Earning the Passport: What to Expect from the Upcoming NZ Citizenship Test

For years, reaching the finish line of the migration journey in New Zealand ended with a relatively straightforward paperwork check and a signed declaration form. However, the government is shifting toward a more structured model. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has announced that a formal, mandatory citizenship test will be introduced from the second half of 2027.

This update doesn’t alter the core residency requirements, but it drastically changes how future citizens must prove their commitment to New Zealand’s values and civic systems. If your long-term goal is holding a Kiwi passport, here is a breakdown of what the exam looks like.

Test Format and Passing Marks

The upcoming test will be an in-person, 20-question multiple-choice exam conducted strictly in English. To secure a pass and move on to your citizenship ceremony, you will need to answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly (a 75% pass rate).

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you will be permitted to rebook. However, if an applicant fails three times, a mandatory 30-working-day stand-down period applies before they can try again.

What Topics Will Be Covered?

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is currently designing official study guides, which will be released well ahead of the implementation date. The questions will focus on fundamental aspects of New Zealand society, including:

• The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and basic human rights.
• Voting systems, democratic principles, and the structure of government.
• Responsibilities regarding international travel on an NZ passport.
• Core legal frameworks and specific criminal offenses under local law.

Who is Exempt From Sitting the Test?

The test is primarily targeted at adult applicants under the “Citizenship by Grant” pathway. You will automatically receive a waiver and won’t need to sit the exam if you are:

• Under 16 years of age or aged 65 and older.
• Applying for citizenship via birth or direct descent.
• A resident who submits their complete citizenship application before the official rollout date in late 2027.

If you are already eligible or approaching your 5-year residency milestone, lodging your application early will let you bypass the testing phase entirely under the current declaration framework.