Citizenship by Descent

If you were born outside New Zealand and at least one of your parents was a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant at the time of your birth, you are likely a citizen by descent. While this status is often automatic, you must formally register it with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to receive an official certificate and apply for a New Zealand passport.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Confirm that your New Zealand citizen parent is a citizen "otherwise than by descent." This usually means they were born in New Zealand (or the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau) or were granted citizenship (naturalized) before you were born. If your parent also gained citizenship by descent, you generally cannot claim it this way unless you would otherwise be stateless.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You must provide original documents or certified copies. If any document is not in English or Māori, you must include a translation from an authorized translation service.

• Full Birth Certificate: This must show the names of both your parents.
• Parent’s Proof of Citizenship: Their New Zealand birth certificate, New Zealand passport, or Citizenship Grant certificate.
• Identity Documents: If you are 16 or older, provide your current foreign passport or a government-issued ID.
• Photos: Two identical passport-quality photos that meet the DIA technical standards.
• Name Change Documents: If your name (or your parent's name) is different from what appears on the birth certificates, provide official marriage certificates or change-of-name documents.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Most applicants choose to apply for citizenship registration and their first passport at the same time using a single form.

• For Adults (16+): Use form DRG002.
• For Children (Under 16): Use form DRG001.

Step 4: Submit and Pay

You can submit your application by mail or in person.

• By Mail: Send your application to the Citizenship Office in Wellington, Sydney, or London, depending on which is closest to your current residence.
• In Person: You may visit designated DIA offices in New Zealand to lodge your application.
• Payment: Include the fee via credit card or the method specified on the form.

Step 5: Verification

The DIA will verify your parent’s citizenship status and the authenticity of your foreign birth certificate. If your parent was born in a country where records are difficult to access, this stage may take longer.

Fees were updated on November 21, 2025. Most applicants find it more cost-effective to apply for registration and a passport simultaneously.

Item	Adult (16+)	Child (Under 16)
Registration Only	NZD $243.00	NZD $243.00
Registration + Passport	NZD $490.00	NZD $387.00

Total Estimate: Approximately NZD $490.00 for a full adult citizenship recognition and travel document. Does not include: Courier/delivery fees for applicants outside New Zealand, translation costs for foreign documents, or fees for obtaining original birth certificates from your home country.

• Standard Registration: Approximately 40 days (roughly 6 weeks).
• Combined Registration & Passport: Approximately 6 to 8 weeks total.
• Complex Cases: If documents require verification from foreign governments or involve countries with difficult record-keeping, processing can exceed 6 months.
• Urgent Applications: If you have immediate travel needs or humanitarian reasons, you can request urgent processing for an additional fee.

Document Validity: Ensure your foreign passport (used for identity) is currently valid at the time of application. Once issued, your New Zealand Citizenship Certificate does not expire, but your New Zealand passport will need to be renewed every 10 years (5 years for children).