New Zealand's new citizenship test: what we know so far

Today, applicants for New Zealand citizenship by grant show that they understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship by signing a declaration in their application. From late 2027, most will show it by passing a test instead. The requirement itself isn't changing, only how you meet it. Here is everything the government has confirmed so far, and what it hasn't.

When it starts

From late 2027. The exact date hasn't been set. If you apply before the test becomes a requirement, you won't need to sit it.

Who has to sit it

Most people applying for citizenship by grant. You won't need to sit it if you:

• are under 16, or aged 65 or over
• have a waiver for the English language requirement
• are not of full capacity
• have a severe medical condition, or unique personal circumstances, that would prevent you from completing the test
• are a New Zealand citizen by descent applying for citizenship by grant
• are applying from overseas but meet the presence requirement, for example because you live in Niue, the Cook Islands or Tokelau, or work overseas for the New Zealand government

The format

• Taken in person.
• 20 multiple-choice questions, in English.
• You pass with at least 15 correct (75%).

The topics

• The Bill of Rights Act
• Human rights
• Voting rights and democratic principles
• New Zealand's system of government
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi)
• Some criminal offences
• Travelling overseas on a New Zealand passport

Who runs it, and where

Aspeq Limited has been selected to administer the test. Locations haven't been decided; the aim is to have them throughout New Zealand, not just in the main centres.

If you don't pass

You can rebook and try again. After three unsuccessful attempts you wait at least 30 working days, and then get up to three more. If you haven't passed after six attempts, you'll be offered options, including withdrawing your application for a partial refund of the application fee.

Cost

There will likely be a fee for each attempt, on top of the application fee, paid only by people who need to sit the test. The amount hasn't been decided.

Study material

The Department of Internal Affairs will provide study material before the test becomes a requirement. It hasn't been published yet.

Still to be confirmed

• The exact date the test becomes a requirement
• Test locations
• The fee per attempt
• How you book and sit the test

What you can do now

• Check the official page for updates; it changes as details are confirmed.
• If you're close to eligible, note that applying before the start date means no test. Only apply once you genuinely meet every requirement, though: the page warns that applications that don't meet the requirements are unlikely to be approved, and the fee isn't fully refunded.
• Get familiar with the topics, especially how Parliament and elections work and what the Bill of Rights Act and Te Tiriti o Waitangi cover.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• New Zealand Government: Citizenship test (govt.nz) (updated 7 October 2026)