Countries in the Apostille Convention, including India, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Croatia, the UK, Australia, the US, Japan and most of Europe, take an apostille on New Zealand documents. Countries outside it, such as the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia and Qatar, need authentication and usually an embassy step. We confirm the route for free, order and prepare the documents, and deliver them. Apostille all in from NZ$116, authentication from NZ$205.
Which countries take what
| Country | Route from New Zealand | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| India | Apostille | Documents for India |
| Philippines | Apostille (since 2019) | Documents for the Philippines |
| Vietnam | Apostille (since 11 September 2026) | Documents for Vietnam |
| China, Hong Kong, Macau | Apostille (mainland China since 7 November 2023) | Documents for China |
| South Korea | Apostille | E-2 visa documents for Korea |
| Italy | Apostille + Italian translation | Italian citizenship documents |
| Ireland (Foreign Births Register) | Original certificates, no apostille | Irish citizenship by descent |
| Croatia | Apostille | Croatian citizenship documents |
| Australia | Usually none for use in Australia | NZ documents in Australia |
| UK, US, Canada, Japan, most of Europe | Apostille | Apostille NZ |
| United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) | Authentication + UAE Embassy and MOFA attestation | UAE attestation from NZ |
| Thailand, Malaysia, Qatar | Authentication + embassy step | Document Authentication |
Countries join the Convention from time to time, and Vietnam is the latest. We confirm the current route for your country before quoting.
How it works with us
- Tell us the countryAnd what the document is for.
- Free route checkApostille or authentication.
- We order or prepareBDM certificates, notary, police certificate.
- Apostille or authenticationIncluding any embassy step.
- DeliveredIn NZ or overseas.
Same country, different office, different list
Knowing the route is only half of it. A consulate, an employer and a registry in the same country can each ask for different documents, a different certificate type, or a certificate issued within a set time. Most refusals come from those details, not from the apostille itself.
That's what our country guides cover: what each country's offices actually ask for, and what we take care of for you. If your country isn't listed yet, we still handle it. Ask us.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my country needs an apostille or authentication?
Countries in the Apostille Convention take an apostille. Others need authentication and usually an embassy step. Tell us the country and we confirm the route for free.
Does Vietnam accept an apostille now?
Yes. Vietnam joined the Apostille Convention, effective 11 September 2026. NZ documents for Vietnam now take an apostille instead of embassy legalisation.
Does China accept an apostille?
Yes. Mainland China has accepted apostilles since 7 November 2023. Hong Kong and Macau accepted them before that.
Which countries need authentication instead?
Countries outside the Convention, such as the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia and Qatar. We handle the authentication and the embassy step. From NZ$205.
What if my country isn't listed?
We still handle it. Tell us the country and the document and we confirm the route and quote all in.
Can you send documents directly overseas?
Yes. We courier to you in New Zealand or straight to the overseas office, employer or family member. Living abroad yourself? See how we order NZ certificates from overseas.
Sources
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.