Below, we will explain in detail the specific procedures for getting married internationally in Japan.
Procedures for filing a marriage registration in Japan
① Prepare the necessary documents
First, go to the city hall of the city or town where you want to submit your marriage registration and obtain a marriage registration form. At this time, be sure to tell the registrar your foreign spouse's country of origin so that they can verify all the necessary documents for your Japanese spouse. Depending on your foreign spouse's home country, additional documentation may be required. *You will need your registered domicile information when filling out your marriage registration form. If you don't know it, prepare a copy of your family register or a certificate of residence with your registered domicile information.
Next, contact the embassy or consulate of your foreign spouse's home country in Japan to find out what documents are required to issue the necessary documents. When going to the embassy, it will be easier if you check whether you both need to go together or whether only the foreign spouse can go. * Depending on the country, if you submit a marriage registration in one country, you may not be able to submit the marriage registration in the other country. To avoid ending up with having to complete the procedure in both countries, make sure to check in advance which country you should complete the procedure first.
② Procedures at the nearest city hall
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your marriage registration at the city hall. If there are no errors in the documents and the marriage registration is accepted, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Registration. This certificate certifies that your marriage has been legally established and can only be issued by the municipal office where you submitted your marriage registration.
Normally, a marriage registration acceptance certificate will be issued on the same day, but please be aware that if it has a local design or is a certificate type, it may take up to a week to be issued.
③Submit to the embassy or consulate in Japan
The marriage certificate issued by the city hall and other necessary documents will be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the foreign spouse's home country in Japan. The documents to be submitted vary depending on the country, so it is important to check in advance.
Procedures for filing a marriage registration abroad
When submitting a marriage registration in a foreign country, you must comply with not only Japanese law but also local law. The specific procedure is as follows:
1. Obtaining necessary documents
When filing a marriage registration abroad, you will first need to gather the necessary documents. Check with your local embassy or consulate to find out what documents you need and how to obtain them. Documents to be obtained locally often include a certificate of legality to marry and a birth certificate.
② Complete the procedures at the local government office
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your marriage registration at your local city hall. You may need to have your documents translated into the local language before you submit them, so consider using a translation service in advance.
③ Notify the Japanese government office
Once your marriage procedures have been completed abroad, you will need to take the certificate to your local government office in Japan to notify them of your marriage. This will allow your marriage to be legally recognized in Japan.
Spouse Visa Application Procedures
After the marriage procedures are completed, your foreign spouse will need to obtain a spouse visa in order to live together in Japan.
The application procedure for a spouse visa is as follows:
When changing an existing status of residence
Foreigners who already have a resident status in Japan must apply for permission to change their resident status. For example, if you have a student visa or a work visa, you can change your residence status to "spouse or child of a Japanese national." To apply, you will need documents such as a marriage certificate, residence certificate, and income certificate.
When acquiring a new license
In order for a foreign spouse who does not currently have a resident status to obtain a spouse visa, they must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. This procedure requires the preparation and submission of many documents to the relevant authorities both in Japan and abroad. Once the application is accepted, the foreign spouse can enter Japan and collect their residence card.
How long does it take to process an international marriage?
The time it takes to get an international marriage going in Japan will depend on the type of visa the foreign spouse has and how the marriage procedures are carried out.
Here we will explain in detail how long it takes to obtain a spouse visa.
How long does it take to get a spouse visa?
There are two procedures for applying for a spouse visa.
①Application for permission to change residence status
If your foreign spouse already has some type of residence status (such as a student visa or work visa), You will then go through the process of changing your status of residence to "Spouse or Child of a Japanese National." This application for permission to change your status of residence usually takes about 1 to 3 months. It is important that the documents and application process go smoothly.
② Application for Certificate of Eligibility
If your foreign spouse does not currently have a visa, they will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. This process usually takes about 2 to 3 months. With this procedure, in addition to applying in Japan, you will also need to apply for a visa in your foreign spouse's home country. This is an application to change your visa to one that will allow you to enter Japan at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. The validity period of the Certificate of Eligibility is three months after issue. It is important to schedule your entry into Japan before the deadline.
Points to keep in mind
The procedures for international marriage are complicated and require a lot of paperwork and formalities.
Below we will explain in detail the points you should pay particular attention to when marrying a foreign partner in Japan.
Time and procedure for collecting documents
International marriage procedures require a lot of paperwork, and it takes time to gather all the documents. When collecting documents, please keep the following points in mind:
Prior confirmation
It is important to check in advance when documents will be needed and plan their collection in order to avoid delays.
Administrative agency
Many of the documents are issued by different agencies, which means you will need to visit multiple government offices and embassies.
Document Translation
Documents written in a foreign language require a Japanese translation. You can do the translation yourself, but since an accurate translation is required, you should also consider using a professional translation service.
Required documents vary by country
The documents required for international marriage procedures vary depending on the nationality of the foreign spouse. In particular, some countries may not issue a "Certificate of Eligibility to Marry." In such cases, you may be required to prepare alternative documents such as an affidavit or statement.
Document expiry date
Documents submitted during international marriage procedures have expiration dates. Once the expiration date has passed, you will have to obtain the documents again, which will take more time and effort.
Please note the following points:
Japanese Documents
Documents issued in Japan are generally valid for three months after issue.
Overseas documents
Documents issued overseas are generally valid for within six months, but this varies by country, so be sure to check.
To acquire Japanese citizenship, you need to apply for naturalization.
Just because you get married internationally does not mean that your foreign spouse will automatically acquire Japanese citizenship. In order to acquire Japanese citizenship, you must apply for naturalization.
If you are having trouble with the procedures for international marriage, please contact us.
Our specialized visa consultants will assist you in successfully applying for a spouse visa for your loved one.
We can also provide support in Chinese, English, Korean, and Vietnamese. We have many foreign employees, so foreign applicants can rest assured.
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