To be apostilled in New Zealand, a document has to meet the Department of Internal Affairs' rules for that type of document, and often the receiving country's own conditions as well. Some documents go as originals, some must be notarised first, some need a newly issued certificate, and some countries need authentication instead of an apostille. We work out which rules apply to yours, prepare it and lodge it with DIA. All in from NZ$116.
Why there's no simple checklist
What your document needs depends on four things at once. This is exactly the part we take off your hands:
The type of document
Certificates, court orders, education records and private documents such as powers of attorney each have their own rule. What works for one is refused for another.
The country it's going to
Some countries accept an apostille, others need authentication. Many overseas offices also add their own conditions, such as how recent a certificate must be.
The form it's in
Original, copy, PDF or printout, and who certified it. A document in the wrong form is returned, even if everything else is right.
What it's being used for
A visa, a marriage, a job or a property deal overseas can each come with extra requirements, such as a translation or a specific format.
Documents we get apostilled
| 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 | Certified copy and apostille | Passport copy |
| Company documents | Companies Office documents prepared and lodged | — |
| Private and medical documents | Notary appointment, apostille and delivery | Notary + Apostille |
A birth certificate was too old for a visa
A client's certificate was 8 months old, but his visa needed one under 6 months. We caught it before the apostille, so he ordered a new one and started right. Read the case.
Why documents get sent back
DIA doesn't fix mistakes or call you to sort them out. It returns the application and you start again. These are the most common reasons:
- The wrong version of the document was sent
- The document was certified by the wrong person
- The certificate is older than the overseas office allows
- An apostille was requested for a country that needs authentication
- Paper or e-apostille chosen when the office wants the other
- A translation wasn't done in a way DIA accepts
Apostille or authentication? It depends on the country
Many common destinations accept an apostille, including the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Canada, most of Europe, China, India, Japan and the Philippines. Others, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Thailand and Egypt, need authentication instead, which is a longer process with more steps. A few also need their own embassy involved. We confirm the right route for your exact country before anything is lodged. See Apostille vs Authentication.
Does the certificate need to be recent?
DIA itself doesn't set an age limit, but many overseas offices do, often 3 or 6 months for birth and marriage certificates. As an Approved BDM Online organisation, we can order a fresh certificate before lodging, so you don't have to.
How long it takes
DIA's standard service takes about 3 weeks. Urgent processing, for documents that qualify, takes about 1 week. A new certificate or a notary appointment adds some time before lodging, and courier time comes on top. Tell us your deadline when you ask for a quote and we'll tell you straight away whether it's achievable.
What it costs
All in from NZ$116, including DIA's government fee and GST. Original documents 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 type and the country it's for.
- Get your quoteOne all-in price, before any work starts.
- We deal with DIAChecks, notary or new certificate if needed, lodgement.
- DeliveredBack to you by courier, or emailed as an e-apostille.
Requirements differ by destination. See our guides to apostille requirements for India, documents for the Philippine Embassy, apostille requirements for Vietnam and apostille requirements for China, or NZ documents by country. The UAE does not take an apostille: see UAE document attestation from NZ. More country guides: apostille for teaching in Korea, Italian citizenship documents and Irish citizenship by descent paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Which New Zealand documents can be apostilled?
Most NZ public documents: birth, death, marriage and civil union certificates, criminal records, education records, court orders and company documents. Private documents such as powers of attorney can also be apostilled once they are properly prepared, which we arrange.
Do I need the original document for an apostille?
It depends on the document. Some must be originals, some must be notarised copies and a few can be plain copies. Send us the document type and country and we will tell you exactly what applies to yours.
Can a JP-certified copy be apostilled?
Usually not. Where DIA requires a certified copy, it has to be done by a Notary Public, not a JP. We can book the notary for you as part of the job.
How much does an apostille cost in NZ?
Through us, all in from NZ$116 for an e-apostille, including DIA's government fee and GST. Your quote confirms the exact total before any work starts.
How long does an apostille take in NZ?
About 3 weeks with DIA's standard service, or about 1 week urgent where the document is eligible, plus courier time. Tell us your deadline and we will tell you whether it is achievable.
Can I get an NZ apostille if I live overseas?
Yes. We handle everything here in New Zealand and courier the finished document to you, or email an e-apostille where your country accepts one.
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.