Do you also need an Apostille or Authentication?

Sometimes in addition to Notarisation an Apostille or Authentication may be required.

Apostille and Authentication are both methods of certifying New Zealand documents for overseas use, but the key difference lies in which countries accept them.

Always check with the receiving party/authority in the destination country to confirm their requirements. Even within a country, different institutions may have different requirements or preferences. If they advise further authentication is required then the Notary can advise you on that or you can check the NZ Department of Internal Affairs website (Use your NZ documents overseas | New Zealand Government) which provides a country-by-country list that tells you whether a country requires an apostille or authentication?.

Key Differences between Apostille and Authentication?

Apostille:

• Used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
• It’s a single-step certification issued by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs.
• The apostille certificate confirms that the signature, stamp, or seal on the document is genuine.
• No further legalisation is needed by foreign embassies or consulates.

Authentication:

• It’s sometimes also called legalisation.
• Required for countries not part of the Hague Convention.
• This process ensures that the document is recognized by countries with stricter verification requirements.
• There are two types of Authentication:
  • Category A: Verified by New Zealand’s Authentication Unit, then checked by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT); or
  • Category B: More complex. After NZ authentication, documents must go to the destination country’s embassy, which takes more time and costs more. If your document is for a Category B country, contact their embassy for instructions, payment details, and return options.