Corporate Seal Certificate
Key Facts
What Is a Corporate Seal Certificate?
A Corporate Seal Certificate (印鑑証明書, inkan shomeisho) is an official document that certifies a company's registered seal (実印 / 代表印) is genuine. In Japan, corporate seals serve a function similar to signatures in Western legal systems. The seal certificate proves that the seal impression on a contract or document is the authentic, registered seal of the company.
When a company is formed in Japan, it registers its official corporate seal (代表印, daihyo-in) with the Legal Affairs Bureau. This registered seal is the highest-authority authentication mark for the company. The seal certificate issued by the Bureau provides third-party verification that a seal impression matches the registered original.
Without a seal certificate, counterparties have no way to independently verify that a company's seal is genuine. For this reason, it is required alongside the seal impression itself in most high-value legal and financial transactions.
What Information Does It Contain?
- Company name (registered trade name)
- Head office address (registered address)
- Representative director's name (the person authorized to use the seal)
- Seal impression (a certified image of the registered seal)
- Seal registration number
- Date of issue and Bureau's official stamp
Who Needs This Document?
- Contract parties — required when executing contracts sealed with the company's registered seal
- Real estate transactions — mandatory for property purchases, sales, and lease agreements
- Banks — needed for opening accounts, loan agreements, and major banking operations
- Notarized documents — notaries require it to authenticate sealed documents
- M&A transactions — essential for share transfers, mergers, and corporate reorganizations
- Government filings — certain regulatory submissions require a seal certificate
How to Obtain It
In Person
Visit the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局) where the company's seal is registered. You will need the company's seal card (印鑑カード), which is a plastic card issued when the seal was first registered. With the seal card, any authorized person can request the certificate. It is issued the same day.
Online
The certificate can be requested through the 登記・供託オンライン申請システム using the company's seal card number. The certificate is mailed within 2-3 business days.
Through JapanCompanyDocs
We obtain the corporate seal certificate from the Legal Affairs Bureau on your behalf. A digital scan is provided for immediate use, with the original available for international delivery.
Processing Time
Same-day issuance when requested in person at the Legal Affairs Bureau with the seal card. Online requests take 2-3 business days for postal delivery. Through JapanCompanyDocs, expect 3-5 business days for digital delivery.
Pricing
The government fee is ¥450 per copy. For JapanCompanyDocs pricing including service fees and delivery, see our packages page.
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