How do I get an apostille in New Zealand?
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) issues NZ apostilles. We prepare and lodge your application, arrange any required supporting services, and organise delivery. Start by telling us your document type, destination and deadline.
DIA processing times exclude document preparation and courier delivery.
What does your apostille service include?
We check, prepare, lodge and arrange delivery. Notarisation or certificate ordering is included in your quote when required.
- Tell us the documentAnd the country it's for.
- We check itAgainst DIA’s document requirements.
- Notary or new certificateOnly if needed. We arrange it.
- We lodge it with DIAStandard or eligible urgent processing.
- DeliveredBack to you in NZ, straight overseas, or by email.
Which documents can you help with?
| Document | What we handle | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Birth, death, marriage, civil union or name change certificate | Check the certificate, order a new one if needed, lodge and deliver | Birth · Marriage |
| Criminal record | Request the record and get it apostilled | Criminal record |
| Education records and diplomas | Confirm what DIA will accept, arrange notarising if needed | Education |
| Court documents and dissolution orders | Check the order and prepare it for DIA | Divorce papers |
| Power of attorney | Notary appointment, apostille and delivery | Power of attorney |
| NZ passport copy | Notarised copy and apostille | Passport copy |
| Company documents | Companies Office documents prepared and lodged | Ask about company documents |
| Private and medical documents | Notary appointment, apostille and delivery | Notary + Apostille |
What should I check before applying?
Check both DIA’s document requirements and the receiving office’s instructions.
- Whether an original or a notarised copy is required
- Any certificate issue-date limit set by the receiving office
- Whether the destination needs apostille or authentication
- Whether paper, e-apostille or translation is required
Paper apostille or e-apostille?
Use the format accepted by the receiving office. Paper is attached to the document; an e-apostille is emailed as a secure PDF. Electronic delivery does not remove any requirement to submit an original. Compare paper and e-apostilles.
How long does an apostille take in New Zealand?
DIA publishes processing times of 15 working days for standard applications and 5 working days for eligible urgent applications. Allow extra time for certificate ordering, notarisation and courier delivery.
Urgent applications must be complete and correct, with no translation required. Tell us your deadline so we can confirm eligibility and an estimated delivery date.
How much does your apostille service cost?
| Service | Price from | Included |
|---|---|---|
| E-apostille by email | NZ$116 | Standard DIA fee and email delivery. Physical delivery extra. |
| Apostille with NZ courier return | NZ$148 | Standard DIA fee and return courier for your suitable original. |
Certificate ordering, notarisation, translation, urgent processing and overseas delivery are quoted when required. See all prices.
Why clients choose us
- 15 years’ consular experience
- Approved BDM Online organisation: we order fresh certificates directly
- A quote confirming services and total cost
- Notary, translation and courier arranged in the right order
- Tracked courier delivery
Does my destination need apostille or authentication?
The destination determines the certification route. We check it against the DIA country guidance and your recipient’s instructions. Compare apostille and authentication.
Can you help if I live overseas?
Yes. We can arrange the NZ application and overseas delivery. If your document requires an original, you may need to send it to NZ. For NZ birth, death and marriage certificates, we can order a replacement here.
Where your document is going changes what it needs. See our guides to apostille for India, apostille for the Philippines, apostille for Vietnam and apostille for China, or check which countries take an apostille.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues apostilles in New Zealand?
DIA’s Authentication Unit issues apostilles. NZ Document Assist prepares and lodges applications on clients’ behalf.
Does my document need a notary first?
It depends on the document. Original NZ birth and marriage certificates can go directly to DIA. Documents such as powers of attorney require notarisation. We check the requirement before arranging an appointment.
Can I apply directly to DIA?
Yes. You can prepare and submit your own application. Our service covers document checks, lodgement and coordination of any additional services in your quote.
Official sources checked 12 October 2026: DIA processing and country guidance and document requirements.
NZ Document Assist Limited is an independent company, not a government agency. We are not a law firm, Notary Public or licensed immigration adviser and do not give legal or immigration advice.