Summary
Only New Zealand citizens can hold a New Zealand passport — you must hold citizenship by birth, by descent or by grant (naturalisation) before applying; permanent residents cannot hold a NZ passport
Adult passports cost NZD $247 (10-year validity); child passports cost NZD $144 (5-year validity) — fees confirmed from DIA and govt.nz 2026; New Zealand’s passport application is one of the only fully online processes in the world
Standard processing takes approximately 20 working days (4 weeks) — urgent passports are processed in 3 working days for NZD $494 (adult) or NZD $391 (child); apply online at passports.govt.nz via your RealMe login
Getting a New Zealand passport is one of the first things to do after becoming a New Zealand citizen. It confirms your citizenship, enables international travel and opens access to New Zealand’s network of over 185 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. This guide explains how to get New Zealand passport.
New Zealand’s passport application system is almost entirely online — one of only a few countries in the world to offer this. This guide covers the full process from citizenship confirmation to receiving your passport.
Who can get a New Zealand passport?
Only New Zealand citizens can apply for a New Zealand passport. You are a New Zealand citizen if:
- Born in New Zealand to at least one parent who was a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident at the time of your birth
- Citizenship by descent — born overseas to a New Zealand citizen parent; you must have registered for citizenship by descent before applying for a passport
- Citizenship by grant (naturalisation) — you have met the residency requirements (5 years as a permanent resident, physically present for at least 1,350 days with at least 240 days in each of those 5 years) and been granted citizenship by the DIA
Upcoming change: On 6 May 2026, the NZ Government announced a formal citizenship test will be introduced from late 2027. Applications lodged before the test becomes mandatory continue under the current process. If you are approaching your 5-year residence anniversary, applying before late 2027 means no test is required.
Permanent residents cannot hold a New Zealand passport. If you hold NZ permanent residence but have not yet been granted citizenship, you cannot apply.
Types of New Zealand passport
| Passport | Validity | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport | 10 years | NZ citizens aged 16 and over |
| Child passport | 5 years | NZ citizens under 16 |
| Urgent passport | Same validity | When you need a passport within 3 working days |
| After-hours passport | Same validity | Genuine emergencies outside office hours |
Fees (2026)
| Passport type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult — 10 years (standard) | NZD $247 |
| Child under 16 — 5 years (standard) | NZD $144 |
| Adult — urgent (3 working days) | NZD $494 |
| Child — urgent | NZD $391 |
| After-hours call-out (adult) | NZD $1,001 |
| After-hours call-out (child) | NZD $898 |
Plus delivery fees: NZD $5.30-$25 within New Zealand and to Australia/Pacific; higher to other international destinations. Exact delivery fee confirmed during the application.
Step 1: Confirm your citizenship
Before applying, confirm your citizenship status:
- Born in NZ to citizen/PR parent: Your New Zealand birth certificate confirms your citizenship. No separate certificate is needed.
- Citizen by grant: Your citizenship certificate from DIA is your proof.
- Citizen by descent: You must have completed the citizenship by descent registration and received your approval before applying for a passport.
If you are unsure of your citizenship status, check at govt.nz/citizenship before applying.
Step 2: Set up a RealMe login
New Zealand’s online passport application uses RealMe — the NZ government’s digital identity service.
If you do not have a RealMe account: Create one at realme.govt.nz — takes about 10 minutes with a valid NZ driver’s licence or NZ passport. If you are a new citizen without these, you can still apply but may need to use the paper-based process.
RealMe Verified identity: For some passport applications (including first passports), you may need to verify your RealMe identity at a PostShop — this is a one-time process that takes about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Get your passport photo
New Zealand passport photos must meet strict DIA specifications:
- Size: The face must be between 28-33mm from chin to crown in the finished passport
- Background: Plain light (white or very light grey/blue)
- Expression: Neutral, eyes open, looking directly at the camera
- No glasses (from 2019, glasses are not permitted)
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Digital or print: Online applications use a digital photo upload; the system checks the photo automatically
Where to get photos: Any participating PostShop, pharmacy or passport photo service. Online digital photos can be checked against DIA specifications using the photo checker at passports.govt.nz.
Step 4: Find a referee or witness
For a first New Zealand passport, you need an identity referee:
- Must be a New Zealand citizen aged 16 or over
- Must hold a current New Zealand passport
- Must have known you for at least 1 year
- Must not be a close relative (parent, sibling, child, spouse/partner)
- Does not need to be in the same city — they verify online
For renewals: A referee may not be required if you have held a NZ passport previously and your details have not changed. The online system will tell you whether a referee is needed.
Step 5: Apply online at passports.govt.nz
The online application is the fastest and recommended method. New Zealand’s passport system is one of the only fully online passport application processes in the world.
- Go to passports.govt.nz and log in with your RealMe credentials
- Start a new application — select first passport or renewal
- Enter your personal details and citizenship information
- Upload your passport photo (the system checks it automatically)
- Enter your referee’s contact details (for first passports)
- Pay by credit or debit card or online banking
- Submit — you will receive an email confirmation with a tracking reference
Paper applications: Still available via NZ Post for those who cannot apply online. Download form PAS300 (adult renewal) or PAS310 (first passport, name change, lost/stolen) from passports.govt.nz. Lodge at a New Zealand PostShop or overseas at a New Zealand Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
Step 6: Delivery
Once your passport is produced, it is delivered to your nominated address via secure courier. Add the delivery fee during the application.
