Need your Japanese documents quickly?
In addition to EMS, our office now offers DHL Express for clients who need original Japanese official documents delivered overseas as quickly as possible.
DHL Express Now Available for International Shipping
Our office has primarily used Japan Post’s EMS (Express Mail Service) to send Japanese official documents overseas, including:
- Koseki certificates (Japanese family register certificates)
- Other government-issued certificates
- Documents with apostilles
- Other original Japanese official documents
EMS is a relatively affordable international shipping option. However, depending on the destination country or region, delivery may take some time.
For clients who need to receive their original documents more quickly, DHL Express is now also available as an international shipping option through our office.
EMS vs. DHL Express
DHL Express is more expensive than EMS, but it can significantly reduce delivery time.
For example, when sending Japanese official documents to a location in the United States, the difference may look like this:
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost | Estimated Delivery | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMS Japan Post |
Approx. USD 25 | Approx. 10–14 days | Available |
| DHL Express Express international delivery |
Approx. USD 115 | Approx. 1–4 days | Available |
A good choice when keeping shipping costs lower is more important than receiving the documents as quickly as possible.
A good choice when speed is the priority and you need the original documents overseas as quickly as possible.
Additional Options for Important Original Documents
When sending important original documents by DHL Express, additional delivery options may also be available, including:
Document protection
Additional protection may be added in case the documents are lost or damaged during transportation.
Direct signature delivery
Delivery can be arranged so that a signature is required at the delivery address, without leaving the shipment in a mailbox or with a neighbor.
Please note
The shipping costs and delivery times shown above are examples only.
Actual costs and delivery times vary depending on the destination country or region, the weight and size of the documents, fuel surcharges, customs procedures, and local delivery conditions.
Estimated delivery dates are not guaranteed.
When Should You Consider DHL Express?
DHL Express may be particularly useful when you have an upcoming deadline involving original Japanese documents, such as:
- Overseas visa or immigration applications
- Marriage registration
- Birth registration
- Nationality-related procedures
- Other procedures requiring original Japanese documents
Which shipping method should I choose?
Choose EMS if you would like to keep international shipping costs as low as possible and have sufficient time to wait for delivery.
Choose DHL Express if receiving the original documents as quickly as possible is more important than the additional shipping cost.
International Shipping of Koseki, Apostille, and Other Japanese Documents
If you request our assistance in obtaining Koseki certificates, other official certificates, apostilles, or similar documents and require international shipping, please let us know your destination country or region and your preferred shipping method.
We will confirm the available shipping options and estimated costs based on your destination and the documents to be sent.
