Marriage Registration Documents Required in Japan: A Complete Guide for Foreigners

Getting married in Japan as a foreigner is entirely possible—and simpler than many people expect. However, the paperwork process can be confusing if you're not prepared. This guide covers every document you need to register your marriage in Japan, how to obtain them, and what to expect at the city hall. Whether you're a foreigner marrying a Japanese national or two foreigners tying the knot in Japan, this step-by-step breakdown will help you navigate the process with confidence.

!couple at Japanese city hall submitting marriage registration documents

What Is the Kon-in Todoke? The Core Marriage Registration Form

The Kon-in Todoke (婚姻届) is the official marriage registration form in Japan. Unlike many countries, Japan does not require a formal wedding ceremony for legal marriage—submitting this form to your local city or ward office is all that's needed to be legally married.

Key facts about the Kon-in Todoke:

• The date you submit the form becomes your official marriage date, so plan accordingly
• The form must be completed in Japanese
• Two witnesses (any nationality, aged 18 or older) must sign the form
• You can obtain the form for free at any municipal office or download it online
• There is a small processing fee of approximately ¥350

The form asks for both partners' names, addresses, nationalities, occupations, and parents' names. For foreigners, you'll write names in katakana (the Japanese phonetic script for foreign words). City hall staff are generally helpful if you have questions about filling it out correctly.

Required Documents: Foreigners Marrying a Japanese National

If you are a foreigner marrying a Japanese citizen, here is the complete list of documents you will need:

The most critical document for foreigners is the Certificate of No Impediment (also called Certificate of Eligibility to Marry or Affirmation of Marital Status, depending on your country). This document proves you are legally free to marry under your home country's laws.

The Certificate of No Impediment: How to Get It

The Certificate of No Impediment (婚姻要件具備証明書, konin yōken gubi shōmei sho) must be obtained from your home country's embassy or consulate in Japan. Processing times and requirements vary by nationality:

Important update for U.S. citizens: As of recent years, the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Japan no longer notarize "Affidavits of Competency to Marry." Instead, U.S. citizens must download a specific PDF statement from the U.S. Embassy Japan website and present it directly to city offices.

Always contact your embassy well in advance—appointments may be needed and some certificates take several weeks to process.

For comprehensive guidance on international marriage procedures in Japan, see the International Marriage & Partnership Guide at Living in Nihon.

Required Documents: Two Foreigners Marrying in Japan

When both partners are foreign nationals, the document requirements are slightly different:

• Both partners must provide their own Certificate of No Impediment from their respective embassies
• Both partners need valid passports and residence cards (or alternative proof of address)
• Birth certificates from both partners (with Japanese translations)
• Two witnesses who sign the Kon-in Todoke

Note that you do not need a Japanese Koseki Tohon since neither partner is Japanese. The city office will record the marriage in a special foreign affairs register instead.

!marriage documents checklist Japan foreigners

Document Translation Requirements

All foreign-language documents submitted to Japanese city halls must be accompanied by Japanese translations. The good news is that Japan does not require professionally certified translations—you or your partner can translate the documents yourselves.

Tips for translations:

• Names and place names should be written in katakana where appropriate
• The translator's name and contact information should be included
• Keep translations attached to original documents
• Some municipalities may request a specific format—call ahead to confirm

For foreign language support and document assistance, many expats find resources through Family Life in Japan for Foreigners at For Work in Japan.

Step-by-Step: The Marriage Registration Process in Japan

Here's the complete process from start to finish:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents Start by contacting your home country's embassy to request the Certificate of No Impediment. This is often the longest step and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Step 2: Get the Kon-in Todoke Form Pick up the form from your local city, ward, or town office, or download it from the municipality's website. Fill it out in Japanese (get help if needed).

Step 3: Arrange Two Witnesses Ask two friends, colleagues, or family members (any nationality, 18+) to sign the witness section. They do not need to be present when you submit the form.

Step 4: Prepare Japanese Translations Translate all foreign-language documents into Japanese and attach them to the originals.

Step 5: Submit at the Municipal Office Bring all documents to your city hall or ward office. Staff will review the paperwork. If everything is in order, your marriage is registered on the spot—no waiting period.

Step 6: Report to Your Home Country (If Required) Some countries require you to register your marriage with your embassy or consulate. Check with your home country's embassy about their requirements.

Step 7: Apply for Spouse Visa (If Applicable) Marriage does not automatically grant residency rights. If your spouse needs to live in Japan, they will need to apply for a Spouse of Japanese National visa. Processing typically takes up to 3 months.

For detailed information on visa requirements following marriage, see our guide on Japan Visa and Immigration.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even well-prepared couples sometimes run into trouble at the city hall. Here are the most common issues:

Missing translations: Every foreign-language document needs a Japanese translation attached. Forgetting even one can mean being turned away.

Outdated Certificate of No Impediment: Many certificates are only valid for a limited period (often 3-6 months). Make sure yours is still valid when you submit.

Wrong form version: Municipalities occasionally update the Kon-in Todoke form. Always pick up the latest version from the office directly.

Not notifying your home country: Some countries (especially those with civil registry systems) require you to report the marriage. Failing to do so can cause issues with future passport renewals or inheritance matters.

Assuming marriage grants visa rights: Marriage alone does not grant residency. You must separately apply for and receive a spouse visa before your current visa expires.

For more on daily life adjustments after marriage in Japan, including healthcare and banking as a family, visit our guides on Healthcare in Japan for Foreigners and Banking and Finance in Japan.

After Registration: What Happens Next?

Once your Kon-in Todoke is accepted, ask the city office for a Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage (婚姻届受理証明書). This document serves as proof that your marriage registration was accepted and is useful while waiting for updated documents.

Your resident registration (住民票, jūminhyō) will be updated to reflect your new marital status. If you have a My Number (マイナンバー), you may also want to update your information.

For career and workplace considerations after marriage in Japan, including changing your name on official documents, the IT転職 resource at Ittenshoku provides helpful guidance on navigating Japanese administrative procedures.

For broader context on building a life in Japan with a partner, our pillar guide on Marriage and Relationships in Japan covers everything from dating culture to long-term family planning.

Key Takeaways

Getting married in Japan as a foreigner requires careful preparation but is entirely manageable. The most important steps are:

1. Contact your embassy early to request your Certificate of No Impediment—this is the step most likely to cause delays
2. Gather all documents and translations before heading to city hall
3. Choose your submission date wisely—it becomes your official marriage date
4. Plan for the spouse visa separately if your partner needs residency in Japan

With the right documents in hand, the actual registration at city hall takes less than an hour. Congratulations in advance on your upcoming marriage in Japan!

For more resources on life in Japan as a foreigner, including cost considerations and social integration, explore our Cost of Living in Japan Guide and Making Friends and Social Life in Japan.

Sources: Getting Married in Japan - MailMate | Foreigners Guide to Marriage in Japan - GaijinPot | Marriage in Japan - U.S. Embassy Japan