How long does it take to get NZ citizenship?

The current processing time for NZ citizenship applications is approximately 3-6 months from submission to decision. After approval, you must attend a citizenship ceremony, which typically occurs within 3 months of approval. Total time from application to becoming a citizen is roughly 4-9 months.

Will processing times increase in 2027?

Yes, processing times are expected to increase from 2027 onwards as RV2021 (2021 Resident Visa) holders become eligible for citizenship. Approximately 165,000 people were granted the RV2021, and many will reach their 5-year eligibility window starting in 2027.

What happens if my citizenship application is incomplete?

If your application is incomplete, DIA will contact you to request the missing information. Your application will not be processed until all required documents and information are provided. This can add weeks or months to the overall processing time.

Can I speed up my citizenship application?

There is no priority or expedited processing service for citizenship applications. The best way to avoid delays is to submit a complete application with all required documents, correct fees, and accurate information on the first attempt.

Guides/Processing time

NZ citizenship processing time

Current wait times, expected delays, and the full application timeline

Current processing times

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) processes citizenship applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Processing times can fluctuate depending on application volumes and staffing levels.

3-6 months

Application to decision

1-3 months

Approval to ceremony

These timeframes assume a complete application with no issues. If DIA needs to request additional information or verify details, processing will take longer. There is no priority or expedited processing service available.

Full timeline: application to citizen

Here is the typical end-to-end timeline from when you submit your application to when you become a New Zealand citizen.

Stage	Typical timeframe
Application submitted	Day 0
Acknowledgement from DIA	1-2 weeks
Application under assessment	2-5 months
Decision (approve/decline)	3-6 months from submission
Ceremony invitation sent	1-8 weeks after approval
Attend citizenship ceremony	1-3 months after approval
Apply for NZ passport (optional)	Same day as ceremony onwards

The total time from application to becoming a citizen is typically 4-9 months. You are not an NZ citizen until you have attended the ceremony and taken the oath or affirmation of allegiance.

Expected delays from the 2027 RV2021 surge

Approximately 165,000 people were granted the 2021 Resident Visa (RV2021) between December 2021 and July 2022. The earliest of these visa holders will reach their 5-year eligibility window for citizenship starting in late 2026 and throughout 2027.

What this means: DIA is expected to receive a significant surge in citizenship applications from 2027 onwards. Processing times could increase well beyond the current 3-6 month window. Applicants should plan accordingly.

•Apply as soon as you are eligible to get ahead of the queue
•Ensure your application is complete to avoid back-and-forth delays
•Request your travel movements from INZ well in advance (allow 20 working days)
•Have all documents certified and translated before you apply
•Monitor the DIA website for updated processing time estimates

Common causes of delays

Incomplete application
Missing documents, unsigned forms, or incorrect fees are the most common causes of delays. DIA will pause processing and contact you to provide the missing items.
Character checks taking longer
DIA conducts police and character checks as part of the assessment. If you have lived in multiple countries, or if there are any issues on your record, this step can take longer.
Identity verification issues
If DIA cannot verify your identity from the documents provided, they may request additional evidence. Name changes, expired documents, or poor-quality copies can cause delays.
Travel history discrepancies
If the travel dates you provide do not match DIA or Immigration NZ records, your application may be held while the discrepancy is resolved.
High application volumes
Processing times increase when DIA receives more applications than usual. This is expected to happen significantly from 2027 as RV2021 holders become eligible.

Tips to avoid delays

The single best thing you can do is submit a complete, accurate application the first time. Here is a checklist to help.

•Request your travel movements from Immigration NZ before you apply (free, takes 20 working days)
•Double-check that your travel dates match official records exactly
•Include certified copies of all required identity documents
•Have any non-English documents professionally translated
•Ensure your passport photos meet DIA specifications
•Pay the correct fee at the time of submission
•Apply online rather than by paper where possible (faster processing)
•Respond promptly if DIA contacts you for additional information

What happens after you submit

Once your application is submitted and payment is received, the following process takes place.

Acknowledgement
DIA will send you an acknowledgement confirming they have received your application and payment. This usually arrives within 1-2 weeks.
Assessment
A case officer reviews your application, verifies your identity, checks your travel history against official records, and conducts character and police checks.
Decision
You will receive a letter or email with the decision. If approved, the letter will include information about attending a citizenship ceremony.
No news is normal
It is common to hear nothing for several months after acknowledgement. DIA does not provide progress updates during the assessment period. You can contact DIA if your application has exceeded the published processing timeframe.

Check your eligibility date