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Dual Citizenship

Policies and guidelines on holding New Zealand citizenship alongside citizenship of another country.

Sections

1. Overview of Dual Citizenship in New Zealand

New Zealand allows dual citizenship (also referred to as dual nationality). This means that individuals can hold New Zealand citizenship while simultaneously being a citizen of another country, provided the other country also permits dual citizenship. New Zealand does not require individuals to renounce their previous citizenship when becoming a New Zealand citizen.

2. Relevant National Regulations

The key legislation governing citizenship in New Zealand is the Citizenship Act 1977. Under this law:

  • New Zealand citizens can acquire another nationality without losing their New Zealand citizenship.
  • Foreign nationals can become New Zealand citizens through naturalization without being required to renounce their original citizenship (unless their home country requires it).

Key Points:

  • New Zealand does not impose restrictions on holding multiple citizenships.
  • However, some countries (e.g., China, India, Japan) do not allow their citizens to hold dual nationality. In such cases, individuals may need to choose one citizenship over the other.

3. Pathways to New Zealand Citizenship

There are three main ways to acquire New Zealand citizenship:

  1. By Birth: If you were born in New Zealand before 1 January 2006, you are automatically a New Zealand citizen. For those born after this date, at least one parent must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth.
  2. By Descent: If you were born overseas to a New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
  3. By Grant (Naturalization): This is the most common pathway for immigrants. You must meet specific residency and character requirements to apply.

4. Costs Involved

The costs for obtaining or maintaining New Zealand citizenship vary depending on the pathway:

Citizenship by Grant (Naturalization):

  • Application Fee: NZD 470.20 (as of 2023).
  • This fee includes the cost of processing your application and issuing a citizenship certificate.

Citizenship by Descent:

  • Application Fee: NZD 204.40.
  • If you also need a citizenship certificate, an additional fee may apply.

Passport Costs (Optional but Recommended):

Once you become a New Zealand citizen, you can apply for a New Zealand passport:

  • Adult Passport: NZD 199 (valid for 10 years).
  • Child Passport: NZD 120 (valid for 5 years).

5. Standard Procedures for Dual Citizenship

The process for obtaining or maintaining dual citizenship depends on your specific situation:

A. If You Are a New Zealand Citizen Seeking Another Citizenship:

  • Check the laws of the other country to ensure they allow dual citizenship.
  • If allowed, you can apply for the other country's citizenship without losing your New Zealand citizenship.
  • Notify the relevant authorities in the other country if required.

B. If You Are a Foreign National Seeking New Zealand Citizenship:

  1. Meet Residency Requirements:

    • You must have lived in New Zealand for at least 5 years as a permanent resident.
    • During this time, you must have spent a minimum of 240 days in New Zealand each year (or 1,350 days in total over 5 years).

  2. Demonstrate Good Character:

    • You must not have any serious criminal convictions or issues that could affect your application.

  3. Language and Knowledge Requirements:

    • You must have a basic understanding of the English language.
    • You should be familiar with the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship.

  4. Submit an Application:

    • Complete the online or paper application form for citizenship by grant.
    • Provide supporting documents (e.g., proof of identity, residency, and good character).

  5. Attend a Citizenship Ceremony:

    • If your application is approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance or Affirmation of Allegiance to New Zealand.

6. Country-Specific Considerations

While New Zealand permits dual citizenship, it is essential to consider the laws of your other country of citizenship. Some countries have restrictions or conditions on dual nationality:

  • Countries That Do Not Allow Dual Citizenship:

    • Countries like India, China, Japan, and Singapore generally do not permit dual citizenship. If you acquire New Zealand citizenship, you may lose your original citizenship.

  • Countries With Conditional Dual Citizenship:

    • Some countries (e.g., Germany, South Korea) allow dual citizenship only under specific circumstances, such as being born with dual nationality or obtaining special permission.

  • Military and Political Obligations:

    • Some countries may impose military service or other obligations on their citizens, even if they hold dual nationality. Be aware of these requirements to avoid legal complications.

7. Benefits and Responsibilities of Dual Citizenship

Benefits:

  • Travel: Dual citizens can travel freely between their two countries and enjoy visa-free access to more destinations.
  • Rights and Privileges: You can access the rights and benefits of both countries, such as healthcare, education, and social services.
  • Cultural Connection: Dual citizenship allows you to maintain ties to both countries.

Responsibilities:

  • Obligations in Both Countries: You must comply with the laws and regulations of both countries, including tax obligations and military service (if applicable).
  • Passport Use: When entering or leaving New Zealand, you must use your New Zealand passport. Similarly, you may need to use your other country's passport when entering or leaving that country.

8. Maintaining Dual Citizenship

Once you acquire dual citizenship, there are no specific requirements to "maintain" it in New Zealand. However:

  • Ensure that your New Zealand passport is valid and renewed on time.
  • Stay informed about any changes in the laws of your other country of citizenship that might affect your dual nationality status.

9. Additional Resources

For more information, you can refer to the following official resources:

10. Summary

  • New Zealand allows dual citizenship, but you must check the laws of your other country of citizenship.
  • The process for obtaining New Zealand citizenship involves meeting residency, character, and procedural requirements.
  • Costs include application fees (NZD 470.20 for naturalization) and optional passport fees.
  • Be aware of any obligations or restrictions imposed by your other country of citizenship.

If you have further questions or need assistance with your application, feel free to ask!