In Niue, the process of obtaining an apostille follows the guidelines of the Hague Apostille Convention, of which Niue is a member. Niue, as a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, applies the apostille process through New Zealand authorities.
Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in Niue:
- Determine the Document Type: Documents that can be apostilled in Niue 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 Niuean authority or a New Zealand authority (if it pertains to documents like academic certificates issued in New Zealand). For example:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by Niue’s Civil Registry.
- Academic diplomas issued by educational institutions in Niue or New Zealand.
- Notarized documents from licensed Niuean notaries.
- Official documents issued by government bodies or courts in Niue.
- Notarization (if required): If your document requires notarization (such as powers of attorney, contracts, etc.), it must first be notarized by a licensed Niuean notary public before it can be apostilled.
- Submit the Document to New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA): While Niue is a self-governing territory, the apostille process for Niuean documents is handled through New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), as Niue is in free association with New Zealand. You will need to submit your documents to the Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand 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 Department of Internal Affairs website or through their offices.
- 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, which is approximately NZD 20 per document.
- Processing Time:
- In-person submissions: Apostille processing typically takes 1–2 business days if submitted in person at the DIA.
- 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 in New Zealand, or it can be mailed back to you if you submitted your request by post.
Key Points:
- Niue is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents apostilled through New Zealand are valid in other countries that are also members of the convention.
- The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in New Zealand is responsible for issuing apostilles for Niuean-issued documents.
- Foreign documents must be apostilled in their country of origin before they can be used in Niue.
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 for Niue:
- Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), New Zealand:
- 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.