The Filipino community is one of the largest and most vibrant migrant groups in New Zealand. According to Stats NZ, there are over 70,000 people of Filipino ethnicity living in the country, with strong communities in Auckland, Canterbury, and Wellington. If you are a Filipino national considering NZ citizenship, you are in a favourable position: the Philippines is one of the countries that allows dual citizenship, meaning you do not have to give up your Philippine passport.
The pathway to NZ citizenship
Like all foreign nationals, Filipinos must follow the standard pathway to NZ citizenship:
Step 1: Obtain a work visa
Many Filipino nationals arrive on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), particularly in healthcare, construction, hospitality, and dairy farming. Some arrive through the post-study pathway after completing a qualification at an NZ institution.
Step 2: Obtain a residence visa
Apply through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), a family-sponsored category, or a partner visa. Many Filipino workers qualified for the 2021 Resident Visa (RV2021), which provided a one-off pathway to residence for those already in NZ during the pandemic.
Step 3: Meet the 5-year presence requirement
You need to have been physically present in NZ for at least 1,350 days over 5 years, with a minimum of 240 days in each 12-month period. Use our eligibility calculator to check your dates.
Step 4: Apply for citizenship
Submit your application to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Processing currently takes 3-6 months. After approval, you attend a citizenship ceremony where you take the oath or affirmation.
Dual citizenship: the Philippines allows it
This is the key advantage for Filipino nationals. Under Republic Act 9225 (also known as the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003), natural-born Filipinos who acquire foreign citizenship are considered not to have lost their Philippine citizenship. New Zealand also allows dual citizenship, so you can legally hold both passports.
What you need to do after getting NZ citizenship:
- •Take an oath of allegiance to the Philippines at the Philippine Embassy in Wellington or the Consulate General in Auckland
- •Receive your Certificate of Retention/Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship
- •Apply for a new Philippine passport reflecting your dual citizen status
For more details on how NZ handles dual citizenship, read our dual citizenship guide.
Common visa routes for Filipino nationals
| Visa route | Notes |
|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | Most common initial visa for Filipino workers |
| Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) | Points-based route to residence |
| 2021 Resident Visa (RV2021) | One-off pathway, applications now closed |
| Partner of NZ citizen/resident | For those with an NZ partner |
| Post-study work visa | After completing an NZ qualification |
Presence requirements and travel to the Philippines
Many Filipino residents travel to the Philippines regularly for family visits, particularly during Christmas and fiestas. You can be absent from NZ for up to 125 days per year on average and still meet the citizenship requirements. A 3-4 week annual trip is manageable, but be careful with extended visits.
Track your travel carefully using our calculator and read the detailed rules in our counting presence days guide.
Filipino community support in NZ
New Zealand has a strong Filipino community with organisations across the country. The Philippine Embassy in Wellington provides consular services including passport renewal, overseas voting registration, and the RA 9225 dual citizenship process. Filipino community associations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and other centres can also provide support and guidance through the citizenship journey.
Tips for Filipino nationals
- •Start tracking your days in NZ from the date your residence visa is granted
- •Plan visits to the Philippines within the 125-day annual absence budget
- •Prepare your NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) clearance early as it is required for the good character check
- •Budget for the RA 9225 oath process at the Philippine Embassy after your NZ citizenship ceremony
- •Gather all required documents well in advance
Frequently asked questions
Can Filipinos hold both Philippine and NZ citizenship?
Yes. Under Republic Act 9225 (the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003), Filipino citizens who acquire foreign citizenship are deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship. You can hold both an NZ passport and a Philippine passport.
Do I need to do anything to retain my Philippine citizenship?
After acquiring NZ citizenship, you should take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in NZ. This formally reaffirms your Philippine citizenship. You will receive a certificate of retention or reacquisition.
How long does the full process take for Filipinos?
The typical timeline is 7-10 years from arrival in NZ: 1-3 years on a work visa, then residence (6-18 months processing), then 5 years as a resident meeting presence requirements before you can apply for citizenship.
Can I vote in Philippine elections as a dual citizen in NZ?
Yes. Under the Overseas Absentee Voting Act (RA 9189), registered overseas Filipino voters can vote in Philippine national elections. You can register at the Philippine Embassy in Wellington.
Ready to find out when you can apply for NZ citizenship? Enter your visa details and travel history into our free calculator.
Check your eligibility date