Iraq Consular Legalization in Japan
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Last reviewed: 2026-08-10 | Supervised by: Masakazu Sugita, Principal Administrative Scrivener, Immigration Lawyer SUGITA International Office
When public documents issued in Japan, or private documents such as corporate documents and contracts, are to be used in Iraq, the receiving government agency or company may require Consular Legalization / Attestation.
When using Japanese documents overseas, the procedure can often be completed simply with an Apostille issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA). However, since Iraq is not a member of the Hague Convention (Apostille Convention), documents issued in Japan for use in Iraq generally require Consular Legalization by the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Japan.
Documents that may require Consular Legalization for Iraq include, for example, the following.
・Corporate documents (certificate of registered matters, articles of incorporation, minutes of board meetings, financial statements, etc.)
・Commercial documents (invoices, certificates of origin, sales contracts, etc.)
・Various contracts
・Personal documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, family register documents, etc.)
・Academic certificates (graduation certificates, transcripts, etc.)
・Private documents such as Power of Attorney and Affidavits, and translations of these documents
To obtain Consular Legalization for Iraq on these documents, it is generally necessary to carry out the following procedures in order, depending on the type of document and the requirements of the recipient.
- Notarization by a Notary and certification by the Director of the Legal Affairs Bureau (for private documents, etc.)
- Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA authentication)
- Consular Legalization by the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Japan
Depending on the recipient, an English translation or a certificate of translation may also be required for Japanese-language documents.
The required steps for Consular Legalization vary depending on the content and number of documents and whether translation or notarization is needed. Our center handles this entire process on your behalf, including translation, notary office procedures, the Legal Affairs Bureau, MOFA authentication, embassy application, and return shipping arrangements.
Are you facing any of these challenges while living outside Japan?
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I need documents with Apostille or Consular Legalization delivered to me overseas.
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My schedule is tight, and I need to obtain the Apostille or Consular Legalization as quickly as possible.
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I'm not currently in Japan, so I can't visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant embassy/consulate myself to apply for or collect documents.
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I want to outsource the entire process — translation (Certified Translation), notarization, the Legal Affairs Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the embassy/consulate — without having to travel to Japan.
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Since I'm overseas, fixing a mistake in the paperwork later would be even harder — I want the procedure done correctly the first time.
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Since I'm overseas, I'd like someone to obtain Japan-issued documents (such as a Family Register Certificate) on my behalf.
Our center resolves all of these concerns for you, all in one place.
Consular Legalization Procedure Flow at the Embassy of Iraq
Attestation on the documents for Iraq
Consular Legalization Procedure Flow at the Embassy of Iraq
Attestation on the documents for Iraq
Here we walk through the actual Consular Legalization process at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Japan, step by step, from application through to receiving the legalized documents.
1. Application
No advance appointment is required to apply. Third-party applications on the applicant's behalf are also accepted, and a Power of Attorney or a copy of the applicant's own identification is not required. At the time of application, one full set of color copies must be submitted in addition to the original documents to be legalized. The documents and copies are checked carefully at the counter, so care should be taken to avoid missing copies, unclear copies, or missing pages. In addition, if the destination in Iraq or the purpose of obtaining Consular Legalization is not clear from the documents themselves, a cover letter on company letterhead may be required (stating the target documents, the destination in Iraq, and the purpose of use, and signed by a manager or someone in a more senior position).
2. Fee payment
The Consular Legalization fee is USD 160 per document. Payment is made in US dollar cash, so this should be prepared in advance of the application.
3. Processing and collection
Consular Legalization is not issued on the same day. After the embassy reviews and processes the documents internally and the legalization is complete, the embassy contacts the applicant by phone. The legalized documents are then collected at the counter. No appointment is required to collect the documents either, although afternoon pickups are only available until around 3:00 PM. A claim ticket issued at the time of application is required to collect the documents, so it should not be lost.
Applying by mail
The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Japan also accepts applications by mail, as well as returning legalized documents by mail. However, this involves some handling that differs from the usual process, such as the need to contact the embassy in advance before sending the documents, so please contact us for details.
Consular Legalization of translated documents
For translations properly accompanied by a Translator's Declaration, it is not always necessary to bind the original document or a copy of it together with the translation as part of the same set of documents to be legalized. We handle both Japanese-to-English and English-to-Japanese translations. However, the handling may differ depending on the type of document and the requirements of the recipient, so please contact us for details.
