Getting Married in Japan
When a foreign national marries in Japan, in addition to submitting a marriage notification to the municipality, documents confirming that you are legally able to marry under your home country's law may also be required.
When a foreign national marries in Japan, in addition to submitting a marriage notification to the municipality, documents confirming that you are legally able to marry under your home country's law may also be required.
The documents required differ depending on nationality and circumstances.
Marriage notification
To legally establish a marriage in Japan, you submit a marriage notification (konin todoke) to the municipality.
Foreign nationals may be asked for documents showing that they are able to marry under their home country's law, such as a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (konin yoken gubi shomeisho).
Foreign-language documents may require a Japanese translation.
Check with the municipal office first
Because the required documents differ by country, it is reassuring to check with the municipality where you will submit the marriage notification before gathering documents.
In some cases, you may also need to check with your own country's embassy or consulate.
After marrying in Japan, are procedures also needed in your home country?
Even after a marriage is established in Japan, a separate notification or registration may be required on your home country's side.
Please check with the embassy or consulate.
Does your residence status change automatically when you marry?
Marrying alone does not automatically change your residence status (zairyu shikaku).
Even if you marry a Japanese national, your current residence status does not automatically change to "Spouse or Child of a Japanese National."
If you wish to change it, please check the residence status change permission application and similar procedures.
When your name, address, or similar details change
If your name, address, or similar details change due to marriage, please check the necessary change procedures for your residence card (zairyu card), resident registration, bank, workplace, and similar.
About children and nationality
In international marriages, the nationality of a future child and the notification to your home country differ by country.
Please check with the embassy or consulate as needed.
What you can check next
- The Basics of Residence Status and the Residence Card
- Renewing Your Period of Stay, and When Your Situation Changes
- Considering or Going Through a Divorce
- When Your Baby Is Born
Main places to check
- Municipalities
- Embassies and consulates
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan