If you need to submit Japanese documents for immigration, legal, or professional purposes, you’ve probably come across the terms certified Japanese translation and regular, or standard, translation.

At first glance, they may seem the same. But the difference can determine whether your application is accepted or rejected.

Let’s break down what sets them apart and when you need each.

What Is a Regular Japanese Document Translation?

A regular translation simply converts your Japanese documents into English (or another language), usually by a translator or even a free translation tool.

This type of document translation works well if you only need the information for personal understanding, informal communication, or internal company use.

However, a regular translation is not valid for immigration, legal cases, or official submissions. That’s where certified translation becomes essential.

What Makes a Translation “Certified”?

A certified Japanese translation goes beyond translating words. It includes a signed statement commonly called a Statement of Certification or Certificate of Accuracy from the translator or agency confirming that the translation is complete, accurate, and faithful to the original.

Immigration authorities such as USCIS, the UK Home Office, and the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) specifically require this certification. Without it, your immigration translation will almost certainly be rejected.

This is why certified translations are often referred to as official Japanese translation or legal translation services.

When Do You Need Certified Japanese Translation?

You need a certified translation whenever you submit documents to an authority that requires legal validity. Common examples include:

• Immigration translation for visas, permanent residency, or citizenship
• Official translation of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and family registers
• Professional translation of financial or legal documents for embassies and government offices

If your documents are only for personal, informal, or internal use, regular translation is usually enough. But for official processes, certification is non-negotiable.

Why Certified Translation Matters

The difference between certified translation and regular translation is simple: only certified translation ensures your documents are recognized by official authorities such as immigration offices, embassies, and courts.

Choosing professional Japanese translation saves you from costly delays, repeated submissions and even outright rejected applications.

If you’re preparing for immigration or any official process, certified translation is not optional—it’s essential.

Ensure your applications are approved. Contact Certified Japanese Translation Services