A Foreign National Marrying a Japanese Citizen

In Japan, a foreign national may legally marry another person regardless of whether the other person is also a foreign national or not. The procedures involved in being married in Japan will vary depending on which country’s marriage system is used.

When a foreign national marries in Japan, they must provide proof that they meet the marriage requirements of their home country (e.g., that they have reached the legal age for marriage, that they are single, etc.). Typically, this is done by visiting their country's embassy, consulate, or office to obtain a certificate of legal capacity to marry or a similar document. However, some countries do not issue such certificates. If your country does not provide a certificate of legal capacity to marry, you will need to submit alternative documentation. Please consult with your embassy or consulate for further guidance.

You must also provide a Japanese translation of your certificate of legal capacity to marry, as well as any other relevant documents. While you may translate these documents yourself, we also offer document translation services. Please feel free to inquire with us for assistance.

Once you have obtained the certificate and its Japanese translation, complete the required fields in the marriage registration form and submit it, along with other necessary documents such as passports, residence cards, and family register copies (for Japanese citizens), to the family registration counter at your local municipal office in Japan. After all required materials are submitted, your marriage will be officially recognized as valid.

If a foreign national is legally married in Japan, they will be able to obtain the following types of visa (status of residence).

• If the person’s spouse is a Japanese citizen, they may apply for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status of residence.
• If the person’s spouse holds a Permanent Resident visa, they may apply for the “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” status of residence.
• If the person’s spouse is in Japan on a working visa or a student visa, they may apply for the “Dependent” status of residence.

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