Our center handles not only public documents, but also complex private documents combining translations, declarations, and corporate documents, providing comprehensive support from notarization, certification by the Director of the Legal Affairs Bureau, and MOFA authentication, through to the Consular Legalization application at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Japan. We also support clients living overseas or overseas companies, from receiving the documents through to international shipping (via DHL, etc.) after legalization is completed.
* The practical information introduced on this page (application requirements, fees, etc.) is based on the guidance we received from the embassy and our actual experience when we applied for Iraq Consular Legalization in 2026. Operations and fees are subject to change, so please contact us individually for the latest information.
Documents We Handle
Organized by Category
Documents We Handle
Organized by Category
Documents subject to Apostille or consular legalization are wide-ranging. Below is an overview of the documents we handle, organized by category.
※ Documents marked "View Details" have their own dedicated guide page.
※ The exact documents required and whether certification is necessary can vary depending on the destination country, receiving institution, and the nature of the document. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your specific case.
01Identity & Family Documents
Birth Certificate
Common uses: Proof of birth for overseas birth registration, nationality acquisition, and visa applications
View Details→ 02Family Register (Koseki Tohon)
Common uses: Proof of family relationships for marriage, inheritance, and nationality matters (includes certificates of marriage/birth registration entries and certificates of divorce acceptance)
View Details→Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry
Common uses: Proof of eligibility to marry for international marriage procedures overseas
Certificate of Celibacy / Single Status
Common uses: Proof of single status for marriage procedures and visa applications overseas
Legal Heir Information List
Common uses: Inheritance procedures for overseas assets, estate division discussions, and submissions to financial institutions
Passport Copy
Common uses: Certified identity document attached to contracts, registrations, and visa applications
02Residency, Qualifications & Daily Life
Residency Certificate
Common uses: Proof of current address for visa applications/renewals and local account opening
Police Certificate
Common uses: Work visa and permanent residency applications, overseas immigration screening
Diploma / Transcript
Common uses: Study abroad, work-qualification screening, and academic credential recognition
View Details→Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate / Score Report
Common uses: Proof of Japanese language ability for overseas work and study visa applications
Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Common uses: Overseas work visa applications, submission to local employers
Certificate of Enrollment
Common uses: Proof of school enrollment for study visa applications
Certificate of Employment
Common uses: Proof of current employment for work visa applications
License / Permit (Various)
Common uses: Overseas submission of driver's licenses and other qualification licenses, local proof of qualification
Pension Certificate
Common uses: Overseas pension-benefit procedures, residency status screening
Tax Payment Certificate
Common uses: Overseas investment and immigration screening, proof of financial standing for local account opening
03Corporate & Legal Documents
Certificate of Registered Matters
Common uses: Proof of company existence for overseas local entity formation, branch registration, and contract signing
Articles of Incorporation (Copy)
Common uses: Proof of the parent company's governing rules for overseas branch or local entity formation
Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting
Common uses: Proof of major overseas resolutions such as officer appointments and capital increases
Letter of Acceptance of Directorship
Common uses: Director appointment procedures at an overseas local entity
Financial Statements
Common uses: Overseas investment screening, proof of financial standing for local entity formation and tender procedures
Contract / Agreement
Common uses: Signing contracts with overseas business partners, filings with local authorities
Deed of Consent to Transfer
Common uses: Submission to overseas parties in connection with the transfer of shares, equity, or other rights
Power of Attorney
Common uses: Delegating procedures to an agent overseas (real estate, corporate registration, litigation, etc.). Also covers SPA (Special Power of Attorney), Authorization Letters, and equivalent delegation documents
Affidavit
Common uses: Sworn statements of fact (single status, dependency status, etc.), evidentiary material for administrative and legal proceedings
Court Documents (Judgment / Certificate of Case Closure, etc.)
Common uses: Overseas litigation-related procedures, recognition and enforcement of judgments
Official Gazette
Common uses: Proof of statutory public notices such as company dissolution or capital reduction announcements
04Trade & Other Documents
Certificate of Origin
Common uses: Import/export customs procedures, proof of origin in trade transactions
Commercial Invoice
Common uses: Import/export customs clearance, trade settlement documentation
National Diet Library Article Certification, etc.
Common uses: Proof of existence of published materials or articles, submissions for academic or research purposes
We may be able to assist with other documents not listed above. If your document isn't listed, please contact us — we're happy to discuss your specific case.
From Consultation to Delivery
How it works
The entire process is completed online and by mail, so you can request our services from anywhere, whether inside or outside Japan.
