Child born in new zealand
Congratulations on the arrival of your little one!
As a child born in New Zealand, your child is automatically a New Zealand citizen, as long as one of their parents is a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident at the time of their birth. This is because New Zealand has a jus soli (right of the soil) citizenship policy, which means that anyone born in New Zealand is considered a New Zealand citizen.
Here are some key things to know about your child's citizenship:
- Automatic citizenship: As mentioned earlier, your child is automatically a New Zealand citizen if one of their parents is a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident at the time of their birth.
- Registration: You'll need to register your child's birth with the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) within 60 days of their birth. You can do this online or by visiting a DIA office.
- Passport: Your child will need a New Zealand passport to travel internationally. You can apply for a passport online or by visiting a DIA office.
- Citizenship certificate: Your child will receive a citizenship certificate, which is a formal document that confirms their citizenship.
- Dual citizenship: If your child is also a citizen of another country through their other parent, they may have dual citizenship. This means they'll have the rights and responsibilities of both countries.
- Voting rights: As a New Zealand citizen, your child will be eligible to vote in New Zealand elections when they turn 18.
- Travel: As a New Zealand citizen, your child will have the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand and other countries that have a reciprocal agreement with New Zealand.
Remember to keep your child's citizenship documents, including their birth certificate and passport, in a safe and secure place.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's citizenship, you can contact the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs or consult with a lawyer specializing in immigration and citizenship law.