Trading Passports: A New Zealand Immigrant’s Journey Back to China
Staff Writer: Yiyi Xie
Image Source: Supplied
For many Chinese immigrants in New Zealand, obtaining a New Zealand passport is seen as the ultimate goal. But life circumstances and personal priorities can shift over time, leading to different decisions. Joe had gained New Zealand citizenship, decided to take an unconventional path—relinquishing his New Zealand passport to restore his Chinese citizenship.
In an interview with us, Joe shared his motivations:“When I first thought about switching back to Chinese citizenship, I had no idea where to start. There's almost no information online. I hope my experience helps others who might be considering this. And for those thinking about renouncing their Chinese citizenship, I suggest they take a second thought.”
Returning to China—Where a New Zealand Passport Became inconvenient
It has been 17 years since Joe first set foot in New Zealand. His journey, from studying to working and acquiring permanent residency (PR), was smooth. Around 2015, with an eye on career opportunities in Australia, Joe and his wife got New Zealand citizenship.
“We lived in Sydney and Melbourne for a while,” Joe explained, “but we missed New Zealand's natural environment and climate, so we came back.”
Yet, after settling back into New Zealand life, Joe began questioning whether this tranquil lifestyle was really for him. “New Zealand is very peaceful—perfect for retiring or taking it easy, but that’s not what we wanted,” he said.
Joe’s parents, who had lived in a first-tier Chinese city, also encouraged him to return to China, as they couldn't adjust to life abroad. He decided to give it a try, and was struck by China's rapid development. “I had only been back to China a handful of times over the years, and my impression was stuck in the past. When I returned, I was amazed at how much things had changed.”
Joe and his wife quickly adapted to life in China and stopped thinking about moving back to New Zealand. The longer he stayed, the clearer the differences between the two countries became. After his father fell ill and passed away, Joe stayed by his side throughout the ordeal, solidifying his decision to stay in China to support his family.
“Life in China is intense,” Joe observed. “Everyone works hard, and the competition is fierce. In business, if you don't stay on top of things, someone will quickly take your place. But for me, this was a good thing because it meant effort was rewarded.”
Joe also found that a New Zealand passport was more of a hindrance than a benefit living in China long-term. Frequent visa requirements, lack of an Chinese ID and the inability to open a bank account or even verify his identity online became constant frustrations. “I couldn’t even play a video game because I couldn't get through the real-name verification,” Joe laughed.
The real difficulties arose in his business dealings. As a food entrepreneur, the process of obtaining permits and licenses became significantly more complicated because he is foreigner.
The Long Road Back to Chinese Citizenship
In late 2020, Joe and his wife began seriously considering the switch back to Chinese citizenship, though the journey took over three years. “Switching back to Chinese citizenship isn't exactly difficult, but it's extremely tedious,” Joe noted.
The process required gathering extensive documentation, traveling back to New Zealand, and ensuring everything was filed correctly. In total, it took more than eight months to complete. Joe pointed out that local policies could change, so timing and location could affect how long the process takes. In some parts of China, it could take as long as two years.
Based on Joe’s experience, there are three key steps for restoring Chinese citizenship after holding a New Zealand passport:
- Renounce New Zealand citizenship: This involves both domestic and international steps. Joe had to return to New Zealand to process his renunciation and obtain official confirmation from the authorities.
- Register for a Chinese household registration (hukou) and ID card: Once Joe received his Chinese passport, he completed the process of restoring his household registration at his original residence and obtained his national ID card.
- Apply to restore Chinese citizenship: You must have previously held Chinese citizenship, provide a clean criminal record, and have a residence in China, along with parental guarantees. The application must be submitted in person to the local exit-entry administration bureau. For Joe, this step took three months.
Joe also noted that many individuals who switch back to Chinese citizenship still keep their New Zealand permanent residency. His PR was re-approved by New Zealand Immigration in December 2023, finalizing the process.
Is the Grass Always Greener Abroad?
The lengthy process of regaining his Chinese citizenship gave Joe a lot to reflect on. “Switching citizenship isn't something to take lightly. It’s essential to make the choice that suits your situation best,” he said.
During his journey, Joe met other Chinese nationals who had taken on citizenship in countries like Honduras or Argentina—countries that do not allow renunciation. These individuals found themselves unable to return to Chinese citizenship. One woman, who had become a Panamanian citizen, faced an additional hurdle when her parents refused to help her return to China.
For Joe, sharing his story online sparked interest, with many people reaching out to him for advice. Some wondered why he would give up a New Zealand passport, which many saw as a prized achievement.
“I received many private messages, mostly from Chinese people in countries like Canada, asking about switching back to Chinese citizenship. In our ‘Renunciation Group,’ the majority—around 60%—are Chinese Canadians.”
While many people, like Joe, have successfully restored their Chinese citizenship, some are still in the process, and others are reconsidering their decision to renounce their Chinese citizenship.
For those weighing their options, Joe offered this advice: “Choosing where to live is deeply personal. What works for someone else might not work for you. Also, think long-term—your citizenship will affect not just you, but your children and future generations.”
Chinese in NZ are more keen to PR instead of Citizenship
While many Chinese immigrants in New Zealand hold permanent residency, fewer go on to apply for citizenship. According to an October 2023 report by RNZ, only 3% of Chinese permanent residents in New Zealand have switched their Chinese passports for New Zealand's one.
The reasons vary. Some want to maintain the ability to travel easily to China, care for aging parents, or simply don’t see the benefits of a New Zealand passport. As one commenter put it, “The level of convenience and services in China’s major cities is unmatched globally.”
Joe agreed: “The biggest advantage of a New Zealand passport is the number of visa-free countries. But for many, their NZ passport are full Chinese visas.”
As for whether Joe might one day return to New Zealand, he keeps an open mind. For now, though, he’s content with his decision to settle in China.
