To be granted New Zealand citizenship, you must be of "good character." This is assessed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as part of every citizenship application. The good character test considers your criminal history, immigration compliance, and honesty in dealings with government agencies. This guide explains what DIA checks, what police certificates you need, and how different types of offences may affect your application.
What DIA checks
The good character assessment covers several areas:
Criminal history
DIA checks your criminal record in NZ and reviews police certificates from other countries where you have lived. They look at the nature and seriousness of any offences, when they occurred, and whether there is a pattern.
Immigration compliance
DIA reviews whether you have complied with immigration requirements during your time in NZ. This includes whether you have overstayed a visa, breached visa conditions, or been previously deported from any country.
False or misleading declarations
Providing false information on any immigration or citizenship application is taken very seriously. This includes misrepresenting travel history, employment, relationships, or qualifications.
Outstanding charges or proceedings
If you currently have criminal charges pending or are involved in legal proceedings, DIA may delay your application until the matter is resolved.
Police certificates required
You must provide a police clearance certificate (also called a criminal record check or police vetting) from every country where you have lived for a total of 12 months or more since you turned 17. This applies even if the 12 months was spread across multiple visits.
Important details about police certificates:
- •Certificates must be less than 6 months old at the time you submit your application
- •You do not need an NZ police certificate — DIA checks NZ records directly
- •Certificates must be original documents (not photocopies)
- •Non-English certificates must be accompanied by a certified translation
- •Processing times vary by country — some take 2-3 months, so start early
| Country | Approximate processing time |
|---|---|
| India (PCC from Passport Office) | 2-4 weeks |
| Philippines (NBI Clearance) | 2-4 weeks |
| South Africa (SAPS) | 8-12 weeks |
| China | 2-4 weeks via embassy |
| United Kingdom | 2-4 weeks |
| United States (FBI) | 4-8 weeks |
| Australia (AFP) | 2-4 weeks |
What can disqualify you
The following are likely to result in your application being declined or significantly delayed:
- •A conviction for a serious criminal offence resulting in imprisonment of 5 years or more
- •Multiple criminal convictions showing a pattern of offending
- •A conviction for a criminal offence resulting in imprisonment in the last 3-7 years (depending on sentence length)
- •Fraud or dishonesty in any immigration application
- •Being subject to a removal order or deportation order from any country
- •Providing false or misleading information on your citizenship application
Minor offences vs serious offences
Not all offences are treated equally. DIA considers the nature, seriousness, and recency of each offence:
| Offence type | Likely impact |
|---|---|
| Minor traffic offences (speeding, parking) | Generally no impact |
| Single minor offence (e.g. disorderly conduct, many years ago) | Unlikely to prevent citizenship |
| Drink driving conviction | May delay; assessed case-by-case |
| Assault or violence conviction | Likely to delay or prevent, depending on sentence |
| Drug offences | Assessed based on seriousness; personal use vs supply |
| Fraud or dishonesty | Taken very seriously; likely to delay or prevent |
| Imprisonment of 5+ years | Almost certain to result in decline |
Tips for the character requirement
- •Always be honest on your application — DIA can access NZ Police records and may verify overseas records
- •Disclose everything, even if you think it is minor — non-disclosure is itself a character concern
- •Start obtaining police certificates early as some countries have long processing times
- •If you have concerns about your character history, consult a licensed immigration adviser before applying
- •Ensure certificates are less than 6 months old when you submit your application
Frequently asked questions
Will a minor traffic offence affect my citizenship application?
Minor traffic offences such as speeding fines or parking tickets generally do not affect your citizenship application. DIA is primarily concerned with criminal convictions, particularly those involving imprisonment. However, a pattern of repeated offences or a serious driving offence (such as drink driving) may be considered.
Do I need a police certificate from NZ as well as my home country?
DIA will check NZ criminal records directly — you do not need to provide an NZ police clearance yourself. However, you must provide police certificates from every other country where you have lived for 12 months or more since turning 17.
What if I have a conviction that was discharged without conviction?
A discharge without conviction means you were not convicted of the offence. You should still disclose it on your application as DIA asks about charges, not just convictions. However, a discharge without conviction is generally not a barrier to citizenship.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and severity of the offences. Minor offences from many years ago are unlikely to prevent citizenship. Serious offences, particularly those resulting in imprisonment, will be carefully assessed. Each case is considered individually by DIA. If you are unsure, consult a licensed immigration adviser.
Check whether you meet the presence requirements for NZ citizenship with our free calculator.
Check your eligibility date