Document Translation Requirement for NZ Immigration

Translation requirements by visa type

In New Zealand, the process of document translation for immigration varies depending on the visa type. Here's what you should know: 

Residence visa applications

All supporting documents must be in English if you are applying for a residence visa in New Zealand. If the document is in a foreign language, you must provide a certified English translation of it. The certified translation must be performed by an authorised individual or business in accordance with immigration translation requirements. Fulfilling this requirement ensures that your application is accepted and not delayed. 

Visitor visa applications

As of 26 May 2025, visitor visa applications in New Zealand no longer require certified English translations. However, you must still provide an English translation of all supporting documents. The translation must be done by a professional translator, a company, or other authorised individuals. It must include the translator's details, qualifications, or experience. 

Other NZ visa application 

Other visa applications for New Zealand still follow the rules for certified translations. That means you must provide certified translations of supporting documents as requested by the immigration officers. 

Note: The immigration document translation requirements are subject to change at any time. Always confirm on the official website to know which documents need translation. 

Certified vs. non-certified translations

Certified translations refer to translated documents that are accompanied by a formal certification statement, issued by a professional translator or translation company. The signed statement, also called a certificate of translation accuracy, confirms:

• The translation is accurate and complete.
• The translation was done by a competent translator.
• The document is an accurate representation of the original.

The translated document for NZ immigration will also include

• The translator's or translation company's details, such as name, signature, and contact information
• Translation date
• The translation company or translator’s official stamp or letterhead.

In contrast, non-certified translations don't require the signed declaration. However, it must meet the following requirements; 

• Must be accurate and complete with no omissions or additions
• Done by someone proficient in both languages.
• Clearly state the translator’s name, contact details, and, ideally, their qualifications or relevant experience.
• Accompanied by the original document or a copy.

Submitting a certified or non-certified translation depends on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, you can use a non-certified document translation for immigration if you are applying for a visitor's visa. However, if you are processing a permanent residency visa, you must provide certified English translations of all supporting documents not in English (e.g., birth certificates, police certificates, marriage licenses).

New Zealand requirements for translated documents

New Zealand authorities do not translate documents on behalf of applicants. Below are the translation requirements for New Zealand:

1. All translations must be completed by a professional translator or translation company, immigration advisor, or community member with proven experience translating documents for NZ immigration.  
2. The document must be translated into English. That means if you have a Spanish birth certificate, you must translate it into English for the NZ visa application.
3. You don't need certified translations when applying for a visitor's visa. 
4. Translations must be accurate and credible

Who cannot translate your documents?

• You or members of your family
•  Your immigration adviser 

Translayte provides certified translation for immigration that is accurate and accepted by NZ immigration officials, with rates as low as $31.75 per page. You can request a free quote or get an estimate, and we will deliver your translation accordingly.

Translator information you must include

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Information about their qualifications and experience shows they can understand English and the translated language.
• The official stamp and signature must be on the document translation (If certified).

Document that requires translation for NZ immigration

Several types of documents may require translation for New Zealand immigration, including:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Divorce document
• Change of Name
• Police certificates
• Identification documents
• Proof of funds (e.g., bank statements, pay records)
• Flight itineraries
• Proof of employment
• Medical record
• Leave of absence documentation
• Hukou for Chinese nationals

Note: Selective translations, which translate only the necessary information, are available for specific documents, while others may require full translations. For instance, the immigration officers can accept selective translation for name change certificates, but police certificates generally require full translation.  

Submitting your original foreign language documents

When applying for a NZ visa, you must provide your original foreign documents and their translations. You can submit these documents online or in a paper form. For online applications, you must submit clear, scanned copies of the original documents and any translated documents. You may not need to submit an original document or its certified copy in the following situations:

• If NZ immigration authorities asked for uncertified copies in their form or guide
• If you submitted a legible scan of the original document in the online form
• If you submitted a legible copy of the original document for a temporary entry visa

Always confirm with the immigration website or your travel adviser to ensure you provide the proper documents. 

Using the correct name spelling & declaring other names

If you are applying for a visa or engaging in other immigration activities in New Zealand, your name plays a crucial role in verification and identification. Therefore, having the correct name in all documents is essential, mainly when translating into English. Here are some requirements 

• Check your passport to see if your name is written in English. Ask your translator to use this spelling when they translate your documents.
• If a translator used a different spelling of your name in your translated documents, you must include this spelling of your name in the 'other names' section of the visa application form

Meeting these requirements allows immigration officers to verify if you have used other names that appear in your translated documents. It also eliminates any delays due to different names appearing in your documents. 

Get document translation for NZ immigration from Translayte 

When it comes to New Zealand immigration, ensuring your documents are professionally translated and properly certified is a requirement. Mistakes or unofficial translations can delay your visa or even lead to rejection.

Translayte offers fast, accurate document translations accepted by immigration officers in New Zealand with rates starting from $31.75 per page. Our translations include all necessary details, such as certification statements, translator credentials, and official stamps, which ensure compliance. 

Need document translations for New Zealand immigration? Request a quote to get started