New Zealand Citizenship Through Military Service
Serve in the NZDF and unlock your Kiwi citizenship!
Why Earn Citizenship Through NZDF Service?
New Zealand opens its Defence Force (NZDF) to permanent residents and skilled overseas military personnel, offering a pathway to citizenship under the Citizenship Act 1977. Serve honorably, meet residency requirements, and you can apply after just 5 years—including time served in the NZDF. Want to defend Aotearoa and call it home? Here’s the rundown!
Eligibility & Requirements
Who Can Apply?
- Permanent residents of New Zealand
- Overseas applicants from UK, Australia, US, or Canada with military experience
- Aged 18-55 (varies by role)
Key Requirements
- 5 years in NZ with 1,350 days total, 240 days/year (NZDF service counts)
- Honorable NZDF service (minimum 3-year contract typical)
- Basic English proficiency
- Good character and intent to stay in NZ
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Gain Permanent Residency
Secure NZ permanent residency first—or enlist as an overseas applicant with a visa offer from NZDF.
Join the NZDF
Apply via defencecareers.mil.nz; overseas candidates need UK/AUS/US/CA military experience.
Serve Honorably
Complete at least 3 years of service (counts toward 5-year residency).
Apply for Citizenship
Submit your grant application online at dia.govt.nz after 5 years—processed in 3-14 months.
Take the Oath
Attend a ceremony, pledge allegiance, and become a Kiwi citizen—sweet as!
Benefits of NZDF Citizenship
Fast-Track Option
Service counts toward 5-year residency—apply sooner!
Dual Citizenship
Keep your original passport alongside NZ’s.
Aussie Access
Live and work in Australia as a Kiwi citizen.
Cost of New Zealand Military Citizenship
What’s the cost to serve and become a Kiwi? Here’s the breakdown for 2025:
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NZDF Enlistment | $0 | No fee to join—NZDF covers training! |
| Citizenship Fee | NZD 470 | Standard adult application fee. |
| Additional Costs | NZD 50–200 | Documents, photos, travel to ceremony. |
| Total Estimate | NZD 520–670 | Great value for a top passport! |
*Note: Costs assume permanent residency—travel to NZ varies for overseas applicants.
Latest Updates (Feb 2025)
- Policy unchanged as of Feb 28, 2025—5-year residency with NZDF service still applies.
- Overseas recruitment steady: 50+ lateral hires from UK/AUS/US/CA in 2024, per NZDF reports.
- Processing times: 3-14 months, with some approvals in weeks—DIA update Feb 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I join without residency?
Yes, if from UK/AUS/US/CA with military experience—visa offered.
2. How long to citizenship?
5 years total, including NZDF service time.
3. Do I need English skills?
Basic proficiency required for citizenship.
4. Can I keep my other passport?
Yes—NZ allows dual citizenship!
5. What’s the service term?
Typically 3 years minimum for overseas recruits.
References
- NZDF: Defence Careers
- DIA: Citizenship Process
- Citizenship Act 1977: Section 7 (Grant Requirements)
- NZ Herald: Overseas Recruitment Update (Dec 2024)