Requirements for children

Children do not have to meet all the same requirements as adults to get New Zealand citizenship.

If you are aged 16 or over:

You must apply for citizenship as an adult.

All children

Children do not need to have spent a specific amount of time in New Zealand in the last 5 years if at least 1 parent or legal guardian:

  • is already a New Zealand citizen, or
  • is applying for citizenship and meets the requirements.

Children applying alone

If a child is applying alone and does not have a parent with New Zealand citizenship, the child needs to have been in New Zealand with resident status for 8 months or more in each of the past 5 years.

Children aged 14 and 15

Children aged 14 and 15 must:

  • have the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely
  • intend to stay here after they get citizenship
  • speak English, and
  • prove they are of good character.

Find out more about the language requirements

Find out more about the character requirements

Children aged 13 and under

Children aged 13 and under must:

  • have the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely, and
  • intend to stay here after they get citizenship.

They do not need to:

  • speak English, or 
  • prove they are of good character.

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.

Utility links and page information

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