Dual citizenship in New Zealand
Rules, restrictions, and what it means for your original nationality
New Zealand allows dual citizenship
New Zealand has no restrictions on dual or multiple citizenship. When you become an NZ citizen, you are not required to renounce your existing citizenship. You can hold an NZ passport alongside your original passport.
This has been the case since the Citizenship Act 1977 was amended in 2002 to remove the requirement to renounce other citizenships. Before that, NZ did require renunciation.
Check your country's rules
While NZ allows it, your home country may not. Some countries automatically revoke your citizenship if you voluntarily acquire another. Others have no issue with it. You should check with your home country's embassy or consulate before applying for NZ citizenship.
Important: If your country does not allow dual citizenship, acquiring NZ citizenship could mean losing your original nationality. This decision is irreversible in most cases. Seek legal advice.
Rules by country
Below is a general guide for countries commonly represented among NZ residents. Rules can change — always verify with the relevant embassy.
| Country | Dual citizenship allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| India | No | Must renounce Indian citizenship. Can apply for OCI card. |
| China | No | Chinese citizenship lost upon acquiring foreign nationality. |
| Philippines | Yes (with conditions) | Can retain/reacquire under RA 9225. |
| South Africa | Yes (with permission) | Must apply for retention before acquiring NZ citizenship. |
| UK | Yes | No restrictions on dual citizenship. |
| USA | Yes | No restrictions, but must file US taxes globally. |
| Fiji | Yes | Allowed since 2009 constitutional changes. |
| Samoa | Yes | Allowed for Samoan citizens. |
| Tonga | Yes (limited) | May lose Tongan citizenship — check with consulate. |
| Sri Lanka | Yes | Dual citizenship available by application. |
| South Korea | Limited | Generally must renounce, with some exceptions. |
| Japan | No | Must choose one nationality, generally by age 22. |
This table is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always confirm with your country's embassy in New Zealand.
Practical considerations
Which passport to use when travelling
Enter and leave NZ on your NZ passport. Enter and leave your home country on that country's passport (if you still hold it). Use whichever passport gives better visa-free access for third countries.
NZ passport benefits
The NZ passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, making it one of the most powerful passports globally.
Voting rights
As an NZ citizen, you can vote in NZ elections. Some countries may also allow you to vote in their elections from abroad.
Consular assistance
When travelling, the country whose passport you used to enter may consider you their citizen for consular purposes. This can limit the other country's ability to help you.
Tax implications
Becoming an NZ citizen does not change your NZ tax obligations — those are based on tax residency, not citizenship. However, there are considerations:
- •NZ taxes based on tax residency, not citizenship (unlike the US)
- •If you hold US citizenship, you must continue filing US tax returns globally
- •Some countries have tax treaties with NZ to avoid double taxation
- •Consult a tax professional if you have income or assets in multiple countries