Citizenship by Descent: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you qualify for New Zealand citizenship if you were born overseas to a parent who is a citizen.
This scheme allows individuals born outside of New Zealand to claim New Zealand citizenship if their parents were already New Zealand citizens at the time of their birth.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for children who were born in a country other than New Zealand to parents who were New Zealand citizens at the time of the child's birth. It is the primary way for people born abroad to establish their legal connection to New Zealand through their family lineage.
What you get
If your application is successful, you will receive New Zealand citizenship status. This provides you with the legal rights and standing associated with being a citizen of New Zealand.
What it costs you
Applying for this status involves two main requirements: an application fee and the provision of official birth documentation. You will need to provide legal documents that confirm your identity and prove your parentage to show that your parent was a citizen at the time you were born.
The catch to know
A critical detail to understand is that citizenship by descent only applies to one generation of descent. While you may be able to pass your citizenship on to your own children, the automatic right does not continue indefinitely through every subsequent generation born overseas.
How to apply
- Collect all necessary official birth documentation to prove your parentage and your place of birth.
- Complete the official application forms required by the Department of Internal Affairs.
- Prepare to pay the required application fee as part of your submission.
- Submit your completed paperwork and documentation through the official government portal.