Dual citizenship for children??

[mummynow]

Hi

I was just wondering if anyone can help me with a bit of info. I was born in Oz and have lived here all my life. DH was born in NZ and is still a NZ citizen. He has been here since 1994 and is a permanent resident (but I think that is irrelevant to the question). We have 1 DD born March 2005. In August 2005 we took her back to NZ to meet the rellies. So we got her an Ozzie passport.

My question is - What does dual citizenship mean eg. like can she have a passport from both countries?

If not then what does it really mean?

And if she can then how do I apply for dual citizenship?

Is it to an Ozzie department office or a kiwi department office?

Or is it too late now that I got her an Ozzie passport back in 2005?

If it is too late then what can I do for any future babies to avoid it happening again?

Thank you in advance

[Jinglebells]

don't quote me on this, but I think you have to get hold of the NZ consulate in sydney and get your DD citizenship via decent for NZ, maybe give them a ring and see what they say

[Nickyps]

Yeah, you will be able to claim NZ citizenship through decent for your daughter. My daughter has dual citizenships too. She was born in the UK, but has NZ and French citizenship.

Here are the links to info about NZ citizenship by decent and the contact details of the Australian Office.

[Trix]

Just a quick question . . .

What is the benefit of holding citizenship by descent in New Zealand??

Reason I ask is cos as an Australian we can come and go and use all the services in NZ just as if it were another state of Australia - or am I wrong?

My hubby is Kiwi and i'm Aussie and we've had no problems coming and going. My DH also has dual passport with NZ & UK (he's father is Irish).

But if there is a benefit, i'd love to know cos i'd probably get it for my kids too.

[mummynow]

What is the benefit of holding citizenship by descent in New Zealand??

I don't really know what the benefits for DD are at the moment but we are interested as you never know what the future holds. And should things change between the 2 countries, then she would have both, that might make her life a bit easier.

Also if she ever wants to travel when she's older.... different countries have different visa requirements depending on what passport you hold.... so we figured that could also make her life a bit easier should she decide to take that path.

If anyone can tell me what benefits it may have to a child right now though, I would be very interested

[epiphany]

My son was born in Australia but is a Kiwi citizen by descent, so has a NZ passport. When he turns 10, he automatically receives Australian citizenship (assuming he has lived here the entire time), so will have dual citizenship.

After speaking to other Kiwis who have chosen to become residents (& then citizens), one main advantage is if your child decides to go to university. There's some scheme where they can defer their university fee payments (I don't know all the details) but it's only avail to Aussie citizens.

Then theres the other things like benefits, voting, etc - as Kiwis in Oz on special category visas, we aren't eligible for certain benefits. It may be useful for your children to be able to get assistance when they're older. We also can't vote. Not a biggie but some people may find this frustrating.