How to Apply for Dual Citizenship in New Zealand

New Zealand permits dual citizenship, meaning you can hold NZ citizenship alongside citizenship of another country. Here’s how the application works.

Steps to apply

1. Complete the application form: Choose between adult, child, or Samoan application forms (each has its own form on the Department of Internal Affairs website)
2. Find a witness: Must be an NZ passport holder (16+, who has known you for 1 year, and is not a family member), or alternatively a Department of Internal Affairs officer
3. Submit your application: In person by appointment, or by post with tracking
4. Pay the processing fee:
   • Adults: NZD 560
   • Children: NZD 280 (Fees as of November 2025; confirm current rates on the Department of Internal Affairs site before lodging)

Important prerequisites

• Check your other country allows dual citizenship before applying. Some countries (notably Singapore, Japan, India, China) restrict or prohibit dual citizenship; confirm with your country of origin’s law before lodging your NZ application
• You need to meet NZ residency requirements before applying. Generally this means a defined period of physical presence in NZ on a residence-class visa
• A Permanent Resident Visa is typically a prerequisite for the citizenship application

Practical next step

The pathway from initial visa through Permanent Resident Visa to citizenship is multi-year. Map out the order of operations (residency time accumulation + PRV grant + citizenship eligibility window) before assuming a timeline. The DIA citizenship page has the current waiting times and process detail.

Frequently asked questions

Does New Zealand allow dual citizenship?

Yes. New Zealand permits dual citizenship, so you can hold NZ citizenship alongside the citizenship of another country. Before you apply, check whether your other country also allows it, because some countries restrict or prohibit dual citizenship. Confirm the current detail on immigration.govt.nz and with your country of origin’s law.

How much does it cost to apply for New Zealand citizenship by grant?

The processing fee is NZD 560 for an adult application and NZD 280 for a child application. These rates were current as of November 2025, and citizenship fees are set by the Department of Internal Affairs. Confirm the current rates on the Department of Internal Affairs site before lodging your application.

Who can witness my New Zealand citizenship application?

Your witness must be a New Zealand passport holder aged 16 or over who has known you for at least one year and is not a family member. Alternatively, a Department of Internal Affairs officer can witness the application. If you apply by post or in person you will need this witness to verify your identity section.

Do I need to be a permanent resident before applying for New Zealand citizenship?

A Permanent Resident Visa is typically a prerequisite before you apply for citizenship by grant. You also need to meet New Zealand residence and physical presence requirements, generally a defined period of presence in New Zealand on a residence-class visa. The Department of Internal Affairs site sets out the current presence rules, so confirm them before assuming you are eligible.

What happens if my home country does not allow dual citizenship?

Some countries, such as Singapore, Japan, India, and China, restrict or prohibit holding two citizenships, which can mean you lose or have to renounce your original citizenship if you become a New Zealand citizen. New Zealand itself permits dual citizenship, but your other country’s law decides what happens to your original status. Check with your country of origin’s law before lodging your New Zealand application.