In New Zealand, the process of obtaining an apostille follows the guidelines of the Hague Apostille Convention, of which New Zealand is a member. The apostille is used to authenticate documents for international use in countries that are also parties to the Hague Convention.
Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in New Zealand:
- Determine the Document Type: Documents that can be apostilled in New Zealand include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Notarized documents (e.g., powers of attorney, affidavits)
- Court decisions and other official documents issued by state authorities
- Obtain the Document: The document must be issued by an official New Zealand authority. For example:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by New Zealand Births, Deaths and Marriages.
- Academic diplomas issued by universities or educational institutions in New Zealand.
- Notarized documents from licensed New Zealand notaries.
- Official documents issued by government bodies or courts.
- Notarization (if required): If your document requires notarization (such as powers of attorney, contracts, etc.), it must first be notarized by a licensed New Zealand notary public before it can be apostilled.
- Submit the Document to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA): In New Zealand, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is responsible for issuing apostilles. The DIA handles apostille requests for documents issued by New Zealand authorities. You will need to submit your documents to the Department of Internal Affairs for apostille processing.
- Complete the Apostille Application Form: When submitting your document, you will need to complete an apostille application form. This form can be obtained from the DIA’s website or the office where you are submitting your request.
- Pay the Apostille Fee: There is a processing fee for obtaining an apostille in New Zealand. The fee is typically paid at the time of submission. As of now, the fee is approximately NZD 20 per document.
- Processing Time:
- In-person submissions: Apostille processing typically takes 1–2 business days.
- By mail: If submitting by mail, processing may take 5–7 business days, depending on postal delivery times and volume.
- Collect the Apostilled Document: After the apostille is applied, you can collect the apostilled document from the Department of Internal Affairs, or it can be mailed back to you if you submitted your request by post.
Key Points:
- New Zealand is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents apostilled in New Zealand are valid in other countries that are also members of the convention and vice versa.
- The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is the central authority for issuing apostilles for documents in New Zealand.
- Foreign documents must be apostilled in their country of origin before they can be used in New Zealand.
Documents and Information You Will Need:
- The original document you want to have apostilled.
- A completed apostille application form.
- Proof of identity (passport or national ID card may be required).
- Payment for the apostille fee.
Where to Go for Apostille in New Zealand:
- Department of Internal Affairs (DIA):
- Address: Department of Internal Affairs, 45 Pipitea Street, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Phone: +64 4 474 7900
- Website: Department of Internal Affairs – New Zealand
For the most up-to-date information on fees, application forms, and processing times, it is best to contact the Department of Internal Affairs directly or visit their official website.