Most New Zealand documents used overseas need an apostille (Hague Convention countries) or authentication (other countries). Depending on the document, it may first need a new certificate, a Notary Public or a translation, in the right order. Get one step wrong and the document is sent back weeks later. We work out exactly what yours needs, handle every step and deliver it. All in from NZ$116.
How it works with us
You fill in one form. The dashed steps are only added if your document or country needs them.
- Tell us document and countryPlus any instructions you were given.
- We confirm the routeFree, before anything starts.
- Certificate or notaryWe order or book it for you.
- We lodge and follow upChecked first, standard or urgent.
- TranslationArranged at the right step.
- Tracked deliveryTo you in NZ or straight overseas.
What it costs
| Example | All in from |
|---|---|
| Original document apostilled | From NZ$116 all in |
| Birth certificate ordered, apostilled and sent to the UK | NZ$244 |
| Authentication (UAE, Thailand, Malaysia) | NZ$205 |
| Notarised documents, embassy countries, urgent, translation | Quoted all in |
Prices include government fees and GST. You see one total before any work starts. See pricing.
Documents we handle
| Document | What we take care of | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Order the right certificate, apostille, delivery | Birth certificate |
| Marriage certificate | Order the right certificate (not the wedding-day one), apostille, delivery | Marriage certificate |
| Certificate of No Impediment | Application, apostille or authentication, delivery | CNI |
| Criminal record | Request it with your authority, apostille, delivery | Criminal record |
| Degree, transcript, school record | Confirm if a notary is needed, book it, apostille | Education |
| Power of attorney | Notary appointment, apostille, delivery | Power of attorney |
| Divorce or dissolution order | Confirm the right document and form, apostille | Divorce papers |
| Passport copy | Notary appointment, apostille, delivery | Passport copy |
| Company and business documents | Confirm what's needed, apostille or authentication | Ask us |
The four terms you will see
Apostille: a government certificate that makes a NZ document valid in Hague Convention countries. Paper or electronic. See Apostille NZ.
Authentication: the longer route for countries outside the Hague Convention, sometimes with an embassy step. See Apostille vs Authentication.
Notarisation: a Notary Public certifies or witnesses the document first. A JP won't do where a notary is required. See JP vs Notary Public.
Translation: only if the overseas office asks, and it has to be done in an accepted way. See Translation.
How long it takes
About 3 weeks for most apostilles and authentications, or about 1 week urgent where eligible. Allow extra if a new certificate or a notary is needed. Countries that need an embassy step take longer. Tell us your deadline and we'll tell you straight away whether it's achievable.
Living overseas?
For most documents you don't need to be in New Zealand. We order certificates as an approved BDM Online organisation, handle every step here and courier the result to your overseas address. Documents that need a Notary Public in person are the exception; tell us your situation and we'll set out the options.
What to send us
- What the document is
- The country it is going to
- Any instructions from the overseas office (an email or checklist is ideal)
- Your deadline, if you have one
We reply with the route and one all-in quote. See How It Works.
Apostille or authentication? It depends on the country
| 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 |
We confirm the route for your exact country before anything is lodged. See Apostille vs Authentication.
A police certificate arrived too late, and the next appointment was 35 days away
A dual citizen booked a passport appointment at his birth country's consulate in Auckland. His NZ police certificate had not arrived by the day, and the next free appointment was five weeks later. Read what happened.
Country guides: NZ documents for India (OCI and property), NZ documents for the Philippines (Report of Birth, SPA), NZ documents for Vietnam, NZ documents for China and apostille or authentication by country. And for the Gulf: UAE attestation from New Zealand. More: E-2 visa documents for Korea, registering a NZ marriage or birth with Italy and Irish Foreign Births Register documents.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to use a New Zealand document overseas?
Usually an apostille (Hague Convention countries) or authentication (other countries). Some documents need a new certificate or a Notary Public first, and some countries also want a translation. We work out exactly what yours needs.
Can you help if I don't know what I need?
Yes. That is most of our clients. Tell us the document, the country and any instructions you have, and we confirm the route free and send one all-in quote.
How much does it cost to get a document ready for overseas?
From NZ$116 all in for an original document apostilled. A birth certificate ordered and sent to the UK is from NZ$244. Authentication is from NZ$205. Notarised documents are quoted all in.
How long does it take?
About 3 weeks for most documents, or about 1 week urgent where eligible. Allow extra time if a new certificate or a notary is needed.
Can you send the document straight overseas?
Yes. We can send it by tracked courier to you overseas or straight to the receiving office.
Do you give legal or immigration advice?
No. We handle the document process. For advice on a visa or legal matter, speak to a licensed immigration adviser or a lawyer.
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.