Getting Married in Japan: Easy Guide + Checklist

Want to get married in Japan? Whether you're looking at a western-style wedding or a Shinto-style ceremony, if you want your marriage to be legally binding, you need to register your marriage according to Japanese law. 

However, gathering and filing the necessary paperwork can be confusing, especially if you don't know where to begin. 

We look at the requirements for how to get married in Japan, the legal marriage age in Japan, the documents to prepare, and a step-by-step on how to submit a marriage registration form (婚姻届 = kon in todoke). 

Quick Answer: How to get married in Japan

To legally get married in Japan, couples must submit a kon-in todoke at a municipal office. Ceremonies are optional. Non-Japanese citizens can marry in Japan but must provide a Certificate of No Impediment and translated documents. Requirements vary by municipality and nationality.

Couple Type	Can Marry in Japan?	Extra Paperwork Needed
Japanese × Japanese	Yes	Koseki only
Japanese × Foreigner	Yes	Certificate of No Impediment
Foreigner × Foreigner	Yes	Certificates from both countries
Same-sex couple	Not legally	Partnership certificates only

What are the requirements for getting married in Japan? 

For a marriage to be legal in Japan, you must register it at a municipal government office.

In addition, you and your partner must meet the conditions outlined in Japan's Civil Code and follow the laws of your home country (if you are a foreigner).

Requirements for marriage as outlined in Japan's civil code are as follows:

• Japan's marriage age is 18 years old. Previously, the minimum age for marriage was 18 for men and 16 for women in Japan. However, following the Civil Code revision regarding the age of adulthood in April 2022, the minimum age is now 18 for males and females. 

• Women are not allowed to remarry within 100 days of divorce. 

• Immediate and close relatives are not permitted to marry.

Is same-sex marriage permitted in Japan? 

Unfortunately, Japanese civil code does not recognize same-sex marriage.

Nevertheless, certain districts and cities implement a same-sex partnership system (同性パートナーシップ制度 = dōsei pātonāshippu seido) where local governments recognize same-sex couples as being equivalent to marriage and issue a legally non-binding certificate.

You can learn more about this partnership system here.

Can foreigners get married in Japan?

Yes, foreigners can get married in Japan even if both parties are not Japanese citizens.

Depending on your prefecture, city, and nationality, you will need to prepare various documents. 

One of the main documents you will need is a Certificate of No Impediment (婚姻要件具備証明書, kon in yōken gubi shōmei sho), but foreigners may need the following :

• Birth Certificate (出生公証書)

• Nationality Certificate: such as a passport (国籍公証書またはパスポートの写しなど)

• Certificate of Single Status (独身証明書) any of the below:

  • a) Certificate of Non-Marriage (Non-Remarriage) Registration Record (無婚姻（無再婚）登記記録証明)

  • b) Certificate Stating No Record of Marriage such as Unmarried Certificate (未婚姻公証書など婚姻の記録がない旨の証明書)

  • c) Notarized document stating that you signed an unmarried (or unremarried) statement in front of a consul (publicized notary) (未婚（未再婚）声明書に領事（公証員）の面前で署名した旨の公証書)

  • d) Certificate stating that you signed a "Not Having Registered a Marriage Due to Not Reaching Marriageable Age" document in front both parties

    • For those who are remarried, if the divorce date is not stated in the above-mentioned certificates 1 and 3, a divorce notarization is also required

• Declaration Stating that the Requirements of the Marriage Law (Prohibition of Consanguineous Marriage) are Met

Additionally, you may need to translate any foreign documents into Japanese. 

It’s best to go to your embassy or consulate in your home country and your parents' home country for specific details.

What documents are needed for getting married in Japan? 

Here's a checklist of documents you will need to prepare to register a marriage in Japan: 

1. Marriage registration form (kon-in todoke)

This form is available at all city offices and, in most cases, downloadable from their official website.

