Who can get New Zealand citizenship: Rules for birth, descent and grant explained

New Zealand citizenship is granted through three main routes, birth, descent and grant, depending on where a person is born and the status of their parents at the time. Citizens are eligible to apply for a New Zealand passport, with each category carrying different eligibility rules and conditions, according to official government information.

Citizenship by birth

People born in New Zealand before January 1, 2006 are automatically citizens by birth. For those born on or after this date, citizenship is granted only if at least one parent was a New Zealand citizen or held a visa allowing them to live in the country indefinitely at the time of birth.

Children born in New Zealand to citizens are automatically granted citizenship. Those born overseas to such parents may be eligible under a different category.

Citizenship by descent

Citizenship by descent applies to individuals born outside New Zealand who have at least one parent who was a citizen by birth or grant when they were born.

Applicants must register their citizenship to make it official before applying for a passport. However, citizens by descent cannot automatically pass citizenship to children born outside New Zealand, unless they later secure citizenship by grant.

Citizenship by grant

Citizenship by grant is available to individuals born outside New Zealand or those born in the country after January 1, 2006 to parents who were not citizens or permanent residents.

Eligibility depends on meeting specific requirements set by authorities. Children of citizens by grant, if born in New Zealand, automatically receive citizenship, while those born overseas can apply under the descent category.

Dual citizenship allowed

New Zealand permits dual or multiple citizenship, although other countries may have restrictions. Applicants are advised to check the rules applicable in their country of origin.

Overall, the framework outlines how citizenship status is determined and passed on, with eligibility varying based on birth location, parental status and legal residency conditions.