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People planning to become New Zealand citizens will soon face a new requirement. From late 2027, most applicants applying for citizenship by grant will need to pass a citizenship test before they can become New Zealand citizens.

The new test is designed to check whether applicants understand the rights, responsibilities, and basic values linked to New Zealand citizenship. Officials say this is not a new citizenship rule itself. Instead, it changes how applicants prove they understand life as a New Zealand citizen.

Right now, applicants confirm this understanding through a declaration in their citizenship application.

Who Needs to Take the New Zealand Citizenship Test?

The citizenship test will apply to most people applying for citizenship by grant after the rule officially starts in 2027. However, several groups will be exempt.

You will not need to take the test if you:

• Are under 16 years old
• Are aged 65 or older
• Received an English language waiver for citizenship
• Are not of full mental capacity
• Have a severe medical condition preventing you from sitting the test
• Have exceptional personal circumstances
• Are already a New Zealand citizen by descent, applying for citizenship by grant
• Are applying from overseas while meeting residency rules, including people living in Niue, Tokelau, or the Cook Islands, or working abroad for the New Zealand government.

Importantly, people who apply for citizenship before the test becomes mandatory in 2027 will not need to sit the exam.

What Will the New Zealand Citizenship Test Cover?

The government says the exam will focus on the privileges and responsibilities that come with being a New Zealand citizen. Topics expected in the test include:

• The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act
• Human rights
• Voting rights
• Democratic values
• New Zealand’s government system
• Certain criminal offences
• Rules around travelling overseas using a New Zealand passport.

The Department of Internal Affairs plans to release official study materials before the test becomes active. This should help future applicants prepare properly.

How the New Zealand Citizenship Test Will Work

The citizenship test will be held in person and will be conducted in English. Officials say they want testing centres across New Zealand, not only in major cities.

Here’s how the citizenship test is expected to work:

• 20 multiple-choice questions
• Conducted in English
• Applicants must score at least 15 correct answers
• Minimum passing score: 75%.

The government is also considering a separate fee for the test. This fee would be added to the standard citizenship application fee, although the final cost has not yet been announced.

What Happens If You Fail the Citizenship Test?

Applicants who fail on their first try will be allowed to book another attempt. The current proposal allows:

• Up to 3 attempts initially
• If unsuccessful after 3 tries, applicants must wait at least 30 working days
• After the waiting period, applicants can take the test 3 more times.

People may need to pay the test fee every time they sit the exam.

Applicants who still do not pass after 6 attempts may be offered other options, including withdrawing their citizenship application and receiving a partial refund.

Why New Zealand Is Introducing a Citizenship Test

Like many countries, New Zealand wants future citizens to understand the country’s laws, rights, and democratic values before receiving citizenship. The new test aims to check that applicants understand:

• Rights and responsibilities of citizens
• New Zealand’s democracy and voting system
• Basic laws and civic values
• Rules linked to New Zealand passports and travel

For migrants, this could make citizenship applications more structured and possibly more expensive from 2027 onward.

Planning to Apply for New Zealand Citizenship?

Anyone planning to apply should carefully check the latest citizenship eligibility rules before submitting an application. Officials warn that unsuccessful applicants may not receive a full refund of their application fee.

For many future applicants, applying before the citizenship test becomes mandatory could help avoid the extra exam requirement entirely.