Japan is a Hague Apostille country (a contracting party since 1970). A single apostille from the correct Canadian authority is accepted in Japan, no embassy or consular legalization step. Because Canada joined without any objection, Canadian apostilles are accepted there.
| Destination status | Hague Apostille member (since 1970) |
| What you need | One apostille, no embassy legalization |
| Translation | A certified Japanese translation is often required. |
| Canadian authority | Set by where your document was issued or notarized |
How your document is routed in Canada
The Canadian authority depends on where your document was issued or notarized, not on where you live. See the document guides and the by-province overview for the exact authority, fee and timeline.
Most-requested documents for Japan include work, spouse visas and study. Common examples are RCMP checks, degrees and transcripts, and vital certificates, each with its own routing, which we confirm at pre-check.
Common questions
Does Japan accept Canadian apostilles?
Yes. Japan is a contracting party to the Hague Apostille Convention, and Canada's accession was accepted without objection, so a Canadian apostille is accepted in Japan with no embassy or consular legalization step.
Which authority apostilles my document?
The authority is decided by where the document was issued or notarized, Ontario, Québec, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan have their own; federal documents and all other provinces go to Global Affairs Canada.
Do I need a translation?
A certified Japanese translation is often required.
Sending a document to Japan?
Upload a scan, we'll confirm the exact route, screen it for refusal risks, and send a fixed quote within one business day.
Free pre-check