You will need two witnesses to sign this form to complete the Japan marriage application form.

Image. Sapporo's konin todoke form. 

The date you submit the form will become your wedding date, regardless of when you have a wedding ceremony.

2. Valid ID 

In most cases, a passport, driver's license, residence card, or My Number card is sufficient. 

3. Family register (戸籍謄本 = koseki tōhon) 

Japanese citizens will need their koseki tōhon when getting married outside of their registered domicile (本籍地 = honseki chi).

4. Certificate of no impediment (婚姻要件具備証明書 = kon in yōken gubi shōmei sho)

This document is required for foreigners getting married in Japan.

So, if one or both people are not from Japan, they will need this document to prove there is no impediment (also called an affidavit of competency to marry). This document verifies one's legal ability to wed, specifically in Japan.

You can obtain this document from your respective embassy or consulate. It can cost 5,500 yen, but that will vary depending on the embassy or consulate.

5. Birth certificate 

Your original birth certificate may be required depending on which municipality you register your marriage. 

You must attach Japanese translations to all documents submitted in a foreign language, including passports, birth certificates, and affidavits. 

You don't need a registered professional translator to translate these documents; as long as names and places are translated and written in katakana, you're good to go. 

Additional documentation may be needed depending on your municipal office. Always check with your local city office before submitting the necessary paperwork.

Japan's Ministry of Justice site answers frequently asked questions related to getting married in Japan as a foreigner. 

Step-by-step how to submit a kon in todoke form to get legally married in Japan

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to submit a kon in todoke form to register your marriage in Japan.

Step 1. Acquire the marriage registration form from a city office or download it from their homepage and fill it out. 

You must complete the form in Japanese with signatures from two witnesses. For a filled-out sample of a marriage registration form, click here. 

Step 2. Gather all required documents and translate them if necessary. 

We listed the documents you need to register your marriage in the previous section. However, you may need additional documents depending on the rules of your municipality. 

Step 3. Choose a date.

The day you submit your registration form is when you will be legally married. If you have a particular date in mind, prepare all documents beforehand to be ready when the time comes. 

Step 4. Submit the paperwork to your city office.

Bring the marriage registration form and required documents to your city office on the day you wish to wed. Once they are filed and approved, you will be married in Japan. 

Step 5. Report your marriage to your embassy or consulate.

Getting married in Japan for foreigners may necessitate reporting your marriage to your embassy or consulate. However, certain countries do not require you to register or report your marriage at the embassy of your home country. Check your embassy's home page or call them to confirm if you can skip this step. 

Additionally, if one partner is a Japanese citizen, it's possible to register the marriage by postal mail. To do so, you need to submit all required documents by post, including a photocopy of both partners' IDs, family registry, etc. 

Are marriage certificates issued in Japan?

There are two types of documents that certify marriage in Japan.

1. Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage (婚姻届受理証明書 = kekkon-todoke juri shōmeisho)

This certificate includes basic information such as names, dates of birth, nationalities, and registration date. It also proves that you registered the marriage officially at a municipal office. (Issuance fee, approx. ¥350.)

Image. Example of Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage from Osaka city office.

2. Certification of Information Recorded on Marriage Registration (結婚届記載事項証明書 = kekkon-todoke kisai jiko shōmeisho)

This is an extended version of the certificate above. It includes photocopies of all documents submitted to register the marriage at the municipal office. (Handling fee: ¥800)

You will not automatically receive these certificates after registering your marriage. Instead, you must request them separately at the municipal office where you registered your marriage. 

We advise that you have at least one of these certificates on hand, especially if you are returning to your home country, as it will be your only proof of marriage in Japan. 

How much does it cost to get married in Japan?

