Certified Translation Services for New Zealand

Get an instant certified translation


Need a certified translation for New Zealand? Certling provides certified translations into English for immigration, qualifications, official applications, and other formal use in New Zealand.

For many New Zealand applications, documents not in English must be translated. In some cases, a certified translation is required. In others, a full translation is still required even if formal certification is not. Certling helps you get the right type of translation for your application.

What is a certified translation for New Zealand?

In New Zealand, a certified translation is generally a translation completed by a competent translator or translation business and confirmed as a correct translation. Immigration New Zealand says certified translations should, where possible, be on the translation business’s official letterhead, be certified as correct by the translator, and be stamped or signed by the translator or translation business.

Certling provides certified translations prepared for official use in New Zealand, with clear certification and translator details where required.

Photo by Callum Parker

Immigration and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Applications

Immigration New Zealand requires translations for documents that are not in English when applying for visas or residency. Depending on the visa type, a certified translation may be required. Translations should meet the following criteria:

  • Include a statement from the translator or translation agency confirming it is an accurate translation of the original document.

  • Be signed and dated by the translator or agency representative.

  • Include the printed name of the translator or agency representative.

  • Include the translator’s contact details (address, telephone number, or email).

  • For visitor visa applications, translations must not be completed by the applicant, a family member, or an immigration adviser, and should include details of the translator’s qualifications or experience.

  • For residence visa applications, police certificates, and medical certificates, certified translations are required.

Certling ensures your translations meet all Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requirements.

Education

New Zealand universities and qualification authorities often require documents to be in English for assessment. Certified translations of diplomas, transcripts, and academic records may be required for official recognition. Certling provides reliable translations suitable for submission in New Zealand.

Legal

For legal matters in New Zealand, including court proceedings or official documentation, translations must be accurate and clearly presented. Certified translations are often required to ensure acceptance by authorities. Certling ensures legal terminology is translated accurately and appropriately.

Government & Other Authorities

Certified translations may be required for dealing with government departments, registering life events, or accessing public services. Certling provides translations prepared for official use across a wide range of New Zealand administrative processes.

Employment

Job applications and professional registrations in New Zealand may require translated documents such as qualifications, references, or work history. Certified translations may be requested depending on the employer or regulatory body. Certling provides clear and professional translations for employment purposes.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Translation Requirements

If you are applying for a visa to New Zealand, any supporting documents not in English must be translated before submission. The type of translation required depends on the visa category.

Residence visa applications

All supporting documents must be provided in English or include a certified English translation.

Visitor visa applications

All documents that are not in English must be fully translated. This includes:

  • Proof of funds (for example, bank statements or payslips)

  • Flight itineraries and return tickets

  • Proof of employment

  • Leave of absence documents

  • Identity documents (excluding passports)

For visitor visas, translations do not need to be certified, but must meet the following conditions:

  • The translator must not be:

    • the applicant

    • a family member

    • the immigration adviser assisting with the application

  • The translation must include:

    • the translator’s full name

    • address

    • phone number

    • details of their qualifications or experience

Medical and police certificates

For all visa types, certified translations are required for medical certificates and police certificates, even if they show no convictions.

Certified translation requirements

Where certification is required, each translation must:

  • Be certified as a true and accurate translation

  • Be signed or stamped by the translator or translation provider

  • Be on official letterhead where possible

Certified translations must not be completed by:

  • the applicant

  • a family member

  • the immigration adviser involved in the application

Important notes

  • Immigration New Zealand does not translate documents — translations must be completed before submission.

  • You must submit both:

    • the original document, and

    • the English translation

  • Ensure your name is translated exactly as it appears in your passport.

  • If different spellings are used, they must be declared in the “other names” section of your application.

Certling ensures your translations meet all Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requirements, whether you need a full translation or a certified translation for official use.

How it works

Upload your documents, see a fair per-word price instantly, and skip the parts you don’t need.

Step 1

Drop your documents

Securely upload images or PDFs directly from your device.

Step 2

Smart scanning

Our system reads your documents and instantly calculates the word count.

Step 3

Remove content

Optional: Remove unnecessary text and only pay for what you need.

Step 4

Translation Certified

Officially accepted in the UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and more.

Other Documents We Translate

Whatever your needs, we provide certified translations for a wide range of documents.

Do I need a certified translation for New Zealand visa applications?

It depends on the visa type. Residence visa applications require certified translations for all supporting documents. Visitor visa applications usually require full translations, but not certified ones, except for medical and police certificates.

Do visitor visa documents need certified translation in New Zealand?

No, most visitor visa supporting documents only need a full English translation. However, translations must still be accurate and include the translator’s details. Medical and police certificates are exceptions and must be certified.

Who can translate documents for a New Zealand visitor visa?

Translations cannot be completed by:

  • the applicant

  • a family member

  • the immigration adviser assisting with the application

The translator must provide their name, address, contact details, and proof of language ability or experience.

What documents need to be translated for a New Zealand visa?

Any document not in English must be translated. Common examples include:

  • bank statements and proof of funds

  • payslips or employment letters

  • flight itineraries

  • leave approval letters

  • identity documents (excluding passports)

  • academic records

Do police certificates and medical certificates need certified translation?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand requires certified translations for all medical and police certificates, even if the certificate shows no convictions.

What is required for a certified translation in New Zealand?

A certified translation must:

  • confirm it is a true and accurate translation

  • be signed or stamped by the translator or translation provider

  • be on official letterhead where possible

Can I translate my own documents for a New Zealand visa?

No. Immigration New Zealand does not accept translations completed by the applicant, a family member, or the immigration adviser involved in the application.

Do I need to submit both the original document and the translation?

Yes. You must provide:

  • the original document in the foreign language

  • the English translation

If applying online, scanned copies must be clear and readable.

Does my name need to match my passport in the translation?

Yes. Your name should be translated exactly as it appears in your passport. If a different spelling is used, it must be declared in the “other names” section of your application.

How much does a certified translation for New Zealand cost?

With Certling, you pay per word rather than per page, meaning you only pay for the content that needs translating.

How long does a New Zealand translation take?

Turnaround time depends on the word count.

  • Standard service:

    • Up to 2,500 words: 2 working days

    • Each additional 2,000 words: +1 working day

  • Express service:

    • Delivery time is reduced by 50%

This ensures fast delivery while maintaining the accuracy required for official use.

Can Immigration New Zealand request a certified translation even if it is not required?

Yes. Immigration officers can request a certified translation if they need additional assurance about the accuracy of a document.