New Zealand
New Zealand settlement & citizenship
New Zealand is unusually direct for skilled migrants: the Skilled Migrant Category grants residence, a Permanent Resident Visa can follow after 2 years, and citizenship by grant generally requires 5 years of residence and presence.
Last reviewed 27 June 2026.
How long does New Zealand settlement and citizenship take?
SMC resident visa -> Permanent Resident Visa after 2 years -> citizenship after 5 years of qualifying resident presence. The pathway moves from a temporary route into Permanent Resident Visa, then New Zealand citizenship by grant; check the physical-presence rule and language level before planning dates.
Verified against New Zealand Government - Presence in NZ requirements on 27 June 2026.
Source basis
This settlement and citizenship page is compiled from the destination's official settlement or nationality source plus the linked route records that feed into the pathway.
Reviewed
Primary sources
- New Zealand Government - Presence in NZ requirements
New Zealand Government - Presence in NZ requirements - verified
- Immigration New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) - verified
Stages — from visa to passport
- 1
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Resident visa; INZ describes the stay as indefinite
- Who qualifies
- Applicants with skilled employment or a skilled job offer, 6 points, age 55 or under, English, health, and character.
- Key gate
- Secure skilled employment with an accredited employer and satisfy SMC points and evidence checks.
- Linked visas
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- 2
Permanent Resident Visa
Usually available after 2 years on a resident visa
- Who qualifies
- Residents who meet the permanent-resident visa requirements after holding residence.
- Key gate
- Meet commitment-to-New-Zealand and resident-visa condition requirements.
- 3
New Zealand citizenship by grant
Usually after 5 years of resident presence
- Who qualifies
- Residents/permanent residents meeting presence, English, character, and intention-to-live-in-NZ requirements.
- Key gate
- Presence: at least 240 days in each 12-month period and 1,350 days across 5 years.
Physical presence
Citizenship presence normally requires 240 days in each 12-month period and 1,350 days across the 5 years before applying.
Language level
Ability to hold a basic conversation in English; evidence can include study, IELTS, or employer/education records.
Test / oath
Citizenship ceremony after approval; New Zealand does not use a broad civics test for most adult applicants.
Dual citizenship
New Zealand permits dual and multiple citizenship, subject to the other country also allowing it.
Typical full timeline
SMC resident visa -> Permanent Resident Visa after 2 years -> citizenship after 5 years of qualifying resident presence.
Primary source
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get New Zealand citizenship by grant after first arriving in New Zealand?
SMC resident visa -> Permanent Resident Visa after 2 years -> citizenship after 5 years of qualifying resident presence.
How many days a year must I physically be in New Zealand to qualify?
Citizenship presence normally requires 240 days in each 12-month period and 1,350 days across the 5 years before applying.
What language level do I need for New Zealand citizenship by grant?
Ability to hold a basic conversation in English; evidence can include study, IELTS, or employer/education records.
Does New Zealand allow dual citizenship?
New Zealand permits dual and multiple citizenship, subject to the other country also allowing it.