International Address Formatter
Format postal addresses correctly for any country. See the right line order, postal code placement, and local conventions.
We translate and certify documents for international use every day — correct address formatting is something our clients ask about constantly.
Address Formats by Country
Quick reference for postal address conventions around the world.
| Country | Postal Code |
|---|---|
International Address Formatting Guide
Why Formatting Matters
An incorrectly formatted address can delay or return mail, cause customs issues, or invalidate legal documents. Different countries place the postal code before or after the city, use different line orders, and may even read addresses bottom-to-top.
General Tips
Always write the destination country name in English (or the language of the sending country) on the last line. Use capital letters for the city and postal code. Avoid abbreviations that might confuse international postal services.
Business Addresses
For business correspondence, the company name goes on a separate line above the street address. In some countries like Japan and South Korea, addresses are written from largest unit (prefecture/province) to smallest (building, room number).
Instant Formatting
See the correctly formatted address immediately — all processing happens in your browser.
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50+ Countries
Covers major postal systems worldwide, from the UK and US to Japan, UAE, and Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do address formats differ between countries?
Address formats evolved independently in each country based on local postal systems, administrative divisions, and cultural conventions. Some countries place the postal code before the city, others after. Some include state or province, others do not. Japan and South Korea write addresses from largest to smallest unit, which is the opposite of Western conventions.
Where should I write the country name on international mail?
The destination country name should always be written on the last line of the address, in capital letters, and ideally in the language of the country you are sending from. For example, if posting from the UK to Germany, write "GERMANY" not "DEUTSCHLAND" on the last line.
Do I need a postal code for every country?
No. Some countries such as the UAE, Ireland (outside Dublin), and several African and Caribbean nations do not use postal codes. Others like Hong Kong and Singapore use them optionally. Our formatter shows whether a postal code is required for each country.
How do I format a Japanese address in English?
Japanese addresses are written from largest to smallest unit: postal code, prefecture, city, ward, block and building number. When writing in English for international mail, you can reverse this to Western order (street, city, prefecture, postal code) and add "JAPAN" on the last line.
What is the correct format for a UK address?
A UK address typically follows: recipient name, building number and street, locality (if applicable), city/town in capitals, postcode in capitals. For example: Mr J Smith, 10 Downing Street, LONDON, SW1A 2AA. The postcode should always be on the last line before the country.
How should I format addresses for certified translations?
When translating documents that contain addresses — such as birth certificates, contracts, or utility bills — the address should be formatted according to the conventions of the target country. This ensures the translated document looks natural and is accepted by local authorities.
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