Document Translation Requirements in New Zealand
Official bodies in New Zealand generally require a certified translation of foreign-language documents, and many documents also need an apostille or legalization before they are translated. Below: who can translate, when an apostille is needed, and where the official rules are published.
New Zealand follows a certified-translation standard: a document not in English needs a translation by a reputable, independent translator with a written certification of accuracy. Immigration New Zealand, NZQA, and universities accept this. New Zealand has been in the Hague Apostille Convention since 2001, so a New Zealand document used abroad is apostilled by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
New Zealand requirements at a glance
| Translation standard | Certified translation |
|---|---|
| Who can translate | Professional translator providing written certification |
| Apostille | Required for foreign public documents where applicable |
| Apostille authority | The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). |
| Accepted languages | English |
| Responsible authority | Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) – Apostille |
Who can translate documents for use in New Zealand?
What makes a translation official in New Zealand?
How does New Zealand treat documents from abroad?
Legal basis
Apostille & legalization for New Zealand
New Zealand is part of the Hague Apostille Convention (since 2001), so public documents are authenticated with a single apostille — no consular legalization.
Documents from New Zealand
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).New Zealand has been a party to the Convention since 2001.
U.S. documents going to New Zealand
A U.S. document going to New Zealand is apostilled in the United States — the state Secretary of State, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents — and translated where the receiving body requires it.
The apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the apostille certificate is translated too. See how apostilles work, or order a translation with e-apostille.
How to get a New Zealand document translation accepted
- 1
Order a certified English translation of any non-English document
Immigration New Zealand asks for translations by a reputable, independent translator, with a written statement of accuracy.
- 2
Keep the translator's certification with the translation
It must confirm the translation is accurate and identify the translator.
- 3
Submit the original plus the certified translation
File them with Immigration New Zealand, NZQA, or the university.
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Submitting foreign documents in New Zealand?
Authorities in New Zealand accept certified English translations with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. We translate from 60+ languages with delivery in 24–48 hours.
Sending U.S. documents to New Zealand?
U.S.-issued documents usually need an apostille before they can be used in New Zealand — and the apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the certificate itself gets translated too. We offer e-apostille processing as an add-on to any order.
Popular certified translations
The document types we certify most often — each with its own pricing and requirements page.
Why New Zealand document translations get rejected
The mistakes we see most often on New Zealand documents — and what a correct certified translation does instead.
Translation done by the applicant or a family member
Immigration New Zealand requires a reputable, independent translator; a translation by the applicant or a relative is not accepted.
Written certification missing
The translation must include a signed statement that it is accurate, identifying the translator.
Only part of the document translated
The whole document, including stamps and seals, must be rendered.
Cost & turnaround
A one-page certificate is priced as a single page; multi-page records are priced by their page count. Standard delivery is 24–48 hours, with notarization and e-apostille available as add-ons. See full pricing.
New Zealand translation requirements — FAQ
What translation does Immigration New Zealand require?
A translation by a reputable and independent translator, with a written certification of accuracy. It cannot be done by the applicant or a family member.
what a certified translation isIs New Zealand in the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes, since 2001. A New Zealand public document used abroad is apostilled by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
how apostilles workDoes NZQA accept these translations?
Yes. A certified English translation submitted with the original qualification documents is accepted by NZQA and New Zealand universities for recognition.
transcript translationWhich languages do you translate for New Zealand?
We translate from 60+ languages into English, each with a written certification, for Immigration New Zealand, NZQA, and universities.
languages we translateDoes the translation need to be notarized for New Zealand?
Generally no — a written certification is enough. Notarization is available as an add-on if a specific body asks for it.
certified vs notarizedHow much does a certified translation for New Zealand cost?
Pricing is per page. A one-page certificate is a single page; multi-page records are priced by page count.
see live pricingCan I translate my own documents for New Zealand?
No. Immigration New Zealand requires an independent translator; a self-translation is not accepted.
what a certified translation isSources
- Providing English translations of supporting documentsImmigration New Zealand
- Apostille Convention — specialised sectionHague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH)
Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.
Need a certified translation?
Signed Certificate of Accuracy with every order, a revise-free-or-refund acceptance guarantee, optional notarization and e-apostille — delivered in 24–48 hours.