New Zealanders and Australian Citizenship: Pathways & Dual NZ–AU
How New Zealand citizens in Australia can become Australian citizens, what changed in 2023, the citizenship test and holding dual NZ–AU citizenship.
New Zealand citizens can become Australian citizens, and most can keep their New Zealand citizenship as well. The rules for New Zealanders changed significantly in 2023: many New Zealand citizens living in Australia became able to apply for Australian citizenship directly, without first obtaining a permanent visa, if they meet the residence and other requirements.
Because these rules are detailed and have changed recently, check the current information on the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before you apply. This guide gives a general overview.
How New Zealanders Live in Australia
Most New Zealand citizens in Australia hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), which is generally granted on arrival. It lets them live and work in Australia, but it is a temporary visa, and for many years that meant New Zealanders had to obtain a permanent visa before they could apply for citizenship.
What Changed in 2023
In 2023, the Australian Government announced and introduced a more direct pathway to citizenship for many New Zealand citizens living in Australia. In broad terms, eligible New Zealanders who have lived in Australia for the required period can apply for citizenship by conferral without first getting a permanent visa. There were also changes affecting some children born in Australia to New Zealand citizen parents.
The exact requirements — how long you must have lived here, which visas count, and how the dates are calculated — are set out by the Department. Use its guidance and residence calculator rather than relying on older articles written before these changes.
Eligibility for New Zealanders
New Zealand citizens applying by conferral generally need to meet the same core requirements as other applicants:
- The residence requirement
- Good character, if aged 18 or over
- A basic knowledge of English
- An understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
- An intention to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing link
Do New Zealanders Have to Sit the Citizenship Test?
Yes, in most cases. If you apply by conferral and are aged 18 to 59, you generally need to pass the citizenship test: 20 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes, a 75% pass mark and all five Australian values questions correct. Being familiar with Australian life helps, but the test covers specific facts about Australian government, history and values, so study the official booklet Our Common Bond.
Dual NZ–AU Citizenship
Both countries allow dual citizenship. Australia does not require you to give up New Zealand citizenship when you become Australian, and New Zealand generally allows its citizens to hold another citizenship. Our dual citizenship guide covers the general rules.
Things to Know as a Dual Citizen
- Passports: Australian citizens are generally expected to enter and leave Australia on an Australian passport.
- Federal Parliament: dual citizens cannot sit in the Federal Parliament unless they have taken all reasonable steps to renounce their other citizenship.
- Voting: as an Australian citizen, you must enrol and vote in Australian elections.
Documents New Zealanders May Need
Expect to provide your New Zealand passport, a birth certificate, evidence of any name change, photo identification with your current address and details of your travel in and out of Australia. Because your Special Category Visa is usually granted on arrival, make sure your travel history is accurate — the Department checks movement records when working out whether you meet the residence requirement.
Why Become an Australian Citizen?
Citizenship gives New Zealanders security of status, the right to vote, an Australian passport and access to citizen-only jobs and entitlements. Our comparison of permanent residency vs citizenship explains the differences in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can New Zealanders apply for Australian citizenship without PR?
Since the 2023 changes, many New Zealand citizens living in Australia can. Check the Department's current requirements to confirm you are eligible.
Will I lose my New Zealand citizenship?
Australia does not require it. New Zealand generally permits dual citizenship, but check official New Zealand Government guidance if you are unsure.
Are my Australian-born children citizens?
It depends on your status and the date of their birth, and the rules for children of New Zealand citizens changed recently. Check with the Department, and consider applying for evidence of citizenship to confirm their status.
Do New Zealanders get a citizenship ceremony?
Yes. Applicants by conferral aged 16 and over generally make the pledge at a ceremony, like everyone else.
Prepare for the Test
Many New Zealanders are surprised by how specific the test questions are. CitiZen AU helps you prepare with category practice, full 20-question mock tests and progress tracking so you can pass first time.