New Zealand citizenship eligibility calculator

What this calculator does

This tool gives you a quick, plain-English read on whether you may qualify for New Zealand citizenship by grant, the route most permanent residents take. It checks the main requirements set out in the Citizenship Act 1977: holding residence, spending enough time in New Zealand, being of good character, having enough English, and intending to keep living here. It is an informational estimate, not a decision, and it does not store anything you enter.

From late 2027, applicants for citizenship by grant will also need to pass a new written test. The calculator focuses on the eligibility rules that exist today, so you can see where you stand while the official test material is finalised.

How to use it

1. Residence: choose your visa or residence type and, if you are already a resident, enter the date your residence was granted.
2. Time in New Zealand: estimate how many days a year, on average, you have spent outside the country since then.
3. Other requirements: confirm good character, enough English, and that you intend to keep living in New Zealand.

Then select Check my eligibility. The result below the steps shows which requirements you appear to meet and, where possible, the earliest date you could apply.

How eligibility for citizenship by grant works

To apply for New Zealand citizenship by grant, you generally need to have held residence, or been entitled to be in New Zealand indefinitely, for at least five years. Across those five years you must have been present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days in total, and for at least 240 days in each of the five years. In practice that means you can be away for up to about 125 days a year and still meet the presence rule.

You also need to be of good character, have a sufficient knowledge of English, and intend to continue living in New Zealand (or to keep a close ongoing connection, for example through Crown service). Some people, including those who have been citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau, are treated differently, and day counts can be complex, so always confirm your situation with the Department of Internal Affairs.

Want the full picture on what is coming? Read our guide to the 2027 New Zealand citizenship test, or head back to the New Zealand citizenship test hub for everything we know so far.