Frequently asked questions
Common questions about NZ citizenship eligibility
How many days do I need to be in NZ to get citizenship?
You need at least 1,350 days (about 3 years and 8 months) of physical presence in New Zealand during the 5 years immediately before your application. Additionally, you must have been present for at least 240 days in each of those five 12-month periods.
When can 2021 Resident Visa (RV2021) holders apply for citizenship?
RV2021 holders whose visas were granted from March 2022 will reach the 5-year mark from early 2027. Use our calculator to find your exact date.
How much can I travel outside NZ while waiting for citizenship?
You can be outside NZ for a maximum of 125 days in any single 12-month period (about 4 months). Over the full 5 years, your total time outside NZ cannot exceed about 475 days (1,826 minus 1,350). Plan your trips carefully using our calculator.
How does this differ from the DIA calculator?
The official DIA presence calculator only checks if you meet the requirements right now. If you do not, it shows an error. This tool tells you when you will be eligible, shows your year-by-year progress, counts your remaining travel days, and helps you plan ahead.
Is this calculator accurate?
The calculator implements the official presence requirements as published by the Department of Internal Affairs. However, it provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Your actual eligibility may depend on factors not captured by this tool. Always verify with DIA before applying.
Do you store my personal data?
When you use the free calculator without an account, the visa details, dates, and travel history you enter stay in your browser — they are not sent to our servers. If you choose to create a saved tracker account, we store the details needed to run it (your email, visa date, trips, and any family members you add). We also log anonymous usage events (page views, calculator interactions, device type) and use a third-party analytics provider for aggregate visitor data. None of it is sold or shared. No passport number is required, and no account is needed to use the calculator. Full details on the privacy policy page.
How much does the NZ citizenship application cost?
The citizenship application fee is NZ$560 for adults (as of November 2025). This is paid to the Department of Internal Affairs when you submit your application. Our calculator is free to use.
How long does the citizenship application take to process?
DIA states that 93% of applications are decided within 18 months. Some straightforward applications may be processed in weeks, while complex cases can take over 12 months. Processing times may increase with the expected surge in applications from 2027.
What other requirements are there besides physical presence?
Besides presence, you must: hold a residence class visa, be of good character (no serious criminal convictions), have sufficient knowledge of spoken English, and intend to continue residing in New Zealand.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
Under Section 9A, you are automatically disqualified if you have ever been sentenced to 5+ years imprisonment, served any prison sentence in the last 7 years, or been convicted of any offence in the last 3 years. Minor old offences are generally not a barrier. If you have concerns, consult a licensed immigration adviser.
What happens if I was outside NZ for more than 125 days in one year?
If you were present in New Zealand for fewer than 240 days in any one 12-month period, that year does not count as a qualifying year toward your citizenship. DIA assesses the 5 years immediately before your application, and each of those 12-month periods must independently meet the 240-day minimum. If one year falls short, your 5-year qualifying window shifts — you will need another full year where you do meet the minimum, which pushes your eligibility date back by roughly that amount. This is why tracking your days from the start matters: a single over-traveled year can delay your citizenship by a full year.
Do my partner and children need to apply for citizenship separately?
Yes. Each person must submit their own individual citizenship application to DIA — there is no joint or family application. Each family member's eligibility is assessed on their own presence record. Children under 16 may be able to be included in a parent's application in some circumstances under DIA's citizenship by grant process for minors, but the rules differ from an adult application. Check DIA's current guidance for children's applications, as the process and fees differ from adult grants.
Do I need to be in New Zealand when I apply for citizenship?
Yes. DIA requires you to be physically present in New Zealand when you lodge your citizenship application. You must also demonstrate that you intend to continue residing in New Zealand (or intend to enter New Zealand Crown Service). If you are overseas when you reach your eligibility date, you will need to return to NZ before applying. DIA may also verify your presence at later stages of the process, and you must attend your citizenship ceremony in person in New Zealand.