Certified Document Translations Accepted Across New Zealand
If you're submitting your documents for an official application in New Zealand and your documents are not in English, you’ll need to provide a certified translation of your documents to support your application.
A certified translation ensures that your documents are legally recognised by public authorities, universities, courts, and embassies. Without one, your application may be delayed, rejected, or considered incomplete.
Certified translations are required in a wide range of situations, including Immigration New Zealand (INZ) visa and residency applications, passport renewals, name changes, and citizenship submissions. You also need them when submitting foreign diplomas or transcripts to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or submitting documents to the court.
Our certified translations are prepared by qualified translators experienced in legal, academic, and immigration documentation. Each project is reviewed for accuracy and formatted to match official requirements, so your documents are legally valid for use.
Every translation comes with a signed Certificate of Accuracy, confirming that it is a true and accurate representation of the original document. Where required, we can also provide notarisation or legalisation to support international use.
Why Certified Translations Are Required in New Zealand
You need certified translations when you’re submitting foreign-language documents to New Zealand authorities, educational institutions, or professional bodies.
Below are the most common scenarios where certified translations are required in New Zealand:
Immigration and Visa Applications (INZ): Immigration New Zealand requires certified English translations of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, and bank statements for all visa or residency applications.
Citizenship and Passport Applications (DIA): The Department of Internal Affairs requests certified translations for foreign-language documents submitted for citizenship, name changes, or passport renewals.
Study and Qualification Recognition (NZQA & Universities): Students submitting overseas academic credentials for admission or for qualification assessment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) must provide certified translations of transcripts, diplomas, and certificates.
Professional Registration and Licensing: Healthcare professionals, engineers, teachers, and other licensed specialists must submit certified translations of qualifications and reference letters to boards such as the Medical Council of New Zealand or Engineering New Zealand.
Legal and Court Proceedings: The Ministry of Justice and New Zealand courts require certified translations for evidence, affidavits, contracts, and identity documents written in another language.
Business and Corporate Filings: Companies dealing with international partners or cross-border contracts may need certified translations for incorporation papers, financial statements, and legal agreements submitted to the Companies Office or Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Medical and Insurance Use: Hospitals, insurers, and healthcare providers may ask for certified translations of medical reports, prescriptions, or vaccination records for accurate treatment and claim processing.
Authorities That Accept Our Certified Translations in New Zealand
Our certified translations are fully compliant with the requirements of key New Zealand authorities, including:
1. Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
If you’re applying for a visa, residency, or work permit, you must submit English translations of your documents in a foreign language, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or police clearances.
2. Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)
The DIA is the authority responsible for passport renewals, name changes, and citizenship applications. When submitting supporting documents, you’ll need certified English translations.
3. New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
If you’re an international student or professional who wants recognition of your qualifications in New Zealand, you’ll need certified translations of your academic documents.
4. New Zealand Courts & Ministry of Justice
In legal situations, you’ll need certified translations for court documents such as evidence, affidavits, contracts, or identification documents written in another language.
5. Professional Registration & Licensing Bodies
Local boards such as the Medical Council of New Zealand or the Engineering New Zealand Board require certified translations of your qualifications to validate credentials accurately.
6. Government Agencies & Tax Departments
When dealing with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) or other ministries, you’ll also need translated financial records or contracts to meet New Zealand’s compliance and reporting standards.
Our translators follow official standards set by these institutions, ensuring that your translated documents are accepted without question.
Documents We Translate in New Zealand
We provide document translation (whakawhitiwhiti reo tuhinga) services for a wide range of official documents used in New Zealand and abroad. These include;
Civil Status Documents (DIA): Birth certificates, Marriage certificates, Divorce decrees, Death certificates, Name change certificates.
Academic & Professional Documents (NZQA): Academic transcripts, University diplomas and degrees, Professional qualifications, Teacher registration documents
Legal & Court Use (Ministry of Justice): Affidavits and witness statements, Power of attorney documents, Contracts and agreements, Court orders and evidence translations
Business & Corporate Documents: Company registration and incorporation papers, Tax records and financial statements, Annual reports, Shareholder or partnership agreements
Medical & Insurance Documents: Medical reports, Vaccination and immunisation records, Health insurance and claim documents.
Need to translate any of your documents? Upload it now for a free quote.
Certified Translation Services for All Languages
At Translayte, we provide certified translations in over 150 languages, ensuring that your documents are accepted across New Zealand and internationally.
