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NZ citizenship guide

What does “intention to continue residing in New Zealand” mean?

Why intention to keep living in New Zealand is part of citizenship by grant and how it sits alongside the physical presence test.

Presence days are not the only residence-related requirement. The Citizenship Act also includes an intention requirement: if citizenship is granted, the applicant generally intends to continue to reside in New Zealand, unless an allowed Crown or qualifying overseas-service category applies.

Presence history and future intention are different questions

The 1,350-day and 240-day tests look backwards. Intention looks forward. A person can have enough days and still need to satisfy DIA about the other citizenship requirements.

What evidence matters?

There is no single public checklist that guarantees the intention requirement. The sensible approach is to answer the application truthfully and be ready to explain material circumstances if the Citizenship Office asks.

Do not over-interpret this page: ordinary holidays or a planned trip are not the same thing as abandoning residence. If your circumstances involve a long-term move overseas, contact the Citizenship Office for guidance on the citizenship requirement.

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.

Presence calculatorTravel simulator

Official sources

Independent information: This guide summarises public information and is not legal or immigration advice. Check current official sources before acting on it.

Use it like an app

Add NZ Citizenship Check to your phone

Keep the calculator one tap away from your Home Screen. No App Store or Google Play download is required. Installation adapts to the browser and device you are using.

Installs as a web app with its own Home Screen icon and standalone window.

Android

Install from your browser

  1. Open your browser menu.
  2. Look for Install app, Install or Add to Home screen.
  3. If no install option is available, open this page in Chrome, Firefox or Samsung Internet and try again.

Install wording varies between Android browsers.