How long does it take to get citizenship in New Zealand?

The naturalization process in New Zealand takes 4–17 months on average (7.5 months typical). You need 5 years as permanent resident before applying.

What are the steps to get New Zealand citizenship?

1. Application submission (0–1 months). 2. DIA processing (3–12 months). 3. Citizenship ceremony (1–4 months)

You need 5 years as permanent resident to be eligible for naturalization in New Zealand. No language test required.

5 years as permanent resident → 3 processing steps → passport

Average Total

7.5mo

Range

4–17mo

Speed Rank

#3 of 19

Residency Req.

5 years as permanent resident

1Application submission0.5mo avg (0–1 months)

2DIA processing5mo avg (3–12 months)

Identity, character, residence verification

3Citizenship ceremony2mo avg (1–4 months)

Total processing time

Fast7.5 months average

No language test required. Dual citizenship allowed.

Average naturalization processing time, all 19 countries. New Zealand highlighted.

Relatively fast citizenship processing once eligible

Based on 100 community-tracked data points.

Source: DIA.govt.nz official processing times · Last updated: 2025-09