Embassy Legalisation Services for New Zealand Documents
- 30 years of visa and document legalisation experience
- ISO 9001 certified
- Service across Australia and New Zealand
- English and Arabic speaking team
- Secure document coordination from review through to return
If your New Zealand document needs to be recognised in a country that does not accept an Apostille, CLS can manage the complete Embassy Legalisation process from document review through to secure return.
Embassy Legalisation usually involves authentication by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Authentication Unit, followed by legalisation by the destination country's embassy or consulate. Requirements vary depending on the country and document type.
Last reviewed: June 2026. Embassy requirements vary by country and receiving authority. Confirm current requirements before starting the process.
Start your attestation in minutes
Attestation, apostille and embassy legalisation — send us the order yourself, and a consultant confirms the route, the documents and every charge before anything is lodged.
- Order receivedYour order reaches a consultant straight away, and you get an email confirming what we have.
- Document review and quoteA consultant checks your documents against the destination’s current requirements, confirms the attestation, government, embassy and courier charges, and sends your invoice.
- Authentication and legalisationWe lodge with DIA and, where required, the destination’s embassy or consulate, tracking each stage for you.
- Return and completionFinished documents come back the way you chose, with a scanned copy emailed on completion.
What Is Embassy Legalisation?
Embassy Legalisation is the process of verifying a New Zealand document for use in countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention, or where the receiving authority specifically requires embassy or consular legalisation.
The process typically includes DIA authentication followed by legalisation at the relevant embassy or consulate before the document can be recognised overseas.
When Is Embassy Legalisation Required?
Countries Requiring Embassy Legalisation
CLS regularly assists clients with Embassy Legalisation for documents being used in countries where an Apostille is not accepted or where the receiving authority requires embassy or consular legalisation.
Middle East
11 TypesAsia
6 TypesAfrica
3 Types📄 Need a document or qualification verified that is not listed above? CLS coordinates official attestation for all document types. Contact our team for assistance.
Don't see your destination country listed? Contact CLS. We can confirm the correct legalisation pathway and advise whether Embassy Legalisation or Apostille is required.
Documents We Can Assist With
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Divorce certificates
Death certificates
Ministry of Justice criminal record checks (NZ police certificates)
Educational qualifications
Academic transcripts
Medical certificates
Employment letters
Powers of Attorney
NZ Companies Office company documents
Commercial invoices
Certificates of Origin
Export documentation
Corporate resolutions
Notarised documents
How the Embassy Legalisation Process Works
Document review and preparation
We review your document, destination country and intended purpose to determine the correct legalisation pathway, then arrange notarisation, certification, translations or advise if newer registry-issued documents are required.
DIA Authentication
We coordinate authentication by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Authentication Unit.
Embassy or Consular Legalisation
Once authenticated, we submit your documents to the relevant embassy or consulate for legalisation.
Secure return
After completion, we verify the documents and arrange secure return via courier or collection.
What CLS Manages for You
Country-specific pathway confirmation
Every embassy has different requirements. We identify the correct process before submission.
DIA and Embassy coordination
We manage the complete process from DIA authentication through to embassy legalisation.
Supporting document preparation
Where required, we coordinate notarisation, translations, certified copies and supporting documents before submission.
Common Causes of Delays – and How CLS Helps Avoid Them
Every common cause of delay — and how CLS prevents it before submission.
Incorrect document version
Many embassies require recently issued registry documents or original certificates.
We verify this before lodgement.
Missing notarisation
Private documents must first be notarised by a New Zealand notary public before DIA authentication or Embassy Legalisation.
We identify these requirements before submission.
Country-specific embassy requirements
Every embassy has different document requirements, fees and processing procedures.
CLS confirms these before your application is lodged.
Missing supporting documents
Some embassies require passport copies, application forms, company documents or authorisation letters.
We ensure everything is prepared before submission.
Why Work With CLS for Embassy Legalisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Embassy Legalisation Services through CLS.
Need your New Zealand documents legalised by an overseas embassy?
Speak with CLS before starting the process. We will review your documents, confirm the correct pathway and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Request Your Consultation
Get expert assistance with your embassy legalisation services — fast, secure and embassy-ready.
