What is an apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication issued under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It certifies that a public document — such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or police clearance — is genuine and was issued by a recognised authority in the country of origin. Apostilles are issued by a designated government authority in the country where the document was issued. For example, a Colombian birth certificate would receive its apostille from the Colombian government authority designated under the Hague Convention.
What is a NAATI-certified translation?
A NAATI-certified translation is an English translation of a foreign-language document produced by a translator accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The translation is accompanied by a certification statement confirming that it is a complete and accurate translation of the original document, along with the translator's name, NAATI credential number, and signature. The Department of Home Affairs requires NAATI-certified translations for documents not in English submitted in support of visa applications.
Do I need an apostille for an Australian visa?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not require apostilles on foreign documents submitted in support of Australian visa applications. The Department accepts original documents (or certified copies) accompanied by a NAATI-certified English translation. You do not need to have your documents apostilled before having them translated. Requiring an apostille is a common misconception — it can cause applicants to spend significant time and money on a process that Australian immigration authorities do not require.
When might an apostille be required?
An apostille may be required in circumstances unrelated to Australian visa applications — for example:
- If you are using an Australian document in a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention;
- If a foreign government requires authentication of an Australian document;
- If a document is being used in a legal proceeding in another country.
For Australian visa purposes, the apostille is not required.
Can a document have both an apostille and a certified translation?
Yes. Having an apostille on a document does not prevent it from being used with a NAATI-certified translation for an Australian visa application. If a document already has an apostille — for example, because you previously needed it for another purpose — you can still have it NAATI-certified translated without removing or changing the apostille. The translation will cover the full text of the document including any apostille text.
Summary — what to do for an Australian visa
For any document not in English submitted in support of an Australian visa application: obtain a NAATI-certified English translation. You do not need an apostille for Australian visa purposes. Both the original document and the NAATI-certified translation should be submitted together.