The destination country decides. Countries in the Hague Apostille Convention, such as the UK, Australia, the US, China and the Philippines, take an apostille. Countries outside it, such as the UAE, Thailand and Malaysia, need authentication, a longer process through several government offices and, for some countries, the embassy too. Choose wrong and you lose the fee and the weeks. We confirm the right route for your country, handle every step and deliver it. Apostille all in from NZ$116, authentication from NZ$205.
How it works with us
Whichever route your country needs, you deal with one contact.
- Tell us the countryWe confirm the right route, free.
- Notary or new certificateOnly if needed. We arrange it.
- We lodge and follow upApostille or authentication, checked first.
- Embassy stepOnly for some countries. We handle it.
- Tracked deliveryBack to you in NZ or straight overseas.
Apostille vs authentication, side by side
| Apostille | Authentication | |
|---|---|---|
| For | Hague Convention countries | Countries outside the Hague Convention |
| How involved | One government office | Several offices, and the embassy for some countries |
| Typical time | About 3 weeks, about 1 week urgent | About 3 weeks, longer where an embassy is involved |
| E-apostille | Available | No, paper only |
| All in with us | From NZ$116 | From NZ$205, embassy countries quoted |
What is an apostille?
A certificate from the Department of Internal Affairs confirming the signature, seal or stamp on a New Zealand document, accepted by every country in the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. It comes as a paper certificate or an e-apostille. See Apostille NZ.
What is authentication?
The route for countries outside the Hague Convention, sometimes called legalisation. It passes through more than one government office, and some countries also need their embassy to legalise it. See Document Authentication.
Can I get an apostille instead of an authentication?
No. A country outside the Hague Convention will not accept an apostille, and a Hague country does not need authentication. Lodging the wrong one costs the fee and the weeks it took, which is why we confirm the route before anything is lodged.
Which countries need which?
| Route | Common destinations |
|---|---|
| Apostille | United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Croatia, Serbia, Philippines, India, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, South Africa |
| Authentication | United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, Taiwan, Nigeria |
| Authentication + embassy | Iraq, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and others |
The lists change. China and Vietnam, for example, now take an apostille, so older advice telling you to authenticate for them is out of date. We confirm the route for your exact country every time.
Does the document need a notary first?
For both routes, some documents go as originals and others need a Notary Public first. A JP won't do where a notary is required. Tell us what you have and we'll tell you, and book the notary if needed. See Notary + Apostille.
Mistakes that cost weeks
- Getting an apostille for the UAE, Thailand or Malaysia
- Following old advice for China or Vietnam
- Planning an embassy-route deadline around the standard timeframe
- Choosing an e-apostille for a country that needs authentication
- Using a JP where a notary is required
Not sure which applies? See apostille or authentication by country. Vietnam now takes an apostille instead of legalisation, and so does China, since November 2023. The UAE is the most common authentication country we handle: see UAE embassy and MOFA attestation.
Frequently asked questions
Is an apostille the same as authentication?
No. Both verify a New Zealand document for overseas use, but an apostille is for Hague Convention countries and authentication is for the rest. The destination decides, and we confirm it for you free.
Which countries need authentication instead of an apostille?
Countries outside the Hague Convention, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Egypt. Some, such as Iraq, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda, also need an embassy step.
Does China accept an apostille from New Zealand?
Yes. China now accepts an apostille, so authentication is no longer needed for China.
How much does an apostille or authentication cost in NZ?
With us, an apostille is all in from NZ$116 and authentication from NZ$205, including government fees and GST. Countries that need an embassy step are quoted all in before any work starts.
How long does authentication take?
For most countries, about 3 weeks, or about 1 week urgent where eligible. Countries that need an embassy step have no set timeframe. Tell us your deadline and we will tell you whether it is achievable.
Can an e-apostille be used for authentication countries?
No. E-apostilles are only for apostille countries. Authentication is done on paper.
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.