Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage

What Is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?

A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (known in Japanese as "konin youken gubi shomeisho") is an official document that certifies you meet the legal requirements for marriage under your home country's law. In simple terms, it proves that "this person is single and legally eligible to marry."

In international marriage procedures, the marriage must be valid not only under the partner's country's law but also under your own country's law. Therefore, when submitting a marriage registration at a Japanese municipal office, the foreign spouse is generally required to present this certificate.

Where Can You Obtain It?

The Certificate of No Impediment is generally issued by public institutions in your home country.

For Japanese Nationals

Japanese nationals may need this certificate when marrying abroad. It can be obtained from:

• The Legal Affairs Bureau (homukyoku) with jurisdiction over your registered domicile
• The municipal office of your registered domicile
• Japanese embassies or consulates abroad (if you are overseas)

For Foreign Nationals

The foreign spouse's certificate is typically obtained from their home country's government agency or their embassy/consulate in Japan. The issuing authority and procedures vary by country, so advance confirmation is necessary.

Generally Required Documents

Requirements vary by country and issuing authority, but the following are commonly needed:

• Family register (koseki tohon/shohon) for Japanese nationals
• Passport or identification document
• Application form (as prescribed by the issuing authority)
• Information about the marriage partner (name, date of birth, nationality, etc.)

In principle, the applicant must apply in person. Please check with the issuing authority whether proxy applications are accepted.

Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

When submitting the certificate to a foreign institution, authentication by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Apostille or official seal confirmation) may be required.

The type of authentication depends on whether the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention (the convention abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents).

• Hague Convention member countries: Apostille (obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Non-member countries: Official seal confirmation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) + authentication at the embassy/consulate in Japan

Details of the procedure can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

When Your Country Does Not Issue This Certificate

Not all countries issue a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. Some countries do not have this system, or issuance may be difficult.

In such cases, the following alternative documents may be accepted:

• Single Status Certificate
• Affidavit: A sworn statement that the person is single and meets the requirements for marriage
• Written statement: A document explaining why the certificate cannot be issued and confirming that the marriage requirements are met

Which alternative documents are accepted may vary by municipal office, so we recommend confirming in advance.

The Case of Myanmar

Myanmar does not have a system for issuing a "Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage." Therefore, when a Myanmar national submits a marriage registration in Japan, a "Single Status Certificate" is submitted instead.

The Myanmar Single Status Certificate cannot be obtained at the Embassy of Myanmar in Japan. Our office works with a local attorney in Myanmar to assist with obtaining this certificate on your behalf. Please see the articles below for details.

In addition to the Single Status Certificate, an affidavit may also be required. Handling varies by municipal office, so it is advisable to confirm with the office where you plan to file in advance.

Summary

The Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is one of the important documents in international marriage procedures. It certifies that marriage is possible under your home country's law and is required when filing a marriage registration in Japan.

For countries that do not issue this certificate, alternative documents such as a Single Status Certificate or affidavit can be used, but handling varies by filing office, so advance confirmation is important.

If you need help preparing documents, please feel free to contact us.