When it comes to foreigners marrying Japanese citizens in Japan, there are two approaches to marriage registration: either filing in Japan first or filing in the foreigner’s home country first.

 

 

Filing in Japan first

 

When a Japanese national and a foreigner intend to marry in Japan, they must file a marriage registration at the municipal office. Upon acceptance of the registration, provided both parties are deemed to meet the requirements for marriage, a valid marriage is established. To validate the marriage, it’s necessary for the foreigner to meet the marriage eligibility criteria set by their home country’s laws (such as reaching the legal marriage age and being single). The municipal office conducting the registration examines this aspect during the acceptance of the marriage registration.

 

Filing Period

The day of filing is considered the marriage day.

 

Filing Parties

Both parties intending to marry.

 

Required Documents for Filing:

• Marriage Registration Form (with signatures and seals of two adult witnesses)
• Certificate of Eligibility for Marriage (Single Affidavit For Marriage) and its Japanese translation
• Birth Certificate and its Japanese translation
• Certificate of Nationality and its Japanese translation
• Seal or signature of the filing party (foreigners can use their passport signature)
• Document for verifying the identity of the filing party (driver’s license, passport, residence card, etc.)

Regarding Family Registers　（Koseki）

When a Japanese citizen marries a foreigner, no new family register is created for the foreigner. Instead, the Japanese spouse’s family register will note the marriage (foreigner’s name, date of birth, nationality). If the Japanese spouse is not listed as the head of the family register, a new one will be created.
The Japanese spouse’s name in the family register remains unchanged even after marrying a foreigner. However, if the foreign spouse wishes to change their surname, they can do so by filing a “Surname Change Notification” within six months of marriage. If more than six months have passed since the marriage, permission from the family court is required to change the foreign spouse’s surname.

For more details, click here →  Family Names in International Marriages

 

FAQS

Q1: Who can be witnesses?

Any adult can be a witness.

 

Q2: What is a Certificate of Eligibility for Marriage (Single Affidavit for Marriage)?

It is a document issued by authorized institutions such as the foreigner’s embassy or consulate in Japan, confirming that the foreigner meets the necessary requirements for marriage under their home country’s laws.

 

Q3: Where can I obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Marriage?

The application process varies depending on the country, so please check with your embassy or consulate in Japan for details regarding application procedures.

 

 

Marriage Registration Procedure After Marrying in a Foreign Country

 

If a marriage is valid under foreign law and a certified copy of the marriage certificate issued by that country is available, it must be recorded in the Japanese spouse’s family register.

 

Filing Period

Within 3 months from the date of marriage.

 

Required Documents

• Certified copy of the marriage certificate and its Japanese translation

 

Places to File

– Japanese Embassy or consulates

– Municipal offices, ward offices, or town/village halls in the registered domicile.

 

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, whether you’re filing for marriage registration in Japan or recording a marriage that occurred in a foreign country, it’s crucial to adhere to the legal procedures outlined by both Japanese and foreign laws. By ensuring proper documentation and timely filing, international couples can navigate the marriage process smoothly and ensure their union is legally recognized in Japan. If you have any further questions or require assistance, please reach out to relevant authorities.

Congratulations on your marriage, and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling life together!

 

Related blog post:

1. Spouse visa in Japan

2. Certificate of Eligibility for Spouse Visa When Both Spouses Reside Abroad

 

 

Profile

Ami Ito　　Immigration lawyer in Tokyo, Japan

– Spent high school years in the U.K. and graduated from a local school.
– Studied mainly intercultural communication at Sophia University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages, English Department.
– Worked in the overseas department of SEIKO for 11 years after graduation.
– Over 10 years of experience teaching English to high school students, with a TOEIC score of 970 and a Class A level in the United Nations Associations Test of English.
– Serves as a board member in charge of international affairs at the Chiba Administrative Scrivener Association.
– Officially registered on the Financial Services Agency’s “List of Professionals (Administrative Scriveners) in Chiba Prefecture capable of providing services in foreign languages.”