Overseas delivery: Standard delivery to Australia takes approximately NZD $20-$25 and 5-10 business days from dispatch. You can also collect from the New Zealand Passport Office in Sydney (if you are in Australia) or London.
Tracking: Use your tracking reference from the confirmation email to monitor your application at passports.govt.nz.
Processing times
| Service | Processing time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ~20 working days (4 weeks) | Included in passport fee |
| Urgent | ~3 working days | NZD $494 adult / NZD $391 child |
| After-hours | Same day / overnight | NZD $1,001 adult / NZD $898 child |
Apply well in advance — during peak periods (school holidays, summer) processing times can extend beyond 4 weeks. The DIA recommends applying 6 weeks before you need the passport.
Renewing a New Zealand passport
Renewing is the same process as applying for a first passport online. No separate renewal form — use the same passports.govt.nz portal. No referee is needed for most standard renewals.
If your details have changed (name, gender marker) since your last passport, you will need to provide supporting documents. The online system will guide you.
Corridor-specific guidance for migrants
Indian-New Zealanders
India does not permit dual nationality. If you have become a New Zealand citizen and held an Indian passport, you must:
- Surrender your Indian passport to the Indian High Commission in Wellington or Indian Consulate in Auckland
- Apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card — allows lifetime visa-free access to India
- e-OCI system: From 1 May 2026, India has launched a digital e-OCI system; the old paper booklet process has been replaced with an electronic application. From 1 April 2026, OCI applications are no longer accepted via post — in-person lodgement required.
- OCI fees in New Zealand: approximately NZD $170-240 all-in including government fee, VFS service charges and courier; confirm at cgiauckland.gov.in or hciwellington.gov.in before applying
Filipino New Zealanders
The Philippines allows natural-born Filipinos who have naturalised as citizens of another country to re-acquire Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 9225.
To retain dual citizenship:
- Apply at the Philippine Embassy in Wellington or Philippine Consulate General in Auckland for re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship
- Take the Oath of Allegiance
- Receive your Identification Certificate and Order of Approval
- Apply for or renew your Philippine passport as a dual citizen
Use your New Zealand passport when entering and leaving New Zealand, and your Philippine passport when entering the Philippines.
Samoan New Zealanders
Western Samoa does not recognise dual citizenship — naturalised New Zealand citizens of Samoan origin technically lose their Samoan citizenship. In practice, many Samoan New Zealanders continue to hold both documents. Seek legal advice from a Samoa-qualified lawyer if this is relevant to your situation.
New Zealand and Samoa have close ties and most Samoan New Zealanders travel freely between the two countries on either passport without issue in practice.
British New Zealanders
The United Kingdom permits dual nationality. If you are a British citizen who has become a New Zealand citizen, no action is required. You can hold both passports simultaneously. Use your New Zealand passport to enter and leave New Zealand, and your British passport to enter and leave the UK.
Australian citizens living in New Zealand
Australian citizens living in New Zealand on a Special Category Visa cannot apply for a New Zealand passport until they have obtained New Zealand citizenship through the standard grant pathway (generally 5 years as a permanent resident first). Australian citizenship does not shorten the NZ citizenship pathway.
New Zealand also permits dual citizenship — once you become a NZ citizen, you can hold both passports simultaneously.
Key contacts and resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| NZ Passport Office (apply online) | passports.govt.nz |
| RealMe identity | realme.govt.nz |
| NZ Government citizenship info | govt.nz/citizenship |
| DIA (Department of Internal Affairs) | dia.govt.nz |
| Indian High Commission Wellington | hciwellington.gov.in |
| Indian Consulate Auckland | cgiauckland.gov.in |
| Philippine Embassy Wellington | wellington.dfa.gov.ph |
| NZ Passport Office Sydney | passports.govt.nz/overseas |
FAQ’s (frequently asked questions)
How much does a New Zealand passport cost in 2026?
NZD $247 for an adult 10-year passport; NZD $144 for a child 5-year passport (under 16). Urgent processing costs NZD $494 (adult) or NZD $391 (child). Delivery fees are additional.
How long does it take to get a New Zealand passport?
Standard processing is approximately 20 working days (4 weeks). Urgent processing takes 3 working days. Apply at least 6 weeks before you need the passport.
Can I apply for a New Zealand passport online?
Yes — passports.govt.nz is one of the only fully online passport application systems in the world. You need a RealMe login.
Do I need a referee for my New Zealand passport?
For first passports, yes — a NZ citizen aged 16+, holding a current NZ passport, who has known you for at least 1 year and is not a close relative. Renewals often do not require a referee.
Can permanent residents apply for a NZ passport?
No. Only NZ citizens can hold a NZ passport.
Can I hold both a NZ passport and my original country’s passport?
New Zealand permits dual citizenship. Whether you can hold both depends on your original country — India and Samoa do not recognise dual citizenship; the Philippines, UK and Australia all permit it.
Where do I apply for a NZ passport if I live overseas?
Apply online at passports.govt.nz from anywhere in the world. Alternatively, apply in person at a New Zealand Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, or at the NZ Passport Offices in Sydney or London.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Passport fees and requirements are subject to change — always verify at passports.govt.nz before applying. Last updated August 2026.
Sources: New Zealand Passport Office — passports.govt.nz | New Zealand Government — govt.nz/passports | Wikipedia — New Zealand passport | visafoto.com — New Zealand passport fees 2026 (March 2026) | DIA press release — passport fee increase (May 2025) | mycitizensagency.com — NZ citizenship 2026 (May 2026)