Whether you need an Arabic-to-English translation for a visa application, a Chinese diploma translated for NZQA assessment, or a Samoan birth certificate certified for the DIA, our team has the expertise to assist you.
Some of the most requested languages in New Zealand include:
Samoan
Tongan
Māori
Each translation is completed by a professional translator fluent in both languages and reviewed through our multi-step quality assurance process.
Request a free quote now, fast, secure, and guaranteed acceptance.
How to Order a Certified Translation in New Zealand
Navigate to "Check Prices & Place Order" on the top right side of this page.
Select "Certified Translation."
Select the source and target languages, respectively.
Upload the official document you need to be translated.
If you want expedited services, select that option. Provide any extra instructions after this.
Select the type of certification you require (Also indicate if you need notarisation or apostille services.)
Click "PROCEED TO ORDER"
Make the payment securely online. Once your order is placed, our team will assign it to a professional translator, and you'll receive the translated document via email or post within the specified timeframe.
Our Certified Translation Services in New Zealand
We offer a complete range of translation services in New Zealand, designed to meet the standards of local authorities, institutions, and businesses. These include;
Certified Translation
For official documents such as birth certificates, passports, and marriage certificates. Every translation includes a Certificate of Accuracy, confirming it’s a true and faithful copy of the original, accepted by INZ, DIA, NZQA, and New Zealand courts.
Sworn Translation
Some legal or governmental processes require a sworn translator in New Zealand to officially attest to the accuracy of a document. Our sworn translations are prepared and signed by qualified translators with a formal declaration of authenticity.
Legal Translation
We provide legal translation services in New Zealand for contracts, court submissions, compliance records, and affidavits. Every translation is handled by specialists familiar with legal terminology and formatting requirements.
Academic Translation
For students and professionals seeking qualification recognition from NZQA or local universities. We translate transcripts, diplomas, and academic certificates accurately and in the correct format.
Business & Corporate Translation
Expand your business internationally with professionally translated company documents, financial statements, annual reports, and tax records. We ensure compliance with New Zealand corporate and financial standards.
Medical Translation
For patients, clinics, and insurance providers, we translate medical reports, prescriptions, vaccination cards, and insurance claims.
Website & Marketing Translation
Reach New Zealand’s multilingual audience by translating your website, marketing content, and promotional materials into the languages your customers speak. Our translators adapt your message with cultural nuance and clarity.
Certified Translation Pricing
At Translayte, we believe certified translations should be transparent, affordable, and accessible to everyone. Our cost for certified translation services in New Zealand starts at $24.99 per page, with the final price depending on the language pair, document type, and turnaround time.
Whether you need a single-page birth certificate translated for a visa application or a full set of legal documents for a court submission, we offer competitive rates and express delivery options to suit your needs.
For urgent cases, we also provide express translation and same-day delivery for many document types.
Why Choose Translayte for Certified Translations in New Zealand?
Choosing the right translation service is critical when your documents determine the success of a visa, business application, or legal process. Here’s why thousands trust Translayte:
Guaranteed Acceptance: Our translations are officially recognised and accepted by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), and New Zealand courts. Each translation includes a Certificate of Accuracy, ensuring your documents meet all formal requirements for government, academic, or legal use.
Expertise: Translayte is a global translation agency with a team of highly experienced translators across various industries and languages. We guarantee that our professional translation services are completed by certified native translators fluent in both the original and source language, capturing every nuance and ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s official standards.
Confidentiality: We take data privacy and security seriously. All our team members are bound by strict non-disclosure agreements, and we implement the latest encryption technologies to protect your files and information.
Fast Turnaround: We offer express translation services in as little as 24 hours without compromising accuracy or quality. Our global network operates across multiple time zones, so your translations are completed quickly and delivered right on schedule.
Native Speakers: All translations are performed by native speakers delivering highly accurate, legally compliant, certified translations in New Zealand that are stamped and signed for official use.
Fast Digital Ordering and Secure Document Handling: You can easily upload your document(s) online through our secure platform for translation. We accept documents in any format: PDF, JPG, DOC, etc. We guarantee the confidentiality and protection of your documents from submission to delivery.
Quality Assurance: We follow a rigorous, multi-step quality assurance process, including multiple rounds of proofreading and editing to ensure your translations are accurate, clear, and culturally appropriate.
Personalised Service: We value our clients and are dedicated to providing personalised attention to each project. Our responsive customer support team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and answer any questions you may have.