Filing at the Municipal Office

Introduction

In international marriages, procedures are generally required in both countries. The specific steps vary depending on your partner's nationality and which country you choose to establish the marriage in first.

This article explains the process of filing a marriage registration at a Japanese municipal office when establishing the marriage in Japan first.

Required Documents

The following documents are needed when submitting a marriage registration at a Japanese municipal office.

Documents Required from Both Partners

• Marriage registration form (Kon-in Todoke)

Documents Required from the Foreign Spouse

• Passport (for presentation)
• Residence Card (for presentation)
• Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, or equivalent documents (Japanese translation required if in a foreign language)

Documents Required from the Japanese Spouse

• Family Register (Koseki Tohon)
• Identification (driver's license, etc., for presentation)

The "Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage or equivalent documents" varies depending on your partner's nationality. For countries that do not issue this certificate, alternative documents are required. See Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage for details.

Choosing Where to File

If You Are in Japan

Once you have gathered all the required documents, visit your nearest ward or city office to submit the marriage registration.

A little-known fact is that a marriage registration can be submitted at any municipal office in Japan. It does not have to be the office in your residential area or registered domicile.

While choosing the nearest office is perfectly fine, it can be helpful to call several offices and choose one that is experienced with international marriage registrations. Since international marriages involve more verification than marriages between Japanese nationals, an experienced office can make the process smoother.

If You Are Overseas

Even if you are abroad, there are ways to submit a marriage registration using the Japanese method.

• Submit the marriage registration to a Japanese ambassador, minister, or consul stationed in that country
• Mail the marriage registration to the municipal office of your registered domicile in Japan

For details, please refer to the Ministry of Justice: Q&A on Family Register for International Marriage and Overseas Births.

Important Notes When Filing

Your Registration May Not Be Accepted on the Same Day

In international marriages, the registration may not be accepted on the day you submit it. If the office cannot determine whether to accept the registration, the documents may be forwarded to the Legal Affairs Bureau for review. This is called "Juri Ukagai" (preliminary inquiry).

If a preliminary inquiry is initiated, the review may take several weeks to months. See Preliminary Inquiry (Juri Ukagai) for details.

Japanese Translations Are Required for Foreign Language Documents

When submitting documents written in a foreign language, Japanese translations must be attached to all of them. The translator can be the applicant, but the name of the translator must be noted.

After Filing

Once the marriage registration is accepted by the municipal office, you can obtain a Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Registration.

By taking this certificate to your foreign spouse's embassy in Japan, the marriage will be recognized in both Japan and your spouse's country.

However, some countries do not accept declaratory registration at their embassy in Japan. See Constitutive vs. Declaratory Registration for details.

Establishing the Marriage Abroad First

If you choose to marry abroad first, you must follow the marriage procedures prescribed by that country's laws.

Japan's marriage method involves filing at a municipal office, but this is not a universal method. For example, in Myanmar, marriage is established by submitting a marriage oath to the court and exchanging oaths before a judge. Procedures may also vary by region within the same country.

If the marriage is established abroad, you need to obtain a marriage certificate issued by that country and report it to a Japanese embassy or consulate. This report must be made within 3 months of the marriage being established.

Summary

• To establish a marriage in Japan first, submit a marriage registration at a municipal office
• The registration can be submitted at any municipal office in Japan
• Choosing an office experienced with international marriages can help
• Allow extra time as a preliminary inquiry may be required
• Don't forget to file a declaratory registration at the embassy afterward