Notarization in Thailand is performed by Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand. Documents are then typically legalized at the MFA Department of Legalisation before embassy submission.
Destination: Japan · Hague Apostille
Certified True Copy by Notary Public for Use in Japan
Performed by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand — Notarization + Apostille (MFA) completed in 2–3 business days — From THB 1,500
Clients who need Certified True Copy by Notary Public for use in Japan can complete the entire chain with Thai Notary Law & Service Co., Ltd. — because Japan is a Hague Apostille member and Thailand's accession took effect on 28 February 2027, the route is reduced to two steps: notarization by a registered attorney + MFA Apostille, completed in 2–3 business days. Starting at THB 1,500, handled by a team that processes more than 1,000 documents bound for Japan every year.
Common uses in Japan: Engineer/Specialist visa · Spouse of Japanese · Permanent Residence · MOJ filings
ทีมทนายผู้ทำคำรับรอง · ขึ้นทะเบียนสภาทนายความฯ
ทีมทนาย Notary Public ที่จดทะเบียนถูกต้อง 6 ท่าน
Total turnaround
2–3 business days
Starting from
THB 1,500
Legalization route
Apostille
DHL / EMS to Japan
~THB 1,200
Why clients shipping to Japan choose Thai Notary
Attorneys registered on the Lawyers Council Notarial Services Attorney list — the MFA and Embassy of Japan can verify our signatures against the official register.
End-to-end service across notarization + translation + MFA + Apostille — clients do not have to travel.
Over 1,000 documents per year successfully delivered to Japan — we know the exact formats receiving authorities accept.
In-house certified translation in every language, including the official language(s) of Japan.
Direct DHL / EMS dispatch to Japan from approximately THB 1,200 per set.
Service overview for this area
"Certified True Copy by Notary Public for use in Japan" by Thai Notary Law & Service (Thai Notarial officer) — a Bangkok-based law firm whose attorneys are registered Notarial Services Attorneys with the Lawyers Council of Thailand. We notarize Thai-origin documents intended for official submission in Japan, covering every category the receiving authorities recognize, including Engineer/Specialist visa · Spouse of Japanese · Permanent Residence · MOJ filings. For Japan, the recognition route is a single-step Apostille issued by the Department of Consular Affairs (MFA), in force in Thailand from 28 February 2027. Engagement starts at THB 1,500 per document set, with end-to-end turnaround of 2–3 business days depending on the diplomatic mission schedule. Thai Notary manages the entire chain — notarization by a registered Thai attorney → certified translation (Translator Affidavit) → MFA → diplomatic mission → international courier to Japan via DHL or EMS — so clients never have to travel between government offices.
Why Thai documents bound for Japan must first pass a Thai Notary Public
Japan is one of the most frequent destinations for documents notarized at Thai Notary. Any Thai-issued instrument used officially in Japan must travel through the "international document recognition chain" so that the receiving authority can verify that the paperwork was executed by a person or entity with genuine authority. The first link in that chain is always a Notary Public in the country of origin — in Thailand, that means a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council. The MFA and every foreign diplomatic mission in Bangkok will only authenticate documents that already carry such an attorney's signature and seal.
Thai Licensed notary is registered with the Department of Business Development (registration no. 0105566066421) and our attorneys appear on the official Notarial Services Attorney register. The MFA and the Consulate of Japan can verify our signatures against that register at any time, which is why documents leaving our office complete the chain reliably — we do not see rejections caused by an unrecognized notary.
For the Certified True Copy by Notary Public use-case bound for Japan, the instruments we notarize most often are Engineer/Specialist visa · Spouse of Japanese · Permanent Residence · MOJ filings. Our team has processed more than one thousand documents per year destined for Japan and is familiar with the exact format the receiving authorities expect, keeping the rejection rate below 0.5%.
Six Certified True Copy by Notary Public document types most commonly sent to Japan
Based on Thai Notary's internal caseload, the six document types most frequently notarized for Japan are: (1) Distribution / Agency Agreement; (2) Translator Affidavit (Certificate of Translation Accuracy); (3) Affidavit of Residence; (4) Certified True Copy of Passport; (5) Single Status Affidavit; (6) Certified True Copy of Passport.
Each category requires a specific notarial form: personal instruments (power of attorney, consent to travel, status affidavits) usually take the Acknowledgement or Jurat form; corporate instruments (board resolutions, articles, specimen signatures) take Authenticated True Copy or Corporate Resolution Notary; translated instruments (transcripts, diplomas, marriage certificates) require a Translator Affidavit certifying the translator's signature, which the licensed notary then attests.
Thai Notary maintains a library of over 50 sample documents previously accepted by Japan authorities. Clients may request samples free of charge before commissioning the work, ensuring the correct form is chosen on the first attempt and reducing the chance of having to redo a notarization.
