NEW ZEALAND OVERSEAS DOCUMENTS GUIDE
Quick answer: New Zealand does not issue a document officially called a “police clearance certificate”. If an overseas authority asks for a police clearance, police record, police check or criminal check, the closest New Zealand equivalent is generally your criminal record from the Ministry of Justice. If the overseas country asks for that record to be apostilled, obtain the record first and then send it through the Department of Internal Affairs apostille process.
Is there a police clearance certificate in New Zealand?
No. Both New Zealand Police and the Ministry of Justice state that there is no document officially called a “police clearance certificate” in New Zealand.
For many overseas applications, a copy of your Ministry of Justice criminal record is the document that meets a request described as a police clearance, police record, police file, police check, penal check or criminal check.
Where do you get your New Zealand criminal record?
You can request your own criminal record from the New Zealand Ministry of Justice. Requesting your own record is currently free.
The Ministry says it endeavours to respond within 20 working days and that around 90% of requests are responded to in less than one week, although some applications take longer.
Do you need your full record of convictions?
Possibly. Under New Zealand's Clean Slate scheme, eligible convictions can be concealed automatically on a standard criminal record. The Ministry of Justice notes that a full record may sometimes be needed when travelling to certain countries.
Check with the relevant embassy, consulate or overseas authority before requesting the record so you know whether it requires the standard record or your full record of convictions. For the broader preparation process, see Documents for Overseas Use.
How to apostille a New Zealand criminal record
- Ask the overseas organisation what it requires. Confirm whether it wants a New Zealand criminal record and whether apostille certification is required.
- Request your criminal record. Obtain the appropriate record from the Ministry of Justice.
- Check the destination pathway. Confirm whether the country uses apostille or authentication.
- Prepare the DIA application. Follow the current Authentication Unit requirements and choose paper apostille or e-apostille if applicable.
- Submit the record for apostille. The Ministry of Justice directs people who need an apostilled criminal record to send the record they receive to the Department of Internal Affairs apostille service.
- Arrange delivery. Make sure the final document reaches the overseas authority in the format and manner it requires.
Apostille or authentication?
The destination country determines the pathway. Apostille countries use the apostille process. Other destinations may require Category A or Category B authentication.
See our Apostille vs Authentication NZ guide if you are unsure, and review NZ Apostille Requirements before preparing the document.
Police vetting vs Ministry of Justice criminal record
These are not the same service. Police vetting is primarily a New Zealand Police service for approved organisations. A Ministry of Justice criminal record check covers criminal convictions.
For visa purposes, New Zealand Police can process certain vetting requests and send the result directly to the government authority issuing the visa. Police also state that if you need to provide the result yourself or through a third party, you should request a Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check.
Can NZ Police arrange an apostille for visa vetting?
For an eligible Police Vetting Service request for visa purposes, NZ Police says that where authentication is required, the Vetting Service can send the result to the Department of Internal Affairs Authentication Unit. DIA can then carry out the apostille process and send the result to the relevant authority.
This is a distinct pathway from obtaining your own Ministry of Justice criminal record, so follow the overseas visa authority's instructions carefully.
Paper apostille or e-apostille?
New Zealand offers both paper and electronic apostilles. An e-apostille is supplied as a secure PDF, while a paper apostille is physically attached to the document package.
Ask the receiving overseas organisation which format it accepts. See our Paper Apostille vs E-Apostille NZ guide.
Current apostille fee and timeframe
The current New Zealand Government apostille fee is NZ$37 for one certificate, paper or electronic.
Standard apostille processing is currently within 15 working days. Eligible urgent apostille and e-apostille applications are processed within 5 working days for an additional government urgent-service fee of NZ$120.
This DIA processing time is separate from the time needed to obtain your criminal record from the Ministry of Justice.
What if the criminal record needs translation?
If the overseas organisation requires translation, check its requirements before arranging one. Translation can affect the document-preparation pathway, and urgent DIA processing is not available where translation is required.
See our Translation Coordination service.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Searching for a New Zealand “police clearance certificate” as though it were a separate official document.
- Ordering the wrong type of criminal record without checking whether a full record is required.
- Confusing Police Vetting with a Ministry of Justice criminal record check.
- Assuming every country requires an apostille.
- Choosing paper or e-apostille without checking the receiving organisation's requirements.
- Leaving the criminal-record request too late and only allowing time for DIA processing.
Need help coordinating your criminal record apostille?
NZ Document Assist provides administrative document assistance and coordination. We can help you understand the document pathway, coordinate the apostille application, arrange translation or notary coordination where applicable, and assist with document-return logistics. You can see the stages on How It Works.
View Apostille Coordination Ask About Your Criminal Record
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a police clearance certificate in New Zealand?
New Zealand does not have a document officially called a police clearance certificate. For many overseas purposes, the equivalent document is your criminal record from the Ministry of Justice.
Is a New Zealand criminal record check free?
Yes. The Ministry of Justice currently states that requesting a copy of your own criminal record is free.
Can a New Zealand criminal record be apostilled?
Yes. The Ministry of Justice advises that if a country requires your record to be apostille-certified, you should send the record you receive from the Ministry to the Department of Internal Affairs apostille service.
Do I need a full criminal record for overseas use?
It depends on the destination and purpose. Some countries may require a full record, including convictions otherwise concealed under the Clean Slate scheme. Check with the relevant overseas authority.
How long will the whole process take?
Allow for two separate stages: obtaining the criminal record and then apostilling it. The Ministry of Justice says it endeavours to respond within 20 working days, with around 90% completed in less than one week. Standard DIA apostille processing is currently within 15 working days.