Excluding the wedding ceremony, the registration marriage fees are as follows:

Item	Cost
Issuance fee for Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage (婚姻届受理証明書,  kekkon-todoke juri shōmeisho)	At least 350 yen for the standard Up to 1,400 yen for the decorated version
Issuance fee for the Certificate of No Impediment (for foreigners)	Around 5,500 JPY, depending on your embassy
Translation fee for non-Japanese documents (if there are any)	Between 10,000-12,000 yen

Japanese citizenship by marriage

Getting married in Japan does not immediately grant you Japanese citizenship or permanent residency.

These processes can be done after getting married, as most people who are married to Japanese citizens will apply for a spousal visa to be allowed to live and work in Japan.

Then, after a certain amount of time, they can apply for citizenship or permanent residency, depending on your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Are marriage certificates issued in Japan?

There are two types of documents that certify marriage in Japan: The Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage (婚姻届受理証明書 = kekkon-todoke juri shōmeisho) and the Certification of Information Recorded on Marriage Registration (結婚届記載事項証明書 = kekkon-todoke kisai jiko shōmeisho).

What are the requirements for getting married in Japan? 

Requirements for marriage as outlined in Japan's civil code are as follows: Japan's marriage age is 18 years old. Women are not allowed to remarry within 6 months of divorce. Immediate and close relatives are not permitted to marry.

What documents must I prepare to get married in Japan?

To get married in Japan, you must prepare the following documents and submit them to a Japanese city office: Marriage registration form (kon-in todoke), Valid ID (passport, driver's license, etc.), family register (if you are Japanese), certificate of no impediment (for foreigners), and a birth certificate.

Is same-sex marriage permitted in Japan? 

Japanese civil code does not recognize same-sex marriage. Certain districts and cities implement a same-sex partnership system (同性パートナーシップ制度 = dōsei pātonāshippu seido) where local governments recognize same-sex couples as being equivalent to marriage and issue a legally non-binding certificate.

What happens after you get married in Japan?

Your marriage in Japan does not automatically change your visa status, citizenship, or legal rights outside the marriage registration itself. After your marriage is registered, there are several important steps you may need to take depending on your nationality and future plans.

Do I need to report my marriage outside Japan?

In many cases, yes.

If one or both spouses are foreign nationals, you may need to report the marriage to:

• Your home country’s embassy or consulate

• The civil registry authority in your home country

Some countries automatically recognize marriages registered in Japan, while others require formal notification or additional documentation. Requirements vary by country, so it’s best to confirm directly with your embassy or consulate.

You will usually need one of the following Japanese documents:

• Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage (婚姻届受理証明書)

• Certification of Information Recorded on Marriage Registration (結婚届記載事項証明書)

Certified translations may also be required.

Does getting married give you a visa or residency?

Getting married in Japan does not immediately grant you Japanese citizenship or permanent residency.

These processes can be done after getting married, as most people who are married to Japanese citizens will apply for a spousal visa to be allowed to live and work in Japan.

Note: Spousal visa approval can take up to 3 months or longer. Depending on your status of residence, you may need to return to your home country to apply for a spousal visa.

If both spouses are foreign nationals, marriage does not change your immigration status. You must continue to hold a valid visa independently.

Visa applications are handled by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, and approval is not automatic.

Can you change your last name after marriage in Japan?

It depends on your nationality.

• Japanese citizens must choose a single family name when registering the marriage (in most cases, one spouse adopts the other’s surname).

• Foreign nationals are not required to change their name under Japanese law.

• Japanese citizens who marry foreign nationals are not required to change their family name.

If a foreign spouse wishes to change their surname:

• The process must usually be completed through their home country’s legal system

• Japan will reflect the name change only after official documentation is submitted

Name changes do not occur automatically through marriage registration.

Are overseas marriages recognized in Japan?

Yes, Japan recognizes marriages legally performed overseas, provided they meet the legal requirements of the country where the marriage took place.

However, Japanese nationals must still:

• Report the marriage to a Japanese municipal office

• Submit the required foreign marriage certificate and Japanese translation

Without this notification, the marriage may not appear in Japan’s official family registry.

