How It Works & Frequently Asked Questions
You can request our services from anywhere in Japan or overseas. We provide English email and telephone support.
From enquiry to delivery
- Contact us. Provide the destination country and purpose, document types and quantities, translation requirements, and deadline. The initial consultation is free.
- Receive your quote. We normally reply within one business day and explain the procedure, total cost and expected dispatch date.
- Make payment. Use bank transfer, credit card through Square, or PayPal.
- Send the original documents. Follow the instructions we provide and use a trackable delivery service.
- We arrange authentication. We coordinate the necessary notarization, apostille or consular authentication and any agreed translation.
- Receive your documents. We return them within Japan or arrange international delivery by DHL, FedEx or EMS.
Expected dispatch times
These are estimates counted after both payment and the original documents have reached our office. They describe dispatch from our office; delivery time is additional.
| Procedure | Dispatch estimate |
|---|---|
| Apostille for private documents, such as powers of attorney and employment certificates | Usually dispatched within 3 business days |
| Apostille applied for directly at MOFA for public documents, such as family registers and certificates of residence | Usually dispatched within 5–6 business days |
| Translation followed by notarization and apostille | Usually around 5–6 business days in total; translation volume may extend this |
| Consular authentication | Additional embassy or consular processing time applies |
Business days exclude weekends and Japanese public holidays. Urgent processing may be possible for an additional fee. Tell us your deadline before sending documents.
Applying from overseas
Can I request the service while living outside Japan?
Yes. Send your originals to our office as instructed. We can arrange international return delivery. MOFA does not accept applications mailed directly from overseas; use a representative in Japan. See MOFA’s English FAQ.
Where should I send my documents?
RP Office［ Royal Partners Administrative Scrivener Office ］
2-19-4-506 Azabu-juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045, Japan
Telephone: +81 3 6303 1664
Please contact us before dispatch and use a trackable method. A university or employer may send documents directly to our office.
Can you obtain documents in Japan for me?
With the required authorization, we can request family registers and certificates of residence by post. Corporate registry certificate retrieval is ¥990 per certificate, tax and the Legal Affairs Bureau fee included. Clients need to obtain their own seal registration certificate because the seal registration card is required.
Fees and payment
How much does the service cost?
Apostille services are ¥17,600 per request; consular authentication services are ¥28,600 per request. Each document after the first adds ¥3,300. These service fees include tax. Other costs apply according to your request. See the complete fee schedule.
What is charged separately?
Translation, notary and embassy fees, retrieval, domestic return delivery (¥450), PDF scans (¥990, tax included), and international shipping (carrier charges plus ¥3,300, tax included). We provide an itemized quote.
Documents and procedures
Which authentication do I need?
The destination, type of document and receiving authority determine the route. An apostille generally replaces consular legalization for documents covered by the Apostille Convention; other destinations generally require MOFA authentication followed by legalization at the relevant foreign embassy or consulate in Japan. Confirm translation and acceptance requirements with the receiving authority. See MOFA’s explanation.
Can every document receive an apostille directly from MOFA?
No. Direct certification generally requires an eligible original public document issued within three months, identifying the issuing authority and bearing its official seal. Private documents normally require notarization first. Academic certificates need individual checks. See MOFA’s certifiable-document guide.
Which translation languages are available?
English and Chinese. For other languages or a required sworn translator, please discuss the receiving authority’s requirements with us before ordering.
Do I need a MOFA appointment?
When we handle the application, you do not need to arrange your own appointment. From 5 October 2026, applicants attending MOFA’s Tokyo service desk need an online appointment; postal applications do not require one. See MOFA’s application guide.
Are my documents kept confidential?
Administrative scriveners have a statutory duty of confidentiality. We handle your consultation and documents accordingly.
Country guides
Browse our English country guides or China document guide. If your destination is not listed, contact us.
Get a free quote in English
Tell us the destination country, purpose, document types and quantities, whether you need translations, and your deadline. We normally reply within one business day.
Request a free quoteCall +81 3 6303 1664English email and telephone support is available. Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Japan time). Weekends and Japanese public holidays by prior appointment.
