer during the expected 2027 surge.
Attend your citizenship ceremony
Once approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you take the oath or affirmation of allegiance. Ceremonies are held by local councils and typically take place within a few months of approval. You are not a citizen until you have attended the ceremony.
After the ceremony
After the ceremony, you receive your citizenship certificate. You can then apply for a New Zealand passport, enrol to vote (if not already enrolled), and enjoy full citizen rights. Your previous nationality may or may not be affected depending on your home country's dual citizenship rules.
Documents checklist
- ☐Current passport (original)
- ☐Birth certificate (original or certified copy, with certified English translation if needed)
- ☐Two passport-sized photographs (recent, meeting NZ specifications)
- ☐Evidence of name change, if applicable (marriage certificate, deed poll)
- ☐Travel records for the past 5 years (dates of all departures and arrivals)
- ☐Proof of residence visa status
- ☐Evidence of address in New Zealand
- ☐Character references (if requested by DIA)
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult citizenship application | NZ$470.20 |
| NZ passport (after approval) | NZ$206.00 |
Fees are as of 2026 and may change. Check the DIA website for current fees.
Processing times
DIA states that 93% of citizenship applications are decided within 18 months. Straightforward cases may be processed in a matter of weeks, while complex cases involving character concerns or incomplete documentation take longer.
With the expected surge of applications from 2027 as RV2021 holders reach eligibility, processing times may increase. Submitting a complete, well-documented application is the best way to avoid delays.
Citizenship ceremony
You are not legally a New Zealand citizen until you attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath or affirmation of allegiance. Ceremonies are organised by your local council and typically held within a few months of your application being approved.
You will receive an invitation with a date and venue. You can bring family and friends. After the ceremony, you receive your citizenship certificate.
After you become a citizen
- •Apply for a New Zealand passport
- •Enrol to vote in NZ elections (if not already enrolled)
- •Check your home country's rules on dual citizenship — some countries require you to renounce
- •Update your details with banks, employers, and government agencies as needed
Useful links
Get notified when you're eligible
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