Key Points
- Starting May 26, 2025, certified translations will no longer be required for visitor visa applications in New Zealand.
- Translations must still meet specific quality and independence standards.
- Certified translations remain mandatory for resident visa applications.
Overview
Effective May 26, 2025, New Zealand will eliminate the requirement for certified translations of supporting documents in visitor visa applications, streamlining the process and aligning its policy with Australia’s approach. While the certification requirement is being dropped, the government continues to emphasize that translations must still be of high quality, include details about the translator’s credentials, and not be completed by the applicant or any close associates.
This policy shift is expected to reduce applicants’ administrative burdens while maintaining document integrity. It marks another step in New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to make its visa processes more efficient and user-friendly, especially for short-term travelers.
Importantly, certified translations are still required for all resident visa applications. Immigration New Zealand will continue enforcing stringent standards for long-term and permanent migration pathways, ensuring that only verified and authenticated documentation is used to support more complex visa types.
Employers and immigration professionals should ensure that all parties understand these updated requirements, especially when assisting visitors or family members traveling to New Zealand.
Looking Ahead
As this change goes into effect on May 26, 2025, applicants and sponsors should update their documentation procedures to reflect the revised standards. Translation providers should also prepare to meet the updated qualifications and expectations for translator independence. Immigration professionals should continue to differentiate between the translation requirements for visitor visas and resident visa applications to avoid delays or refusals.
