Eligibility & presence
How to calculate NZ citizenship presence requirements
Understand the 1,350-day total, the 240-day rule and the five-year look-back.
Read guide →Official-source-linked guidance
NZ citizenship guides
A structured library covering eligibility, application preparation, processing, ceremonies and special citizenship situations.
Content library last reviewed: 7 August 2026
Eligibility & presence
10 guidesEligibility & presence
Can I apply for NZ citizenship before 5 years?
Separate the numerical day-count test from the standard five-year resident requirement.
Read guide →Eligibility & presence
How overseas travel affects your NZ citizenship date
See how absences can move the earliest estimated date.
Read guide →Eligibility & presence
Resident Visa granted overseas: when do citizenship days start?
Use the first resident entry date when the visa was granted offshore.
Read guide →Eligibility & presence
Resident Visa vs Permanent Resident Visa for citizenship
You do not normally need a Permanent Resident Visa before citizenship.
Read guide →Eligibility & presence
Does time on a work visa count?
Why temporary visa time generally does not count toward the standard presence test.
Read guide →Eligibility & presence
Examples of the 240-day rule
See 239, 240 and 241-day examples.
Read guide →Eligibility & presence
Get your NZ travel movement records
Request official arrival and departure dates from INZ.
Read guide →Eligibility & presence
Does your departure or return day count?
Understand why travel-day boundaries can create one- or two-day differences.
Read guide →Eligibility & presence
How many days can you spend overseas?
Translate the 240-day and 1,350-day tests into practical travel planning.
Read guide →Getting ready
9 guidesGetting ready
NZ citizenship application document checklist
Prepare identity documents, photos, referee details and supporting evidence.
Read guide →Getting ready
NZ citizenship fees in 2026
Check the current adult and child application fees.
Read guide →Getting ready
Identity referee requirements
Who can act as your referee and what details you need.
Read guide →Getting ready
Citizenship photo requirements
Photo rules, online versus paper quantities, and why selfies are not accepted.
Read guide →Getting ready
English language requirement
Understand the basic-conversation standard and evidence examples.
Read guide →Getting ready
Good character requirement
Understand the official guidance on convictions, pending charges and traffic matters.
Read guide →Getting ready
Intention to continue residing in New Zealand
How future intention differs from the historic presence calculation.
Read guide →Getting ready
Apply online with RealMe
Online versus paper or in-person application preparation.
Read guide →Getting ready
Online vs paper application
Compare RealMe, referees, witnesses and original-document requirements.
Read guide →After you apply
3 guidesAfter you apply
Current citizenship processing times
See the latest DIA-published processing figures reviewed by this site.
Read guide →After you apply
After you apply: status, delays and next steps
Checking progress, requests for more information, travel and withdrawals.
Read guide →After you apply
Can you travel while your application is processing?
Keep passports and visa conditions in mind while DIA assesses the application.
Read guide →After approval
4 guidesAfter approval
NZ citizenship ceremony guide
What to expect, who attends, certificates and passport timing.
Read guide →After approval
Citizenship ceremony directory
Official council links for major ceremony locations.
Read guide →After approval
How long after approval is the ceremony?
Current DIA guidance on the usual wait and invitation timing.
Read guide →After approval
When can you apply for an NZ passport?
Understand the certificate and separate passport process.
Read guide →Special situations
7 guidesSpecial situations
Citizenship for children
Age-based rules, children applying alone and birth rules.
Read guide →Special situations
Citizenship by descent
Who may be a citizen by descent and why registration matters.
Read guide →Special situations
Dual citizenship
New Zealand allows dual citizenship, but another country may not.
Read guide →Special situations
Citizenship for Samoan citizens
Special pathways and presence rules for Samoan citizens.
Read guide →Special situations
Replace a lost citizenship certificate
Find the official proof and replacement process.
Read guide →Special situations
Name changes and citizenship applications
Prepare the documentary trail that links your current and previous names.
Read guide →Special situations
Is a child born in New Zealand automatically a citizen?
Understand the 1 January 2006 rule and why parental status matters.
Read guide →Troubleshooting
1 guidesTroubleshooting
Why the DIA Presence Calculator may not calculate your result
Understand what an inconclusive self-check can mean and what to verify next.
Read guide →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.