Certified Translation of Thai Documents for Japan

Japan has no sworn-translator system; translations state the translator's name and date as the receiving office requires. Registry to verify: Immigration Services Agency (isa.go.jp) and the Japanese Embassy in Thailand.

Thai documents are usually MFA-legalised and attested by the Japanese embassy, then translated into Japanese for the municipal office or immigration.

Spouse visas, Certificate of Eligibility, marriage registration at the city office, legitimation

Katakana renderings inconsistent with earlier filings · Documents older than the three months many city offices accept · Stamps left untranslated

Translation 2–4 working days; legalisation and embassy steps add 3–7 working days. This excludes the receiving authority's own queue.

Japan is a Hague party, but an apostille can only be used between the two countries once the convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027. Until then Thai documents follow MFA legalisation plus destination-embassy attestation. Check current status at hcch.net.

They are four separate layers: (1) translating the content, (2) the translator's certificate of accuracy, (3) attestation of a signatory's signature by a lawyer authorised to certify signatures and documents, and (4) legalisation or apostille certifying the seals for cross-border use. The first three cannot replace the fourth.

If the destination requires a translator based in that country, legalise in Thailand first: the translator must render every stamp inside the translation. If the destination accepts a translation prepared in Thailand, translate and certify first, then legalise the translation.

Acceptance is at the receiving authority's discretion, so we do not guarantee outcomes. We confirm the required certification system and document age before starting, and redo our translation work free of charge if the error is on our side.