Presence in NZ requirements
You need to show you have been physically present in New Zealand for a certain amount of time and that you intend to continue living here.
Most people need to meet all 3 presence requirements to get citizenship. You must also meet the language requirements and character requirements.
Your information will be checked when the Citizenship Office assesses your application.
If you are from Samoa or applying for a child:
You might not have to meet all 3 presence requirements.
What are the presence requirements?
Example scenarios
Use the self-check tool
The self-check tool will tell you if you meet the presence, language and character requirements.
Check you meet the requirements for NZ citizenship
If you are planning to live outside NZ
If you know you are going to live in another country, it must be because you will be:
- working overseas for the New Zealand Government
- working for an international organisation that the New Zealand Government is a member of, such as the United Nations, or
- employed by a person or organisation based in New Zealand.
If you are planning to travel outside NZ
You will be asked about your travel plans for the next 12 months. If you plan to travel, you may be asked to prove that New Zealand is your home because you:
- have a job here
- are studying here
- own or rent property here, or
- have assets here, like cars or furniture.
If you do not meet a presence requirement
If you know you do not meet this requirement but feel your situation is special, contact the Citizenship Office.
Freephone: 0800 22 51 51 (New Zealand only)
Email: citizenship@dia.govt.nz
Utility links and page information
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