mofa.go.jp Authentication/ Apostille Japan : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Organization : Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Type of Facility : Authentication/ Apostille
Country: Japan

Website : http://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/cs/page22e_000416.html

Authentication/ Apostille :

Certification:
What is an Authentication (of official seals) / Apostille? :
An authentication and an apostille are both certifications from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of official documents issued by government / public agencies and local governments.

Related : Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Application Japan : www.statusin.org/8899.html

An authentication / apostille will be required when you need to submit Japanese official documents for various procedures (such as marriage, divorce, birth registration, visa application, incorporation or real estate purchase) in foreign countries and when its relevant agency asked you to obtain a certification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It may also be required for certification by the consul of the Embassy / Consulate (-General) of the destination country in Japan (= legalisation). In other words, you need to apply for an authentication or an apostille only when it is required by the relevant foreign agency or Embassy / Consulate (-General) in Japa

Application Procedure :
Certifiable documents are official documents (documents issued by public agencies, notarial documents prepared by notary public’s offices, and etc.) which satisfy all requirements of (1)-(3) listed below. For eligible agencies of certifiable official documents, see the below tables Examples of Issuing Agencies of Certifiable Documents.

For private documents, the procedure for notarisation of private documents (private deeds for foreign countries) will be required. Even when the document is categorized as not acceptable for certification in the below tables Examples of Issuing Agencies of Certifiable Documents, documents will be certifiable under the procedure for notarisation of private documents. However, even if the issuing agency is considered as a public agency, copies are not certifiable.

(1) The date of issue appears on the document (within three months from the date of issue).
(2) The name of issuing agency (name and title of the issuer) appears on the document.
(3) An official seal (not a private seal or signature) is affixed to the document.

(Note):
** Please verify that three months have not passed from the date of issue.
** Please note that documents only with a signature or with a private seal are not certifiable.

** Please note that documents whose stapled pages have been removed to make copies of which have been touched up may be refused at the destination agency.
** Please check with the destination agency how many documents they require. Please understand that we do not accept applications for extra documents.

No application fee for both in-person applications and applications by mail.

There are three ways to make an application and receive the certified document:
(1) Apply for and receive the certified document both in-person at our office at the application desk (The certified document will be available from 9:00 a.m. on the following day of the application date (except weekends and holidays)).

(2) Apply in-person at our office and receive the certified document later by mail (the certified document will be delivered within a few days after the application date (except weekends and holidays)).
(3) Apply and receive the certified document later both by mail (it takes about 10 to 14 days from application (shipment) to delivery).

(Note) Please receive your certification as early as possible. Please note that documents will be discarded after expiration of the three-year retention period.

Application at the application desk:
Required documents:
** The official document to be certified (original document issued within three months)
** Application form (authentication or apostille)
** You may use the application form available at our office.
** Identification Document (Note 1)
** Driving license, basic resident registration card, passport or residence card.
** Power of attorney (only for an application through an representative) (Note 2)
** Stamped, self-addressed envelope, or Letter Pack (only for delivery by mail) (Note 3)

(Note):
The certified document will be available from 9:00 a.m. on the following day of the application date (except weekends and holidays). Please note that you cannot receive the certified document on the same day of application.
Envelopes and stamps are not available in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs buildings. Please prepare them prior to your visit to the Ministry.