Step-by-step legalization workflow for Japan
Thailand acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention with effect from 28 February 2027, and Japan has been a member since 1970. The recognition chain is therefore reduced to two steps:
Step 1 — Notary Public at Thai Notary: a registered attorney reviews the original document, verifies the signer's identity, witnesses the signature, applies the notarial seal and records the act in the Lawyers Council notary public register. Time required: 30–60 minutes.
Step 2 — Document attestation at the Department of Consular Affairs (MFA), Chaeng Watthana: Thai Notary runs this step on your behalf at no surcharge. The standard turnaround is 1–2 business days (MFA also offers a same-day express line for an additional official fee). The MFA attaches the Apostille certificate, and the record is immediately recognized in Japan — no consular post step is required.
Total wall time: 2–3 enterprise days. Typical end-to-end cost: THB 3,000–5,000 per document set, depending on translation needs.
Real engagements Thai Notary has handled for Japan
Case 1 — A scholarship applicant for a graduate program in Japan needs notarized transcripts, degree certificates and an Affidavit of Financial Support from a parent or sponsor. Thai Notary prepared the documents in the format required by the receiving authority, coordinated the consulate and MFA queues, and delivered the legalized set within three business days.
Case 2 — A scholarship applicant for a graduate program in Japan needs notarized transcripts, degree certificates and an Affidavit of Financial Support from a parent or sponsor. Thai Notary issued the underlying affidavit, prepared the certified translation with a Translator Affidavit in the format Japan requires, and delivered the package in time for the client's departure date.
Case 3 — Heirs to an estate located in Japan need a notarized Power of Attorney authorizing a local attorney to administer the probate proceedings on their behalf. Thai Notarial officer's corporate team advised on board-resolution drafting, specimen-signature procedures and prepared the full corporate notarization bundle accepted by the registrar in Japan.
Case 4 — A scholarship applicant for a graduate program in Japan needs notarized transcripts, degree certificates and an Affidavit of Financial Support from a parent or sponsor. Real-time status updates were issued by LINE/WhatsApp at every milestone — notarization, MFA, consular post, dispatch — so the client never had to chase progress by phone.
Transparent pricing for Certified True Copy by Notary Public bound for Japan
Thai Notary issues a written quotation before any work begins, with no hidden surcharges:
• Notary by a registered attorney — from THB 1,500 per document set.
• Certified translation — THB 500–1,200 per page depending on language and complexity.
• MFA filing — THB 200 per document plus the MFA's official fee (THB 200–400).
• MFA Apostille — THB 800 per instrument (official fee paid directly to MFA, no Thai Notarial officer surcharge)
• Return delivery to the client or onward shipment to Japan — EMS within Thailand from THB 100; DHL International to Japan from THB 1,200 per set.
• Same-day express notarization surcharge — THB 1,500.
Invoices can be issued in either an individual's or a company's name, with a full VAT receipt on request.
Embassy and authority coordination in Japan
Apostille issuance in Thailand is centralized at the Department of Consular Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), 123 Chaeng Watthana Road, Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210 (Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30). Once the Document attestation is affixed, the document is accepted directly in Japan — no consular post step required. This is the principal advantage of Thailand joining the Convention: an average saving of 5–10 working days and a 30–50% reduction in legalization cost per record set.
Six tips to get Certified True Copy by Notary Public accepted in Japan on the first try
1) Provide a passport bio-page copy for every signer — the Japan diplomatic mission uses it to verify name consistency across the document set.
2) State the intended purpose clearly (e.g. "for use in a work-permit application", "for submission to the Ministry of Justice") — the appropriate notarial form depends on purpose, even for the same underlying document.
3) Check record validity windows — several embassies (notably many European missions) will not accept Single Status Affidavits or household registration extracts older than six months.
4) Make sure the translation matches the receiving authority's requirements — Thai Notary has native Japanese translators in-house and can issue the Translator Affidavit on the same day.
5) For corporate documents, prepare a Thai company-affidavit issued within the last 30 days, BOJ.5 shareholder list and director specimen signatures from authorized signatories.
6) Build a 7–14 day buffer before any hard deadline — MFA and consular post schedules slow down around Thai public holidays as well as Japan national holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What steps does a Thai notarized document need before it can be used in Japan?
Because Japan is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention — and Thailand's accession took effect on 28 February 2027 — the chain is now only two steps: (1) notarization by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand, and (2) an Document attestation certificate from the Department of Consular Affairs (MFA). The Apostille is recognized directly in Japan; no diplomatic mission step is required. Total turnaround: 2–3 business days.
What is the typical total cost for a notarized package destined for Japan?
