Notarial Services
The Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan provides notarial services for Philippine citizens in Japan. While sample forms for general affidavits and powers of attorney are available for download on this website and at the processing window, these forms merely provide a guide for the public in creating the final document for notarization.
Notarial services as provided by the Consular Section do not cover crafting legal documents, nor drawing wills, powers of attorney, deeds, and documents of similar nature on behalf of the transacting public. Furthermore, embassy staff and personnel cannot act as witnesses for the public when submitting documents for legalization.
Along with the original document and relevant attachments, applicants must prepare an extra set of photocopies when submitting documents for legalization.
| Filipino citizens who are unable to appear in person for the notarization can have their documents notarized before a Japanese notary public in the area where they currently reside, and avail of the Consular Section’s authentication services instead. Details of the authentication procedure can be found here. |
Important Reminders
- Personal appearance is MANDATORY.
Notarial services shall not be performed if the person signatory to the instrument is not physically present at the time of notarization, per Rule IV, Sec.2(b) of the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice as promulgated by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.The person availing of notarial services must personally appear at the Consular Section and affix his/her signature on his/her document for notarization at the appropriate window in the presence of the consular officer.
- Presentation of valid proof of identity is a MUST.
A valid, competent evidence of identity must be presented by the interested parties before legalization of documents can be performed.Only unexpired, government-issued identification, bearing the photograph and signature of the affiant will be accepted as proof of identity. A valid Philippine passport would be the simplest proof of identity to present.
- Proper use of name and consistent signature.
The name used in the legal document must be consistent with the name appearing in the applicant’s valid proof of identity (i.e. passport). The signature of the affiant must also correspond to the signature in the identification document.
- Supply complete and accurate information as required in the document for legalization, except your signature. The affiant ‘s signature must be affixed at the embassy, before a consular officer.
Documents for Notarization
- Affidavits
Affidavits are written declarations or statement of facts under oath signed before an official authorized by law to perform notarial acts. Affidavits are used in a wide variety of situations providing information supplied by the author of the document (affiant/deponent), pertaining to things, persons, events, acts, and other facts to which the author has direct knowledge of.A general affidavit form is available from this website and at the Consular Section which may be used to declare the statements of the subscribing party. It is highly advised that documents in support of the statement of facts in the affidavit be brought and attached to the sworn statement.
- Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes the bearer named therein (attorney-in-fact) to perform an act or several acts on behalf of another person who granted the authority (principal), or represent the person granting the authority in matters of private interest, business, and other legal matters. - Deeds
Deeds are written instruments which confirms the transfer or passage of a property, a right, interest, or similar matters from one party authoring the document (grantor) to another. This document must be signed by the grantor and attested to by a witness/witnesses.Please refer to a private lawyer, a bank, or corporation for guidance in the appropriate language used in a deed.
