BritInParis

There's a bit of misconception about this. Having a passport doesn't make you a citizen, rather you need to be a citizen in order to have a passport. If your youngest is eligible for a British passport now then it would take an unimaginable change in British nationality law, the removal of citizenship by descent, for that to alter. That being said it is easier to obtain and renew a British passport if you are born abroad if the first application is made before you turn 16.

If your youngest is 11 now then the passport would be valid for five years, so it would expire about the time he or she turns 16. If he or she then wants to renew their passport and have a ten year adult passport in order to spend time in the UK (or Europe although that's up in the air at the moment) then it would be easier for them to do so then if they had to apply for the first time after turning 16.

mistran

We've attained citizenship purely for the kids so they will be dual nationals and have options in the future to live in UK and NZ if they wish

bearskin

Not from me, but you sum it up better than I have/can.

As a great man once said "I can imagine quite a lot"

Yes to this, hence our timing. They will have turned 16 by the time they can apply for another passport (adult one)

pilottinker

We had to have a very thorough interview. Didn't help that my Husband ticked the box saying he had been involved with Weapons of Mass Destruction. ( Doctor on Nuclear Subs ) Shhhh !

Reylan

As we have now passed our 5 years here, I'm thinking along the lines of applying. Can anyone enlighten me on the ceremony process, not really sure what it entails (assuming we are lucky enough to gain Citizenship)

RobClubley

The ceremony itself entails shaking hands with the mayor and being handed a citizenship document. Plus some speeches and stuff.

Is that what you meant?

Reylan

Yes, thanks RobClubley. I also wondered what you have/had to say and if it's written down for you!!!

RobClubley

Yeah it is, you're given a piece of paper with everything you need. Or it's on a big screen

Reylan

Brilliant, thanks for that.

Robbie2010

I, [full name], swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of New Zealand, Her heirs and successors, according to law, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of New Zealand and fulfil my duties as a New Zealand citizen.
So help me God.

scrubbedexpat094

You don't have to mention god if you don't believe in one!

Sing the national anthem in English and Maori, words provided. Not much to it really.
We enjoyed our day.

Reylan

Thank you so much everyone, lots of great information.
😄

Bumptious

I've been here 30 years but don't have citizenship, I don't see the point (for me) as I can do anything a kiwi does have the same rights, vote etc. Except I have to get a visa if I want to go to Australia which I've only visited once and I certainly don't ever want to live there. Plus it is really expensive to get citizenship. My kids were born here so they don't have a problem. Husband was a baby when he emigrated but still has his British and his parents who've never got it after 51 years. We were going to get it a few years ago but couldn't find our marriage certificate which we needed for process, then the price went up quite a bit after we found and just decided we couldn't be bothered. I have been to the ceremony with a Brit friend and it was quite interesting especially the bit where she swore allegiance to the Queen!!! Really don't think I would do it now as the cost is $600 +. My father in law said they only take the last 5 years into consideration anyway when you apply, unless that has changed and in his words were "nonsense"!!

BritInParis

Whilst I would reiterate that the law simply won't change enough to remove British citizenship from the first generation born abroad holding a British passport won't prevent a future loss of citizenship if the law does change. It'll simply become null and void. Where it is helpful to obtain a passport when your children are under 16 is that trying to apply for a first time British passport as an adult born abroad is only going to get more difficult in terms of proving your identity/entitlement as one gets older.