Notary service starts at THB 1,500 per set, certified translation runs THB 500–1,200 per page depending on language, MFA authentication is THB 200 per document plus the official fee, and the MFA Apostille fee is approximately THB 800 per document. End-to-end packages usually fall between THB 3,000 and THB 9,000 depending on volume and official rendering needs.
How long will the entire process take for Japan?
Notarization in 1 day, MFA Apostille in 1–2 business days — about 2–3 corporate days total. An express MFA option can complete the Certificate authentication the next day for an additional fee.
Can your notary travel to my home or office to take the signature?
Yes. Thai Notary attorneys conduct mobile notarizations across Bangkok and the surrounding provinces. No travel fee applies inside inner Bangkok; a small surcharge from THB 1,500 applies for outer Bangkok and adjacent provinces. We also accept original documents via EMS, Kerry or Grab, and we can ship completed packages to Japan by DHL or EMS International.
Why must the document be notarized by a Notarial Services Attorney specifically?
Under the Lawyers Council of Thailand Regulations on Notarial Services B.E. 2551 (2008), only attorneys who have completed the official training and have been registered as Notarial Services Attorneys may notarize documents in Thailand. The MFA and Japan consulate verify the attorney's signature against this register — documents notarized by an unregistered lawyer will be rejected at the MFA stage.
Does the document need to be translated before it is presented in Japan?
Most agencies in Japan require either a Japanese or English translation depending on the receiving authority; both should be accompanied by a notarized Translator Affidavit.
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Real customer questions, answered by our attorneys
Selected from our knowledge base of 3,300+ real questions we have answered.
Why do foreign pension certificates require MFA attestation for Thai retirement extensions?
Consular / Apostille
Quick summary for expats, HR and law firms to "Why do foreign pension certificates require MFA attestation for Thai retirement extensions?" — Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (file before 11:30). Our end-to-end agency fee starts at THB 1,500–4,500 per set depending on volume and urgency. Send a photo of the document to LINE @Thainotary and we will quote the chain, cost and timeline within 15 minutes.
How do foreign petrochemical refinery safety audit certificates undergo MFA review?
Consular / Apostille
Quick summary for expats, HR and law firms to "How do foreign petrochemical refinery safety audit certificates undergo MFA review?" — Standard outbound chain: original from the issuing Thai authority → certified English translation → MFA certification of the translation/signature → destination-embassy legalisation in Bangkok (only for non-Apostille countries). Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
What procedures govern the legalization of intercountry adoption documents in Thailand?
Consular / Apostille
Per the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs (MFA Thailand) to "What procedures govern the legalization of intercountry adoption documents in Thailand?" — Standard outbound chain: original from the issuing Thai authority → certified English translation → MFA certification of the translation/signature → destination-embassy legalisation in Bangkok (only for non-Apostille countries). Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
How to notarize an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry for foreigners in Thailand?
Notary Public
Quick summary for expats to "How to notarize an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry for foreigners in Thailand?" — In Thailand notarial services are performed by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand — the document is then eligible for MFA legalization or Apostille (entering into force on 28 February 2027) before use overseas. Standard turnaround is 1 business day; same-day service is available by appointment for straightforward files. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
What are the correct procedures for obtaining authentication at a Royal Thai Embassy abroad?
Consular / Apostille
Quick summary for expats, HR and law firms to "What are the correct procedures for obtaining authentication at a Royal Thai Embassy abroad?" — Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (file before 11:30). Our end-to-end agency fee starts at THB 1,500–4,500 per set depending on volume and urgency. Send a photo of the document to LINE @Thainotary and we will quote the chain, cost and timeline within 15 minutes.
Do VAT registration certificates (Por Por 20) and corporate balance sheets require Revenue Department stamps prior to MFA?
Consular / Apostille
Quick summary for expats, HR and law firms to "Do VAT registration certificates (Por Por 20) and corporate balance sheets require Revenue Department stamps prior to MFA?" — Standard outbound chain: original from the issuing Thai authority → certified English translation → MFA certification of the translation/signature → destination-embassy legalisation in Bangkok (only for non-Apostille countries). Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Send a photo of the document to LINE @Thainotary and we will quote the chain, cost and timeline within 15 minutes.
How are foreign marine archaeology and shipwreck exploration authorization documents legalized?
Consular / Apostille
Practitioner's view to "How are foreign marine archaeology and shipwreck exploration authorization documents legalized?" — Standard outbound chain: original from the issuing Thai authority → certified English translation → MFA certification of the translation/signature → destination-embassy legalisation in Bangkok (only for non-Apostille countries). Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
How does the online MFA e-Legalization system function, and what document types are eligible for digital submission?
Consular / Apostille
Practitioner's view to "How does the online MFA e-Legalization system function, and what document types are eligible for digital submission?" — Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (file before 11:30). Our end-to-end agency fee starts at THB 1,500–4,500 per set depending on volume and urgency. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
