Citizenship test to be introduced for citizenship by grant applicants from late 2027

6 May 2026

The Department of Internal Affairs is preparing to introduce a citizenship test for most people applying for citizenship by grant from late 2027, as an announced by the Minister of Internal Affairs.

Citizenship by grant confers citizenship to applicants who have spent enough time in New Zealand and meet all the eligibility criteria.

The test will not affect people who have already applied for citizenship, or anyone who applies before the test comes into effect. Applicants must still meet the eligibility requirements to apply for citizenship and are encouraged to review the criteria on www.citizenship.govt.nz

When granting citizenship, the Minister of Internal Affairs must be satisfied that applicants meet all eligibility requirements, including having sufficient knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

Currently, applicants sign a declaration to confirm they understand these responsibilities and privileges. The citizenship test strengthens this existing requirement and aligns New Zealand’s approach with comparable countries.

Further information about the test, including the date it will become a requirement, will be provided in 2027 as details are confirmed by the Department.

Who will need to take the test

• The test will apply to most adult applicants for citizenship by grant from late 2027.
• Applicants under 16 and over 65 will not be required to sit the test.
• Some applicants may be eligible for exemptions. Details of exemptions will be communicated prior to the test becoming a requirement.
• People using citizenship by birth, descent or Western Samoa pathways will not need to complete the test.

What the citizenship test will cover

The citizenship test will assess an applicant’s understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship, which is already a requirement under the Citizenship Act.

Currently, applicants sign a declaration to show that they understand the responsibilities and privileges. The test builds on this element of the process.

The test will focus on the responsibilities and privileges of being a New Zealand citizen, including:

• New Zealand laws such as the Human Rights Act, New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, and certain criminal offences.
• Voting rights and democratic principles
• New Zealand’s system of government
• Travel to and from New Zealand

How the test will work

While operational details are still being confirmed, the test is planned to be an in-person test of 20 multiple-choice questions and require a pass mark of 75 percent (15 out of 20 questions).

The cost and implementing and administering the test will be covered by fees. The fee for the citizenship test is likely to be separate from the application fee.

It is likely that test administration will be contracted to an external provider. The Department will provide further details on this at a later date.

The Department will develop study resources and provide further information about how to prepare for the test well before it becomes a requirement.

Where to find more information

The test will become a requirement from late 2027. There is no impact on applications already lodged or those lodged before the test becomes a requirement. We continue to encourage applicants to make sure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.

Information about the citizenship test and eligibility for citizenship by grant is available on https://www.govt.nz/browse/passports-citizenship-and-identity/nz-citizenship/citizenship-test

Customers are encouraged to check the website for the latest information before contacting the Department.

Media contact: 
Media Desk 
Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua 
Mobile: +64 27 535 8639 
Email: media@dia.govt.nz