What is the difference between a residence visa and citizenship?

A resident visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely, but you remain subject to immigration law, and travel conditions and can lose the right to return if you are absent for long periods. Citizenship is a permanent status under the Citizenship Act 1977, which gives you a New Zealand passport, the right to vote and protection from deportation. To qualify by grant, you generally need to have held a residence class visa for at least five years and have been present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days over the five years, including at least 240 days in each of those years. You must also be of good character, intend to remain in New Zealand and meet basic English requirements. Check the Department of Internal Affairs guidelines, since application forms and criteria change.