Immigration New Zealand (INZ) translation requirements in 2026

What the official rule says

Non-English documents need English translations submitted with the original or a certified copy. Translations cannot be done by the applicant, a family member or an adviser working on the case. Certified translations must be confirmed as accurate and signed or stamped by the translator or translation company (on letterhead where possible), with the translator's full name, address, phone number and evidence of their qualifications and experience. INZ does not require NAATI or any specific accreditation.

Official source: Immigration New Zealand: Providing English translations of supporting documents

Official text last verified 2026-10-01

A compliant translation must include

  • The English translation is submitted with the original or a certified copy
  • The translator is not the applicant, a family member or an adviser working on the case
  • The translator confirms the translation is accurate, and it is signed or stamped by the translator or company (on letterhead where possible)
  • The translator's full name, address and phone number
  • Evidence of the translator's qualifications and experience in both languages

Does a Smartlink Translation translation meet it?

Meets it: signed accuracy confirmation, our registered seal and company letterhead; add "New Zealand" in your order notes so the declaration lists the translator's address, phone and qualifications.

Every Smartlink Translation order includes the same five-part delivery kit: a submission-ready translation (.docx + .pdf, laid out like the original), a signed translator's certification under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), our PSB-registered bilingual translation seal (seal code 11011210314198), a project quality report scored on the MQM translation-quality framework (six dimensions per file), and free revisions for 24 months — with an itemized quote within 3 minutes of upload.

Common reasons a translation is questioned or returned

Submitting the translation without the original or a certified copy
Translation done by the applicant, a family member or the adviser
Missing the translator's address, phone or qualifications

FAQ

Does New Zealand require NAATI translations?

No. INZ does not require NAATI or any specific accreditation, but the translation must state the translator's full name, address, phone and qualifications.

Get an itemized quote for your documents

One transparent price includes the translation, translator's declaration and bilingual seal — the quote you see is the final price.