Country

Pathways to New Zealand Residency and Citizenship

New Zealand

New Zealand offers skilled work, study, and family routes in an English-speaking setting, most leading to residence and then citizenship. It permits dual nationality.

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Ways to qualify

Career & business

For people with a job offer, in-demand skills, or a business to build. Most of these routes lead to settlement, and in time to citizenship.

New Zealand Green List Tier 1 This is a skilled-work residence pathway for people whose occupation is on a priority or shortage list in New Zealand. It generally requires a… residency New Zealand Accredited Employer Work New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa is for people with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. It generally requires the… residency New Zealand Green List Tier 2 This is a skilled-work residence pathway for people whose occupation is on a priority or shortage list in New Zealand. It generally requires a… residency New Zealand Skilled Migrant New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category is a points-based residence route for skilled workers with New Zealand employment or a strong skilled profile.… residency New Zealand Business Investor This residence pathway is for investors who can commit substantial funds to approved investments in New Zealand. It generally requires a qualifying… residency

Investment

For people who can qualify through a qualifying investment, real estate, or business funds rather than a job or family tie.

New Zealand Active Investor Plus This residence pathway is for investors who can commit substantial funds to approved investments in New Zealand. It generally requires a qualifying… residency

Family

For joining a partner, parent, or child who already lives there — or claiming citizenship through marriage.

New Zealand Partner Resident New Zealand partner residence is for the married, civil-union, or de facto partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident. It generally requires living… residency New Zealand Parent Resident New Zealand's Parent Resident Visa is for parents, grandparents, or legal guardians sponsored by an adult New Zealand citizen or resident child. It… residency New Zealand Parent Retirement New Zealand's Parent Retirement Resident Visa is for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents who can qualify through investment and retirement… residency

Ancestry & heritage

A parent, grandparent, or birth in the country can make you a citizen already — or let you claim it, often without relocating.

New Zealand Citizenship by Birth This citizenship pathway is for people who may already be citizens because they were born in New Zealand or in another qualifying birth situation… citizenship New Zealand Citizenship by Descent New Zealand citizenship by descent is for people born outside the Realm of New Zealand to a parent who was a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant. It… citizenship

Citizenship by residence

Once you've lived there long enough and settled, you can often apply to become a citizen.

New Zealand Citizenship by Grant This citizenship pathway is for long-term residents of New Zealand. It generally requires enough lawful residence, good character, and any language,… citizenship

Other routes

Nationality-specific schemes and special cases.

New Zealand Residence for Australian Citizens Australian citizens can generally visit, live, work, and study in New Zealand and receive a New Zealand resident visa when they arrive, if they meet… other New Zealand Working Holiday New Zealand's USA Working Holiday Visa lets eligible U.S. citizens aged 18 to 30 holiday, work, and study in New Zealand for up to 12 months. It… residency