How does it work?

Attesting a document issued in New Zealand can be complex, especially as the requirements change depending on who you need to present it to, and exactly what type of document it is. It’s harder still if you are no longer in the country. Fortunately, most documents follow a similar pattern which we’ve broken down for you. There are however some situations where things are a little different, so if you want to make sure that you are fully informed, speak to one of our advisers and we’ll look at your individual circumstances free of charge.

 

Pre-Legalisation

Official Verification

In some cases, your first step is to get your document verified by one official body or another. In the case of an educational certificate, you will need to verify your qualification with the E-Quals system online and have the verification emailed directly to the Notary Public certifying your document. If the university is not in the E-Quals system, the original degree will be needed for the attestation process and a verification letter may be required on a case-by-case basis.

 

Notarisation

Certification by a New Zealand Notary Public

Before any document can be presented to the New Zealand government for legalisation, it must first be certified by a practicing Notary Public in New Zealand. In this stage, the Notary will check the legitimacy of the document(s) being presented to them. They will then attach a notarial cover sheet to certified copies of the original documents and add their official seal.

 

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in New Zealand

New Zealand Government Certification

Once a document has been notarised, it is then presented to the Department for Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) in New Zealand. Their office will check that the seal and signature of the Notary Public matches their official record and certifies it accordingly. Once certified, they will add their stamp to the certification.

 

UAE Embassy in Wellington

UAE Embassy Attestation

The final step in New Zealand is for the document to be attested by the UAE Embassy in Wellington. An official UAE-government sticker and seal is attached alongside the certification by DFAT during this stage. This attestation sticker confirms to the UAE authorities that the document has gone through all the necessary steps in New Zealand.

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UAE)

MoFA Attestation (UAE)

In the UAE, another attestation stamp is needed which is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in any of the UAE emirates. The addition of this stamp confirms that the processes in New Zealand have been completed correctly. Some employers will do this for you, so we would advise that you check with them to avoid paying for anything unnecessarily. For anyone handling this themselves, you will now need a PCR test to enter a government building. We can arrange this for you. This is the final step needed to use your document in the UAE if it does not need translation (see the following section below).

 

Translation

Translation from English into Arabic

Often, your document may also need to be translated into Arabic. Again, your employer may handle this for you so we would recommend checking with them. If it is needed, the whole document and all of its stamps are translated from English into Arabic. This must be done by a recognised certified translator. Once translated, then everything has been done to allow you to use it within the UAE.

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Attestation Notes

• Arabic translation is usually required for use in all emirates other than Dubai, as well as if the document is to be used within one of the Dubai Free Zone authorities including (but not limited to) the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).