In Japan, the process of obtaining an apostille follows the guidelines of the Hague Apostille Convention, of which Japan is a member. The apostille certifies the authenticity of documents, allowing them to be legally recognized in other countries that are also members of the Hague Convention.
Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in Japan:
- Determine the Document Type: Common documents that can be apostilled in Japan include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Notarized documents (such as affidavits, powers of attorney, etc.)
- Official Japanese government-issued documents
- Obtain the Document: The document must be issued by a Japanese government authority or an official institution, such as:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by the Local Government (City or Ward Offices).
- Academic diplomas issued by Japanese universities or educational institutions.
- Notarized documents from a licensed Japanese notary public.
- Other public documents issued by relevant authorities in Japan.
- Notarization (if needed): Some documents, such as contracts or powers of attorney, may need to be notarized by a licensed Japanese notary public before they can be apostilled. Notarization is usually required for documents that are not directly issued by a government body.
- Submit the Document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: In Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is responsible for issuing apostilles. The Ministry has offices across the country where you can submit your documents for the apostille certification. You can either:
- Submit the document in person at the local MOFA office, or
- Send the document by mail to the appropriate office.
- Complete the Apostille Application: You will need to fill out an apostille application form. This form asks for details about the document and your contact information. Some MOFA offices may provide the form onsite, or it can be downloaded from their website.
- Pay the Apostille Fee: The apostille process in Japan involves a small processing fee. This fee varies slightly depending on the type of document but is generally affordable. The payment can be made in cash if submitting in person or by other means (e.g., bank transfer) for mail applications.
- Processing Time:
- In-person applications: The processing time for apostilles in Japan is typically 1–3 business days.
- By mail: If submitting by mail, the processing time may take 5–7 business days, depending on postal delivery times and the volume of applications.
- Collect the Apostilled Document: Once the apostille has been applied, you can either collect the apostilled document in person at the office, or if you submitted by mail, it will be returned to you by post.
Key Points:
- Japan is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents apostilled in Japan are valid in other countries that are members of the convention, and vice versa.
- Only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is authorized to issue apostilles in Japan.
- For documents issued in another country to be used in Japan, they must be apostilled in the country of origin.
Documents and Information You Will Need:
- The original document to be apostilled.
- A completed apostille application form.
- Proof of identity (such as a passport or national ID card) may be required.
- Payment for the apostille fee.
Where to Go for Apostille in Japan:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Offices:
- MOFA offices for apostille services are located in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and Fukuoka. You can find your local office or contact the MOFA directly for further information.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), 2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Osaka Branch, 4-1-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan
For up-to-date information on the apostille process, fees, and office locations, it is recommended to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website or directly contact the office for any specific queries.