Differences Between New Zealand Citizenship and Residence

Differences Between New Zealand Citizenship And Residence

By: Emily Wilson

New Zealand is a popular choice for people looking to immigrate because of its beautiful scenery, hospitable people, and high standard of living. You'll also get an ample number of employment and educational possibilities, so be rest assured when thinking of relocating here. If you want to migrate to this country to reside or to work, understanding the distinctions between New Zealand citizenship and residency is crucial. Each position carries a unique set of privileges, obligations, and prerequisites. The differences between New Zealand citizenship and residency will be discussed in this blog.

What Does New Zealand Citizenship Mean?

Many long-term residents look forward to becoming citizens of New Zealand. Citizens can get access to the rights and benefits provided by the country. New Zealand citizenship may be obtained in 3 different ways: by birth, by descent, and by grant. If you are a migrant, you need to have a grant to be a New Zealand citizen. Also, in order to obtain a passport, you must be a citizen of New Zealand. To get New Zealand citizenship by grant, migrants need to fulfil the following requirements:
●    You've resided in New Zealand for at least the past five years.
●    You're planning to reside here permanently. 
●    You need to have a good character, and
●    You are English-speaking.

What Does New Zealand Residency Mean?

A person is a New Zealand resident when he possesses a valid New Zealand residency permit/returning resident visa or owns a current Australian passport. Keep in mind that a residence and a permanent residence are two distinct things. A Resident Visa typically leads to a Permanent resident visa by default. While a Permanent Residency Visa permits limitless re-entry to New Zealand with a valid passport, a Residential Visa has travel restrictions that only enable a person to return to New Zealand as a resident up until a specific date.

New Zealand PR Visa

Citizen vs Permanent Resident: Key Differences

 
Here are the key differences between New Zealand citizenship and New Zealand permanent residency

Having the New Zealand residency confers the following rights on the holder:
●    Study, reside and work in New Zealand.
●    Qualify for government-funded health and disability services.
●    Access to tertiary fee benefits and student loans (after a qualifying time) and studying in state-run educational institutions as local pupils.
●    Qualified for social assistance benefits.
●    Take part in general and local elections by voting.
●    Can join the New Zealand Defence Forces as a career.
●    Eligible for jury service.
●    After relocating, they are eligible to purchase a house and other property.

If you have a New Zealand citizenship visa, not only do you benefit from the rights conferred to the New Zealand residency holder, but you also get granted rights, such as:
●    having the ability to travel to, reside in, and work in Australia (by being immediately granted a Special Category Visa upon arrival as a citizen of New Zealand);
●    having a New Zealand passport and access to travel abroad on it.
●    Getting New Zealand Embassy/Consular support and assistance when in a foreign country.
●    Running for municipal and parliamentary roles in New Zealand.
●    repping New Zealand in international sports competitions.
●    Being qualified for education scholarships available solely to citizens of New Zealand.

Conclusion
For people who want to fully integrate into the nation's social, political, and economic life, New Zealand citizenship is the ultimate objective, even though New Zealand residence provides a means to establish a solid and legal presence in the country. The decision between the two choices relies on the long-term objectives and circumstances of an individual. Anyone thinking about relocating to this stunning nation must be aware of the distinctions between New Zealand citizenship and residency.