Coming 2027

The New Zealand citizenship test is coming.

From late 2027, most adults applying for New Zealand citizenship by grant will need to pass a new in-person written test. We are building Citizen Pass New Zealand so you can walk in ready, the same way we help people pass in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Independent study tool by Citizen Pass. Not affiliated with any government agency. Sources: Beehive.govt.nz · govt.nz.

Study by topic

100 sample questions across the five announced topic areas. Sample questions, not the official test.

Bill of Rights and human rights20 questions · Not started0%

Voting and democracy20 questions · Not started0%

Structure of government20 questions · Not started0%

Law and offences20 questions · Not started0%

Travel and passports20 questions · Not started0%

Study tools

Everything here is free, no account needed.

Exam simulator

A timed-format mock test: 25 random questions, 75% to pass, scored at the end.

IQ Readiness Score

See your readiness score, topic mastery, and progress over time.

Review your misses

Go back over the questions you got wrong or flagged.

What is changing

In May 2026 the Government announced a new test to strengthen the citizenship by grant process. New Zealand has been one of the few countries to grant citizenship without a knowledge test. From late 2027, applicants will need to show an understanding of New Zealand's rights, responsibilities, and system of government before citizenship is granted.

It applies to citizenship by grant: people who have usually held permanent residence for at least five years. It does not change citizenship by birth or descent.

What to expect

A short, in-person knowledge test taken at a centre in New Zealand.

FormatIn person, on a computer, multiple choice

Questions20 questions

Pass mark75% (15 of 20 correct)

LanguageEnglish

WhereTest centres across New Zealand, not only the main centres

Tools and guides

Get ahead while we wait for the official material.

Tool

Citizenship eligibility calculator

Check whether you may qualify for citizenship by grant: residence, time in New Zealand, character, English, and intent.

Open the calculator

Guide

What you need to know about the test

A plain-English explainer of the 2027 citizenship test: who it affects, the format, attempts, and cost.

Read the guide

Most adults applying for citizenship by grant from late 2027, which usually means people who have held permanent residence for at least five years. It does not affect citizenship by birth or by descent. Some applicants are expected to be exempt; the Department of Internal Affairs is still finalising the exemptions.

It is expected to apply from late 2027. The Government announced it in May 2026, but the exact start date has not been confirmed.

An in-person, computer-based, 20-question multiple-choice test in English. You need to answer 75% correctly, which is 15 of 20, to pass.

Up to six attempts, with a 30-day wait period between tries. After six attempts you are offered options, including withdrawing your citizenship application for a partial refund of the application fee.

There will be a fee to sit the test, on top of the existing citizenship application fees. The amount has not been set yet.

Based on the announcement: the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and human rights, voting rights and democratic principles, the structure of government, certain criminal offences, and travel to and from New Zealand.

Not yet. The Department of Internal Affairs has not released an official study guide or sample questions. Be careful of any site presenting questions as official, because none exist at this stage.

This page summarises the Government's May 2026 announcement. The exact questions, official study guide, fee, and start date may change before the test goes live. We keep it current as more detail is confirmed. Last reviewed June 2026.

The New Zealand citizenship test is coming.

Independent study tool by Citizen Pass. Not affiliated with any government agency. Sources: Beehive.govt.nz · govt.nz.

What is changing

It applies to citizenship by grant: people who have usually held permanent residence for at least five years. It does not change citizenship by birth or descent.