Proof of residence

All documents should be originals. Photocopies and/or documents that have been changed in any way cannot be accepted.

Where the client (or partner) cannot provide proof or proof is unclear, you should ask the client (or partner) to obtain confirmation of their residence status from Immigration New Zealand (for permanent residence) or Internal Affairs (for citizenship).

Proof of citizenship and/or permanent residence in New Zealand can be a:

• New Zealand birth certificate

Generally a person born in New Zealand is a New Zealand citizen by birth.

• New Zealand passport

To hold a New Zealand passport you must be a citizen of New Zealand.

• Certificate of Registration

A child born outside New Zealand (to a parent who is a New Zealand citizen) may be a New Zealand citizen from birth. However, the child must apply for a Certificate of Registration to confirm their New Zealand citizenship.

• Grant of Citizenship

People who have permanent residence, may (normally after 5 years residence in New Zealand) apply for a Grant of Citizenship. They must meet the conditions of the Grant.

• Certificate of Confirmation

This is a certificate issued to confirm that the holder is a New Zealand citizen by birth, descent or Grant of Citizenship.

British subjects, who immigrated to New Zealand prior to 1948 (and who resided in New Zealand for all of 1948) were made New Zealand citizens in 1949. These people are likely to have a Certificate of Confirmation or a Certificate of Naturalisation.

• Certificate of Naturalisation

Previously immigrants were naturalised as British Subjects and Citizens of New Zealand. Today they are given a Grant of Citizenship.

• Passport (other than a New Zealand passport) containing a residence class visa granted under the Immigration Act 2009
• Passport (other than a New Zealand passport) containing a residence permit granted under the Immigration Act 1987

Note that a visa issued before 29 November 2010 does not allow a person to stay in New Zealand

• Letter of confirmation of permanent residence from Immigration New Zealand
• Australian citizens

Australian citizens are lawfully allowed in New Zealand without a residence class visa or residence permit and their date of entry is generally not recorded. Where possible supporting evidence should be sought, such as, tenancy agreements, bank statements or old utility bills to show that the client has been ordinarily resident for two continuous years.

• British nationals

Clients of British nationality who came to New Zealand before 2 April 1974 were automatically allowed to enter New Zealand for residence, and will be unable to provide verification of their residence if they do not have a passport. Immigration New Zealand will have no record of these clients unless the client has contacted them after 2 April 1974. The client should be able to provide New Zealand school, work or tax records to support their claim about when they arrived in New Zealand and the length of time they have lived here.