Which important documents must be carried as originals? Which require prior translation and notarization?

Original Documents You Must Carry

Think of these as your ID "hardware" – you’ll need them for various procedures in New Zealand (like setting up bank accounts, applying for IRD numbers, or driver's license conversion). Always have the originals with you when flying over.

• Passport: Non-negotiable. It's both your entry ticket and your primary ID in New Zealand.
• Driver's Licence: If you have a valid Chinese licence and plan to drive, bring the original. You can use it (with a certified translation) for 12 months or convert it to a New Zealand licence.
• Birth Certificate: May be required for certain registrations or official purposes. In China, this usually means the "Birth Medical Certificate" or a "Notarized Birth Certificate" from the Public Security Bureau (PSB). Bringing the original Notarized Birth Certificate is recommended.
• Marriage/Divorce Certificate: Crucial for applying for partner visas or legal matters involving family relationships.
• Academic Qualifications & Transcripts: Original degrees/diplomas and transcripts may be requested by potential employers. Essential if you plan to study further in New Zealand.
• Professional Qualifications: Certificates for your profession (e.g., Accounting, Electrician, Teaching) – originals are key proof of your qualifications.

In a nutshell: Carry and safeguard the originals of all your core identity, marital, educational, and professional qualification documents.

Documents Needing Certified Translation & Notarization

This mainly applies to Visa Applications. New Zealand Immigration (INZ) has a simple rule: Any document not in English must have a certified English translation.

Regarding "translation" and "notarization," the common "Notarial Certificate" (Gong Zheng Shu) obtained in China is often a package deal. It typically includes a certified photocopy of the original + certified English translation + notary seal/stamp. INZ fully accepts this format.

Here's a list of documents typically requiring translation/certification:

• Identity Documents:

  • Chinese ID Card: Requires certified translation.
  • Household Register (Hukou Ben): Crucial for proving family relationships. The entire book usually requires translation and notarization.
  • Birth Certificate: Strongly recommended to obtain a "Notarized Birth Certificate" directly from a notary office (Gong Zheng Chu).
  • Marriage/Divorce/Single Status Certificate: Similarly, obtain the corresponding "Marriage Certificate Notarization," "Divorce Certificate Notarization," or "Single Status Certificate Notarization" from the notary office.

• Police Clearance Certificate:

  • Essential for visa applications. First, obtain the "Police Clearance Certificate" from your local PSB station. Then, take that document to the notary office for a "Notarized Police Clearance Certificate." They will handle translation and sealing.

• Financial Proof:

  • Bank Statements/Deposit Certificates: Require translation if the bank cannot provide an official English version.
  • Property/Vehicle Ownership Certificates: Used as supporting financial evidence. Require translation and notarization.

• Education & Employment:

  • Academic Qualifications & Transcripts: Core documents for student or skilled migrant visas. Must be translated and certified/notarized. You can get bilingual versions stamped by your institution, or take the Chinese originals for notarization.
  • Employment/Reference Letters: If in Chinese, require certified translation. Typically notarization is not required, just certification from an approved translator.
  • Professional Qualification Certificates: Same as Employment Letters - require certified translation.

Key Tips:

1. Who Can Translate? Not you or a friend! INZ requires translations by officially recognised translators. In China, the safest route is using the Notary Public office (Gong Zheng Chu) with their professionals. In New Zealand, use NZTA or INZ-approved translation services.
2. Notarization Handles Both: For simplicity in China, take the required documents (birth certificate, police clearance, household register, marriage cert, etc.) to your local notary office. State they are for New Zealand immigration/visa. They will prepare the complete notarized certificate package including translation.
3. Get Copies: Obtain several certified copies of any notarized documents. They may be needed later, saving you return trips.

Hope this clears things up! The process can be tedious, but by breaking it down and ticking items off a list, you'll get it done. Wishing you all the best!