Does marriage in Japan affect taxes or benefits?

Marriage can affect certain administrative matters, such as:

• Resident tax calculations

• Health insurance dependency status

• National pension eligibility

However, marriage does not automatically combine finances or tax filings. These matters are handled separately and depend on residency, employment, and income status.

Local rules and benefits may vary by municipality.

Frequently asked questions

Are marriage certificates issued in Japan?

There are two types of documents that certify marriage in Japan: The Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage (婚姻届受理証明書 = kekkon-todoke juri shōmeisho) and the Certification of Information Recorded on Marriage Registration (結婚届記載事項証明書 = kekkon-todoke kisai jiko shōmeisho).

What are the requirements for getting married in Japan?

Requirements for marriage as outlined in Japan's civil code are as follows: Japan's marriage age is 18 years old. Women are not allowed to remarry within 6 months of divorce. Immediate and close relatives are not permitted to marry.

What documents must I prepare to get married in Japan?

To get married in Japan, you must prepare the following documents and submit them to a Japanese city office: Marriage registration form (kon-in todoke), Valid ID (passport, driver's license, etc.), family register (if you are Japanese), certificate of no impediment (for foreigners), and a birth certificate.

Is same-sex marriage permitted in Japan?

Japanese civil code does not recognize same-sex marriage. Certain districts and cities implement a same-sex partnership system (同性パートナーシップ制度 = dōsei pātonāshippu seido) where local governments recognize same-sex couples as being equivalent to marriage and issue a legally non-binding certificate.

Can you get married in Japan on a tourist visa?

Yes. You can legally register a marriage in Japan while on a tourist visa, as long as all required documents are prepared and accepted by the municipal office. However, marriage does not allow you to stay beyond your permitted visa period. If you plan to live in Japan, you must apply for the appropriate visa separately.

How long does it take to get married in Japan?

If all documents are prepared correctly, the marriage itself is completed the same day you submit the kon-in todoke. There is no waiting period. However, gathering documents—especially from embassies—can take several days to several weeks.

Do you need a wedding ceremony to get married in Japan?

No. A wedding ceremony is not required for a marriage to be legally valid in Japan. Legal marriage is established solely through the submission and acceptance of the kon-in todoke at a municipal office.

Can two foreigners get married in Japan?

Yes. Two foreign nationals can legally marry in Japan. However, foreign citizens must submit a certificate of legal capacity to marry issued by their respective consulate or embassy when registering their marriage in Japan.

Is a Japanese marriage recognized internationally?

In most cases, yes. A marriage legally registered in Japan is generally recognized by other countries. However, many countries require you to report or register the marriage with their civil authorities or embassy for it to be reflected in their national records.

Can same-sex couples get married in Japan if they married abroad?

Japan currently does not legally recognize same-sex marriages, even if they were legally performed overseas. Some municipalities issue same-sex partnership certificates, but these are not legally equivalent to marriage under national law.

Do both partners need to be present to submit the marriage registration?

Not always. If the kon-in todoke is fully completed and signed by both partners and witnesses, one partner may submit the form. Some municipalities also allow submission by mail. Requirements vary by city office.

Do marriage documents need to be translated into Japanese?

Yes. You must submit Japanese translations of all documents submitted for marriage registration. A certified translator is usually not required, but the translation must be accurate and include the translator’s name.

What happens if your marriage registration is rejected?

If your application is incomplete or documents are missing, the city office will not accept the registration. You are not considered married until the form is officially accepted. Once issues are corrected, you can resubmit without penalty.

Can you choose your marriage date in Japan?

Yes. Your legal marriage date is the day the kon-in todoke is accepted by the municipal office. Many couples submit their paperwork on meaningful dates, such as anniversaries or auspicious days.

Is there a deadline to register a marriage in Japan?

No. There is no deadline for submitting a marriage registration. You can register at any time, provided you meet the legal requirements at the time of submission.

In closing

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