DIA issues apostilles in two formats: a paper apostille, a certificate attached to your document with a ribbon and embossed seal, and an e-apostille, a secure PDF sent by email. Which one you need depends on the office receiving it, not on you. Pick the wrong one and you start again. We confirm the right format, check your document and lodge it for you. E-apostille all in from NZ$116.
Paper vs e-apostille, side by side
| Paper apostille | E-apostille | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A certificate attached to your document with a ribbon and embossed seal | A secure PDF |
| Delivery | Courier, in NZ or overseas | |
| Processing | The same for both | The same for both |
| Good for | Handing in at a registry or consulate, offices that want a physical document | Online portals and offices that confirm they accept it |
| Authentication countries | Paper route only | Not available |
Doing it yourself vs letting us handle it
| On your own | With NZ Document Assist | |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing the format | Guess, or try to get a straight answer from an overseas office | We confirm what that office accepts before lodging |
| The document itself | Work out DIA's rules for your document | Checked by our specialist before it goes in |
| If it's wrong | Apply again, pay again, wait again | Caught before anything is lodged |
| Getting it to you | Arrange couriers or chase emails | Emailed, or couriered anywhere in the world |
Is an e-apostille faster?
DIA's processing time is the same for both, about 3 weeks. The e-apostille saves the delivery time at the end, which matters most if you're overseas, because international courier can add several days.
Can every country use an e-apostille?
Only apostille countries, and only offices within them that accept electronic documents. Countries that need authentication instead, such as the UAE or Thailand, go through a paper route. We confirm the right route for your exact country. See Apostille vs Authentication.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the e-apostille without confirmation that it's accepted
- Printing the PDF and handing in a printout where the office wanted paper
- Requesting an e-apostille for a country that needs authentication
- Assuming an e-apostille changes what DIA needs from the document itself
What it costs
E-apostille all in from NZ$116, including DIA's government fee and GST, with no courier cost for the apostille. Paper apostilles returned by courier, notarised documents and urgent service cost more. Your quote shows one all-in price before any work starts. See pricing.
How it works with us
- Send us the detailsDocument, country and the office receiving it.
- Get your quoteRight format confirmed, one all-in price.
- We deal with DIAChecks, notary if needed, lodgement.
- DeliveredEmailed as a PDF, or couriered on paper.
Some schools insist on paper: check your list for E-2 visa documents for Korea.
Frequently asked questions
What is an e-apostille in NZ?
An apostille issued by DIA as a secure PDF and emailed, instead of a paper certificate attached to the document.
Is an e-apostille faster than a paper apostille?
DIA's processing time is the same for both, about 3 weeks. The e-apostille saves the courier time at the end, because it is emailed.
Do all countries accept an e-apostille?
No. Only apostille countries can use one, and individual offices within them decide whether they accept electronic apostilles. We confirm this before lodging.
Can I get an e-apostille for the UAE or Thailand?
No. Those countries need authentication instead of an apostille, which is done on paper.
What if the office refuses my e-apostille?
You would need a paper apostille, which means applying again and waiting again. That is why we confirm the format before anything is lodged.
How much does an e-apostille cost through you?
All in from NZ$116, including DIA's government fee and GST, with no courier cost for the apostille. Your quote confirms the exact total before any work starts.
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.