Change of Name / Surname Certificate for Japan 🇯🇵
Change of Name / Surname Certificate → Japan (Shiyakusho / Kuyakusho (ที่ว่าการเขต))
Couples preparing to marry in Japan routinely need an apostille-ready Change of Name / Surname Certificate, Required when names across documents do not match.
Once obtained from District office, the document is translated into Japanese, legalised at MFA, and certified by สถานทูตญี่ปุ่นประจำประเทศไทย for use at the Shiyakusho / Kuyakusho (ที่ว่าการเขต).
Our team combines Thai-licensed attorneys with translators registered at the Department of Consular Affairs — 15 years and 4,200+ international marriage cases handled.
Country specifics: Need Konin Yoken Gubi Shomeisho + Japanese translation.
First-pass acceptance for our marriage dossiers sits at 97-99%, well above market average.
How it works
- 1
Retrieve Change of Name / Surname Certificate
We contact District office on your behalf — service available in all 77 Thai provinces.
- 2
Form check & reconciliation
Names, ID numbers, and issuance dates are cross-checked against the rest of the marriage bundle before translation.
- 3
Japanese translation
Performed by a Department of Consular Affairs registered translator, formatted as required by สถานทูตญี่ปุ่นประจำประเทศไทย.
- 4
MFA legalisation
Hand-walked to MFA Chaeng Wattana — 2-3 working days.
- 5
สถานทูตญี่ปุ่นประจำประเทศไทย attestation
Fee: THB 1,800-2,400; typical turnaround 3-7 days.
- 6
Couriered to partner abroad
Bundled with CONI and partner documents, couriered to Japan for the Shiyakusho / Kuyakusho (ที่ว่าการเขต) appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the validity period of Change of Name / Surname Certificate?
Typically 3-6 months depending on the destination; we sequence issuance to match your ceremony date.
Where do I reissue Change of Name / Surname Certificate?
From District office. We can act on your behalf via power of attorney.
Is Apostille acceptable for this document?
Yes — Japan is a Hague Apostille member; the MFA apostille can replace double legalisation for many documents.
Can the document content be amended?
Content cannot be altered; minor spelling fixes must be re-issued by the originating district office before translation.
Cost of handling Change of Name / Surname Certificate alone?
Translation THB 800-1,500 + certification THB 1,200-1,800/copy + MFA fee THB 400-600.
Is it accepted for the Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa?
Yes — it forms part of the standard spouse-visa bundle for Japan.