Two Major Steps of International Marriage
- Marriage Registration & Visa Application
Two Major Steps of International Marriage
"Marriage" and "Visa" are separate procedures.
You can only live in Japan after both are completed.
Marriage Procedures
Which country do you register in first? (Your choice)
Register Abroad First
Established abroad -> Report to Japan
Documents
- •Foreign marriage certificate
- •Birth certificate
- •Nationality certificate, etc.
Register in Japan First
Established in Japan -> Report abroad
Documents
- •Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage
- •Birth certificate
- •Nationality certificate, etc.
*Documents in foreign languages require Japanese translations.
Obtaining a Spouse Visa
Marriage alone does not allow you to live in Japan.
You need to obtain permission for a "residence status (spouse visa)".
The first is "marriage procedures" and the second is "spouse visa (residence status) application procedures."
We will explain each below.
1. Marriage Procedures
You choose whether to complete procedures "abroad first" or "in Japan first." The choice is entirely up to you.
Pattern ARegistering Abroad First
After establishing the marriage in the foreign country, you submit a "report notification" to a Japanese municipal office.
Example documents for Japanese municipal office
- Marriage registration form
- Japanese spouse's family register
- Foreign marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Nationality certificate/passport
Pattern BRegistering in Japan First
After filing with a Japanese municipal office, you also report to the foreign country (embassy, etc.).
*For some countries like the USA, the marriage may be valid solely through registration in Japan.
Example documents for Japanese municipal office
- Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage
- Japanese spouse's family register
- Birth certificate
- Nationality certificate/passport
*Documents in foreign languages must be accompanied by Japanese translations.
2. Spouse Visa (Residence Status) Application
After the marriage is established, this is the procedure to obtain permission to live in Japan.
[Important]
Just because the marriage has been established does not mean you can automatically live in Japan. A separate review by Immigration is required.
Especially when bringing your spouse from abroad, in addition to the residence status permission (COE), obtaining a visa from the Japanese embassy in your country is also required.
Summary
First, establish the "marriage," then proceed with the "visa" application. Since the required documents vary depending on the partner's country, we recommend confirming with the relevant embassy in advance.
Need help with this procedure?
Free 30-minute initial consultation. Online support nationwide and from overseas. Evenings and weekends available.