Approval and the citizenship ceremony are separate stages. Current Govt.nz guidance says that after New Zealand citizenship is approved, your ceremony will usually take place within 2 to 5 months.
When will the invitation arrive?
The Government says you will generally receive an invitation about 4 weeks before the ceremony. It tells you the date, time, location, guest arrangements and the oath or affirmation you will read.
The timing varies by council
Local councils host ceremonies, so frequency and capacity vary across New Zealand. DIA allocates candidates to ceremonies. A date published on a council website does not mean you can choose or attend that ceremony without an invitation.
You normally need to attend within one year
Govt.nz says you must attend a citizenship ceremony within one year of the date your application was approved, unless an exception applies. Children aged 13 and under do not have to attend.
Do not book around an estimated date
Wait for the official invitation before making arrangements that depend on a particular ceremony date. Use our ceremony directory only to find official local council information.
Use the free tools
Turn the guidance into a practical next step
Check your presence estimate, test a future trip, or work through the application checklist.