Certified Translation Accepted by New Zealand Immigration

Documents submitted to New Zealand immigration authorities must be in English. If a document is not originally issued in English, an English translation must be provided with the application. Translation requirements are set by Immigration New Zealand and depend on the visa category.

When translations are required in New Zealand
An English translation is required for any document that is not in English and is submitted as part of a New Zealand visa or immigration application. Documents originally issued in English do not need to be translated.

This requirement applies to supporting documents submitted online or in paper form.

Do translations need to be certified for New Zealand immigration
Certification requirements depend on the type of visa.
For residence visas and most non-visitor visa categories, translations must be certified.
For visitor visa applications, certified translations are not required, but an English translation is still mandatory.
Even when certification is not required, the translation must be accurate, complete, and prepared by an independent third party.

Who can translate documents for a New Zealand visa
Translations must not be completed by:

• the visa applicant
• a family member of the applicant
• an immigration adviser involved in the application

Translations must be completed by a competent third party who can be clearly identified and who takes responsibility for the accuracy of the translation.

What a translation must include for New Zealand immigration
An English translation submitted to New Zealand immigration should include:

• a complete and accurate translation of the entire document
• identification of the translator or translation provider
• confirmation that the translation is accurate

For visa categories that require certification, the translation must include a formal certification statement confirming accuracy and completeness.

Visitor visa translation rules
For visitor visa applications:

• an English translation is required if the document is not in English
• certification is not required
• the translation must not be completed by the applicant, a family member, or an involved immigration adviser

The translator must be independent and clearly identifiable.

Residence and other visa translation requirements
For residence visas and most other non-visitor visa categories, certified translations are required when documents are not in English. These translations must meet formal certification standards and include a declaration confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.

Common documents that require translation for New Zealand immigration
The following documents commonly require English translation:

• birth certificates
• marriage and divorce certificates
• police certificates
• passports and identity documents
• academic diplomas and transcripts
• employment records and reference letters
• medical and vaccination records
• bank statements and affidavits

The exact documents required depend on the visa category and the individual application.

Common mistakes applicants make

• translating documents themselves
• using translations completed by family members
• submitting uncertified translations when certification is required
• submitting incomplete or partial translations
• omitting translator identification or accuracy confirmation

These issues can delay application processing.

Key clarification
Translation requirements for New Zealand are defined by New Zealand immigration authorities and depend on the visa category. They apply regardless of where the applicant lives or where the original document was issued.

Frequently asked questions
Do all documents need to be translated for New Zealand immigration?
Yes, if the document is not in English.
Are certified translations always required?
No. Certified translations are required for residence and most non-visitor visas, but not for visitor visas.
Can I translate my own documents?
No. Applicants are not permitted to translate their own documents.
Can a family member translate my documents?
No. Family members are not permitted to translate documents.
Are sworn translators required in New Zealand?
No. New Zealand does not require sworn translators for immigration applications.