First check whether certification is required for the original Japanese document, the translation or an attached declaration.
Apostille and official seal confirmation
An apostille is a Ministry of Foreign Affairs certificate under the relevant Hague Convention. Official seal confirmation precedes consular legalization by the destination country's embassy or consulate in Japan. Follow the receiving authority's instructions and MOFA's explanation. These procedures do not guarantee the accuracy of a translation or approval of an application.
Public originals and private documents
Eligibility depends on the issuing body, issue date and official seal. Copies and documents from every school or organization are not automatically eligible. Translations and declarations prepared privately cannot be certified directly by MOFA. See MOFA's document eligibility guide.
Procedure for a private document
- Prepare the translation and declaration required by the recipient.
- Arrange notarial authentication, confirming the signatory and identity documents in advance.
- Obtain the relevant Legal Affairs Bureau's certification of the notary's seal.
- Obtain an apostille or official seal confirmation from MOFA.
- For official seal confirmation, obtain subsequent consular legalization.
Where a one-stop service is available, a notary office can handle multiple stages together. Confirm availability and the authentication method with that office.
Requesting support
Send us the receiving authority's requirements, deadline, documents and number of copies so that we can quote for translation and authentication support. View document translation prices and samples.
Official information checked: 7 September 2026, using the MOFA sources linked above.
