Check the other country’s rules

You can be a citizen of New Zealand and another country at the same time — unless the other country does not allow it.

To check what the other country’s rules are, contact the foreign representative to New Zealand:

Embassies — choose the tab on the right, called ‘Foreign representatives to New Zealand’.

When you apply for NZ citizenship

You must tell us about any other countries you are already a citizen of.

If the other country allows dual citizenship, you can stay a citizen of that country. Some countries require you to get permission from them first.

If the other country does not allow dual citizenship, when you get New Zealand citizenship you may lose your other citizenship.

Dual citizenship for your child

Your child is automatically a New Zealand citizen if:

• they were born in New Zealand, and
• at least 1 parent was a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident at the time of their birth.

If you want your child to have citizenship with another country as well, this will depend on that country's rules.

If you are from a country that allows dual citizenship

You can apply to your home country for your child to be a citizen of that country as well as of New Zealand.

If you are from a country that does not allow dual citizenship

If your child is born in New Zealand, they might have to wait until they are 18 to give up their New Zealand citizenship and become a citizen of your home country.

If you want your child to be a citizen of your home country instead of New Zealand, you might have to travel home to give birth.

If you prefer to give up NZ citizenship

If you want to become a citizen of a country that does not allow dual citizenship, you can choose to give up your New Zealand citizenship.

Give up your NZ citizenship

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

• Citizenship office

  Contact and agency details