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Confirm you are 18 or older (or parent/guardian applying for a child)

Confirm you hold a current NZ Permanent Resident or Resident visa

Confirm you have been lawfully resident in NZ for at least 5 years

Confirm you have been physically present in NZ for at least 1,350 days in the past 5 years

Confirm you have been physically present in NZ for at least 240 days in the past 12 months

Confirm you are of good character and can make a statutory declaration to that effect

Confirm you intend to remain in NZ or maintain a close and continuing association with NZ

Current passport (or travel document) — certified copy

Birth certificate — certified copy

Marriage, civil union, or name change certificate (if applicable) — certified copy

Two recent passport-sized photographs (taken within the last 6 months)

NZ Permanent Resident or Resident visa documentation

All passports used for travel during the 5-year period (or certified copies)

Evidence of travel history (e.g. boarding passes, travel diary, employer letters)

NZ Customs & Border Protection travel history printout (if available)

Complete the statutory declaration of good character (provided in the application form)

Police clearance certificate from NZ (if you have lived in NZ for 12+ months since age 17)

Police clearance certificate from any other country where you lived 12+ months since age 17

If you have a criminal conviction — obtain legal advice and gather supporting documentation

Download the official citizenship application form from DIA (citizenship.govt.nz)

Complete all sections in full — do not leave any section blank

Have the form signed by a referee (a person who knows you well and has known you for 1+ year)

Have documents certified by an authorised person (e.g. Justice of the Peace, lawyer, notary)

Check the current application fee on the DIA website (fees change periodically)

Prepare payment method (credit card, debit card, or other accepted method)

Note: the application fee is non-refundable if your application is declined

If English is not your first language, check if you meet the English language requirement

Gather evidence of English proficiency if required (e.g. IELTS, workplace evidence, completed NZ education)

Note: Many applicants are exempt — check eligibility at dia.govt.nz

Make copies of all documents you are submitting

Submit application via DIA online portal or in-person at a DIA service centre

Note your application reference number

Await DIA processing (processing times vary — check dia.govt.nz for current timeframes)

Respond promptly to any DIA requests for additional information

If approved, attend your citizenship ceremony and make the citizenship pledge

Disclaimer: This checklist is for general preparation guidance only and does not constitute legal or government advice. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements at dia.govt.nz/citizenship.

Citizenship Application Checklist