08/07/2026
New Zealand has always been built by the people who choose to call it home.
Balance New Zealand's Immigration Policy sets out a clear, fair pathway to citizenship, one that welcomes migrants who want to contribute while ensuring citizenship remains the meaningful commitment it should be.
Right now, New Zealand is a global outlier. We are one of the only democracies in the world that allows permanent residents to vote in general elections after just one year. Almost every comparable country - Australia, the UK, Canada, the US, and most of Europe - reserves the right for its citizens to vote in national elections. That's the standard we should meet too. But permanent residents still have a real stake in their communities, and our policy makes sure they have a voice where it matters most to their daily lives at the local level.
Here's what our policy delivers:
✔️ A clear distinction between the rights of permanent residents and citizens, reserving the right to vote in general elections for citizens.
✔️ Local body voting rights for permanent residents who have lived here for at least 12 months (320 days in the country) so those who pay rates and use council services have a say in the decisions that shape their community.
✔️ A strengthened residency requirement, 320 days per year, over five years, so citizenship reflects a genuine life built here.
✔️ An English language standard, because full participation depends on it.
✔️ A comprehensive 35-question citizenship test covering our laws, rights, democratic institutions, and way of life.
✔️ Fair exceptions for Kiwis serving overseas, Australians, and children of applicants.
Permanent residency remains a valued status with a real voice in local democracy. Citizenship remains an earned one with the full rights that come with it. Both pathways stay open, clear, and achievable.
This is how we keep New Zealand welcoming and keep New Zealand citizenship worth something.
Read the full policy at balancenz.org.nz/policies/immigration
