Just arrived in New Zealand: IRD number, bank account, RealMe and citizenship

In your first week in New Zealand, apply for an IRD number, open a bank account, give your employer an IR330 tax code form when you start work, and save the emergency numbers. In your first month, enrol with a GP, check that your rental bond has been lodged, check how long you can drive on your overseas licence, and apply for a RealMe verified identity. Families with children should also enrol them in school and check whether they can get Working for Families. Each step links to a verified guide and the official source.

An IRD number is your personal tax number in New Zealand. You use it for all your tax matters, and it stays the same for life. You need one if you earn income in New Zealand. Applying is free. If you have just arrived on a visa, you can use the simpler 'new arrival' process and usually get your number within 2 days.

Once you have lived in New Zealand on a residence visa for long enough, you can apply to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for citizenship. This is called "citizenship by grant". DIA's main requirements are: you have lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least 5 years and meet the minimum days in the country, you are of good character, you can hold a basic conversation in English, and you intend to keep living in New Zealand. The adult application fee is NZ$641, and processing takes 3 to 14 months. After approval, you become a citizen only when you take the oath or affirmation at a citizenship ceremony.

You need a New Zealand bank account to get paid, pay rent and pay for everyday things. Some banks let you open an account before you leave your home country and activate it after you arrive. When you activate it, the bank usually checks your identity. Give your bank your IRD number. If you don't, the bank takes tax from your interest at the highest rate. If you have a problem with your bank, complain to the bank first. If that doesn't fix it, you can go to the free, independent Banking Ombudsman.

RealMe is the New Zealand government's single login and online identity service. It has two parts. A RealMe login is a username and password that you can use for many services, such as myIR and Immigration New Zealand. A RealMe verified identity is a digital identity issued by the government. It lets you prove who you are online, for example to open a bank account online. Many services only need a login. Applying for a verified identity is free, and it lasts 10 years.