From your first inquiry through to the contract and payment, handling of your documents, the certification procedures, and return shipment by international courier, our specialist staff provide consistent, end-to-end support.
Below is an overview of the general process, from your request through to receiving your certified documents.
From Consultation to Delivery
How it works
The entire process is completed online and by mail, so you can request our services from anywhere, whether inside or outside Japan.
From your first inquiry through to the contract and payment, handling of your documents, the certification procedures, and return shipment by international courier, our specialist staff provide consistent, end-to-end support.
Below is an overview of the general process, from your request through to receiving your certified documents.
Inquiry & Review of Document Details
Based on this, we determine whether an Apostille is sufficient or Consular Legalization is required, whether translation or notarization is needed, and guide you through the necessary procedures.
Contract & Payment
Payment is, in principle, made in full in advance (this may differ if special services are required).
Submission of Required Documents
If our review finds that additional materials or a source text for translation are needed, we will let you know at that time.
If you would also like our document-acquisition proxy service, we will obtain the necessary documents at this stage.
Preparation for Translation, Notarization & Certification
The procedures are carried out in the appropriate order according to each country's requirements.
Return Shipment After Certification
If shipment overseas is required, we will confirm the delivery method with you before proceeding.
Pricing
Service & Price
Fees vary depending on the type of document, the destination country, and the certification method required.
The information below is a general pricing guide. A formal quote will be provided individually after we review your documents.
Pricing
Service & Price
Fees vary depending on the type of document, the destination country, and the certification method required.
The information below is a general pricing guide. A formal quote will be provided individually after we review your documents.
| Base fee | 49,500 JPY / per document + consular fee (For private documents, an additional notary fee of 12,500 JPY per document applies) |
|---|---|
| Additional identical documents (same destination country) |
11,000 JPY / each additional document + consular fee (For private documents, an additional notary fee of 12,500 JPY per document applies) |
| Translation | Quotation provided depending on the content and volume |
|---|---|
| Certified Translation | Quotation provided depending on the content and volume |
| Retrieval of documents issued by Japanese government offices |
11,000 JPY / per document |
| Retrieval of documents issued by universities or educational institutions |
11,000 JPY / per document |
| Domestic return | Included in the fee (via Letter Pack Light) |
|---|---|
| International standard shipping (EMS) | Quotation provided depending on the delivery country |
| International express shipping (DHL) | Quotation provided depending on the delivery country |
Request a Quote
Request official proposal sheet (quotation)
Request a Quote
Request official proposal sheet (quotation)
Please enter your contact details and information about your documents. After reviewing the details, we will provide you with a quote for the cost and processing time.
If you have any additional notes or requests, please enter them in the "Other" field.
About Japan Apostille Center (JAC)
Who We Are
About Japan Apostille Center (JAC)
Who We Are
Japan Apostille Center (JAC) is a specialized agency that handles Apostille applications through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, as well as Consular Legalization procedures at the various embassies and consulates of other countries located in Japan, on behalf of our clients.
We provide comprehensive, one-stop support covering everything from confirming the complex, country-specific procedures and application requirements, to translation into English and other languages, notarization at the notary office, MOFA authentication, application handling at embassies and consulates, and overseas shipment after certification is complete.
Our center was established on the foundation of international documentation expertise built up through our work as an administrative scrivener office handling residency status matters for foreign nationals.
Drawing on our expertise and practical experience in the field of document certification, we have a proven track record of handling document certification for a wide range of matters, including international transactions, overseas relocation, visa applications, marriage, study abroad, and company incorporation, both in Japan and overseas, and have established ourselves as a trusted specialist in international document certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Questions
Q. If the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention, can the procedure always be completed with an Apostille alone?
Q. I live outside Japan. Can I still request your services?
Q. When do I need to make payment?
Q. What types of documents can you handle?
Q. Do documents for Iraq need to be translated into English?
Q. For documents destined for Iraq, can a copy be used for Apostille or Consular Legalization instead of the original?
Q. Can applications at the Embassy of Iraq be made on my behalf?
Q. How much is the Consular Legalization fee at the Embassy of Iraq?
Q. How do I pay the Consular Legalization fee at the Embassy of Iraq?
Q. How long does Iraq Consular Legalization take to complete?
Director's Message
A Message From Our Representative
Director's Message
A Message From Our Representative
Licensed Administrative Scrivener, Immigration Lawyer SUGITA International Office