In today’s globalized world, international marriages are becoming more common, yet many couples find the process complicated. Whether you’re marrying a foreign national in Japan or abroad, understanding the legal steps and documentation required is essential. This guide walks you through the process of international marriage, from necessary documents to important considerations.
Key Documents Required for International Marriage
When marrying a foreign national in Japan, there are several documents that both the Japanese and foreign parties must prepare. These documents ensure that the marriage is legally recognized both in Japan and the foreign national’s home country.
Marriage Registration (婚姻届)
This document, used for both Japanese and international marriages, can be obtained from your local city office or downloaded from the Ministry of Justice’s website. The foreign national’s name should be written in katakana rather than the alphabet.
Passport
A passport copy of the foreign national is required to verify their nationality. You will also need to provide a Japanese translation of the passport.
Family Register (戸籍謄本)
A copy of the family register is required for the Japanese spouse. If the marriage is not being registered in the Japanese spouse’s hometown, this document must be submitted along with the marriage registration.
Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry (婚姻要件具備証明書)
This document confirms that the foreign national is legally eligible to marry. It must be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the foreign spouse’s home country.
Steps for Registering an International Marriage
The process for registering an international marriage will vary depending on whether the marriage is first registered in Japan or in the foreign national’s home country.
Registering Your Marriage First in Japan:
- Contact the local city office or consulate to verify the required documents.
- Submit the necessary documents, including the marriage registration form, to the municipal office.
- Obtain a marriage registration certificate as proof that the marriage has been legally recognized in Japan.
- Notify the foreign embassy or consulate to register the marriage in the foreign spouse’s home country.
Registering Your Marriage First Abroad:
- Contact the local government in the foreign spouse’s home country to confirm the required documents, including a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry.
- Submit the necessary documents to the local authorities in the foreign country.
- Once the marriage is registered, submit a copy of the marriage certificate to the Japanese municipal office to officially register the marriage in Japan.
Important Considerations for International Marriages
International marriages come with unique challenges and requirements. It’s important to be aware of the following:
Processing Time for Marriage Registration
Unlike marriages between two Japanese nationals, international marriages can take longer to process. It may take anywhere from one week to one month for the marriage to be reflected in the Japanese family register.
Different Document Requirements by Country
The documents required for marriage may vary depending on the foreign spouse’s home country. It’s crucial to check with both Japanese authorities and the foreign embassy to ensure all documents are prepared correctly.
Document Expiry
Many official documents, such as family registers and certificates, have expiry dates. Japanese documents are often valid for three months, while documents from other countries may be valid for up to six months.
Spouse Visa Application
Registering your marriage does not automatically grant the foreign spouse a visa to live in Japan. Applying for a spouse visa requires a separate application process, and approval is not guaranteed. Immigration authorities carefully review visa applications to prevent fraudulent marriages.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of international marriage requires preparation and attention to detail. By ensuring you have the necessary documents and understanding the registration process both in Japan and the foreign spouse’s home country, you can make the process smoother and more efficient.
For couples looking for professional assistance, Tanabe Immigration Office offers bilingual services to guide you through the marriage registration and visa application processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Contact us today to ensure a successful and timely application for your international marriage.
