Not a government website · Summarised from New Zealand government information — the official source always prevails
NewBee
All guides 中文
Sign in

How many days do I need to be in New Zealand for citizenship, and will overseas trips affect it?

You need at least 240 days in New Zealand in each 12-month period, and 1,350 days in total. Count back 5 years from the day you apply. Overseas trips can affect this. If you are away for more than 4 months in any 12-month period, or more than 15 months in total over 5 years, you may not meet the requirement. Time overseas on Crown service counts as time in New Zealand.

My situation is different — ask for free ↗
From the guide “Apply for New Zealand citizenship”Last verified Official pages checked daily

Official figures

Application fee
Adults (16 and over) NZ$641; children (15 and under) NZ$3201
Processing time
3 to 14 months1
Years as a resident
You must have lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least the past 5 years2
Days in New Zealand
Count back 5 years from the day you apply: at least 240 days in each 12-month period, and 1,350 days in total over the 5 years2
Time overseas warning
If you are out of New Zealand for more than 4 months in any 12-month period, or more than 15 months in total over 5 years, you may not meet the requirement2

Official sources

  1. How to apply for NZ citizenshipDepartment of Internal Affairs · govt.nz
  2. Presence in NZ requirementsDepartment of Internal Affairs · govt.nz
  3. Character requirementsDepartment of Internal Affairs · govt.nz
  4. Citizenship ceremoniesDepartment of Internal Affairs · govt.nz

Read the full guide: Apply for New Zealand citizenship →

People also ask

Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.

How does this apply to me?

Tell us your situation for practical next steps, with official sources. Try a free question — no sign-in needed.