You may be eligible for New Zealand citizenship by descent if you were born overseas and at least one parent was a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant when you were born.
Registration makes the status usable
Govt.nz says a citizen by descent needs to register their citizenship before they can get a New Zealand passport. Descent registration can also be combined with a passport application.
The generational limitation matters
A citizen by descent generally cannot pass New Zealand citizenship by descent to a child born outside New Zealand. A child born in New Zealand can still be a citizen by birth under the applicable rules.
Can a citizen by descent become a citizen by grant?
Govt.nz says registered citizens by descent may also meet the requirements for citizenship by grant. If granted, future children born overseas can potentially register as citizens by descent, subject to the law in force at the time.
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.