Authentication chain for Will / Last Testament bound for Japan
Japan is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention — therefore Will / Last Testament must pass through: Notary Public → MFA Thailand → Apostille (for Japan).
Once the MFA issues an Apostille, Japan accepts it directly — no further embassy step required, saving 1-2 weeks and embassy fees.
Our team refreshes Japan requirements quarterly to avoid bounce-back on format changes.
About Will / Last Testament
Notarisation of a will and the testator's signature (with witnesses) for enforcement in Thailand and abroad.
Common reasons clients prepare Will / Last Testament for Japan: Managing cross-border assets (property/shares/overseas accounts) · Will naming a foreign executor/trustee · Notarisation of a foreign national's will while resident in Thailand.
Source documents to bring: Draft will, Testator's passport/ID card, Two witnesses (to appear in person), Asset details.
Total cost and timeline
Notary Public: confirmed in a written quotation from staff — turnaround ระยะเวลาขึ้นกับเอกสาร โปรดสอบถามเจ้าหน้าที่ (incl.ร่าง/ตรวจก่อนลงนาม).
MFA Consular Affairs (Chaengwattana): confirmed in a written quotation from staff per stamp (standard) or confirmed in a written quotation from staff (express) — 2-3 business days (1-day express available).
Apostille included with the MFA step — no embassy fees.
Total ~5-7 business days · Express ~2-3 days.
Document checklist
- Original Will / Last Testament (or copy to be certified)
- Signer's Thai ID / passport
- State Apostille as the destination
- Power of attorney (if our runner files on your behalf)
- Certified translation (if the destination requires local language)
FAQ
Will my Will / Last Testament be accepted in Japan?
Yes — after the Apostille, Japan accepts it directly with no extra embassy step.
Total turnaround?
5-7 business days · express in 2-3 days.
Total cost?
Notary MFA confirmed in a written quotation from staff per stamp (standard) or confirmed in a written quotation from staff (express) (includes Apostille).
Does an Apostille expire?
The Apostille itself does not expire, but many receiving authorities want documents dated within 3-6 months — verify with the recipient.