Legalization is the proof that a document originates from or is prepared with the assistance of public authorities and complies with the laws of a given state. It involves authenticating the signature of the person who signed the document and the seal of the authorized state body.

In accordance with international practice, passports and substitute documents do not require legalization.

The documents and acts that are contrary to the laws of Turkmenistan or its content may harm the interests of Turkmenistan or contain information discrediting the honor and dignity of citizens, as well as the originals and copies of passports, work books, military cards, identity cards, the ownership of the property, documents that are directly related to commercial or customs operations (accounts, documents on the movement of goods across the border, the agreement for the supply of goods, customs declarations, etc.) are not subject to legalization.

The following procedure must be completed before submitting documents to the Embassy of Turkmenistan for legalization:

1. Documents need to be certified by a public notary.

2. Documents should be certified by the Ministry of Justice (Legal Affairs Bureau Director, District Legal Affairs Bureau Director)

3. Documents should be legalized by the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

4. Each document should be certified and legalized separately and if the document is set out on several pages, it should be sealed properly with a ribbon in a notary (as shown in the picture).

5. If your document is not in Turkmen, Russian, or English, you must provide a translation in one of these languages, made by a competent institution.

6. Photocopies of all the documents must be provided to the Embassy of Turkmenistan.

7. Please make an appointment through email: embassy1@turkmenistan.or.jp

Please, note that if any of these requirements are not fulfilled, the Embassy reserves the right not to accept the documents for legalization.

Under normal circumstances, documents submitted can be collected within 3 working days.

The request of the legalization can be made in person at the Embassy or by post. If applying by post, please send a self-addressed, stamped and pre-paid envelope along with the documents for legalization.

The legalization fee should be paid in USD ($) on the day of applying. Payments in cash only. Please contact the Embassy to check the fee.

Important information!

From April 1, 2022, the Consular Section of the Embassy will introduce a new form of legalization of documents and certification of signatures and seals on documents by affixing a special sticker. The sticker fee is 5 USD and will be added to the consular fees.