Translations and Apostille

Sometimes a foreign authority will request a translation of an official government document or certificate. You can request a full translation by applying to the Department of Internal Affairs Translation Service.

For countries recognising apostille, documents/certificates will also need to be authenicated. Apostille should be requested from the Department of Internal Affairs. Most European countries adhere to the Hague Convention of Apostille.

The Department of Internal Affairs website also contains some useful information on authenification of documents.

Remember to include authority to pay for a courier from your credit card when requesting documentation from the Department of Internal Affairs.

If local authorities require it and because of processing times, the New Zealand Embassy may, on your behalf, provide a letter to local authorities that you have sought the documents they require while you are obtaining them in New Zealand.