New Zealand Eases Visitor Visa Rules: No More Certified Translations from May 26

New Zealand Eases Visitor Visa Rules: No More Certified Translations from May 26

Starting May 26, 2025, New Zealand is making it easier—and cheaper—for international travellers to apply for visitor visas. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that certified translations of non-English documents will no longer be required for visitor visa applications. This major policy shift simplifies the process and aligns New Zealand with Australia’s more relaxed visa translation standards.

What’s Changing?

From May 26, 2025, visitor visa applicants will no longer need to provide certified translations for documents written in languages other than English.

What You Need to Know:

• Certified translations are no longer required for visitor visa applications.
• Translations are still mandatory, but they don’t need to be certified.
• Translations must include:
  • Translator’s full name
  • Their qualifications or relevant experience
  • A declaration stating they are not:
    • The applicant
    • A family member
    • An immigration adviser

Note: This change applies only to visitor visas. Certified translations are still required for resident visa applications.

Old vs. New Requirements at a Glance

Why This Update Matters

This change brings a wave of benefits for tourists, students, and families from non-English-speaking countries:

Lower Costs

Certified translations can be expensive. Removing this requirement means less financial burden for applicants.

Faster Application Processing

Avoid delays caused by waiting for certified translations. This change can speed up visa approvals and travel plans.

Fairer Access

Applicants from countries with limited access to certified translators will no longer be at a disadvantage.

Who Benefits the Most?

This streamlined process is especially useful for:

• First-time travellers to New Zealand
• Short-term students or language program participants
• Families visiting loved ones
• Frequent Australia–New Zealand travellers
• Citizens from non-English-speaking countries

Important: What You Still Need to Include in Translations

Even though certification is no longer required, your translations must still meet these criteria:

• Translator’s name
• Their qualifications or experience
• A declaration confirming they’re independent of the applicant

Time to Plan Your New Zealand Trip!

With this simplified visa process, there’s no better time to explore Aotearoa – the land of the long white cloud. Discover the beauty of its national parks, enjoy Māori culture, and experience vibrant cities and natural wonders without the hassle of expensive translations.

For more details please contact my team. Thanks Regards

+91 63806 92148

+91 63015 50340