Children do not always have to meet the same citizenship-by-grant requirements as adults. The rules depend on age, whether a parent is already a New Zealand citizen or applying, and whether the child is applying alone.
Children applying with a citizen or qualifying parent
Govt.nz says children do not need a specific amount of time in New Zealand during the last five years if at least one 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 applies alone and does not have a parent with New Zealand citizenship, Govt.nz says the child needs to have been in New Zealand with resident status for eight months or more in each of the past five years.
Ages 14 and 15
Children aged 14 and 15 must have the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely, intend to stay, speak English and meet the character requirement. Children aged 13 and under do not need to meet the English or character requirements.
Is a child born in New Zealand automatically a citizen?
If born before 1 January 2006, the birth rules are different. For a child born in New Zealand on or after 1 January 2006, at least one parent generally needs to have been a New Zealand citizen or have a visa allowing them to reside indefinitely at the time of birth.
Parental consent
The application-preparation page explains consent requirements for children aged 15 or under, including evidence that may be needed where one parent or legal guardian has sole authority.
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