I’m a Japanese national considering international marriage with my British partner. What procedures are necessary from marriage to obtaining a spouse visa?

To obtain a Spouse Visa (Spouse or Child of Japanese National) in Japan, you must complete the prescribed marriage procedures in both Japan and the United Kingdom.

For those seeking consultation

Procedures for International Marriage with a British Citizen

To acquire the Spouse or Child of Japanese National status in Japan, a legally valid marriage must be established in both Japan and the United Kingdom. Japanese spouse visas are scrutinized with the presumption of potential fraudulent marriages; therefore, even individuals from OECD countries may face denial if unprepared.

In the UK, individuals can marry at 18 years of age. Parental or guardian consent allows marriage from 16 years. Bigamy and close-relative marriages are prohibited. Same-sex marriages are legally recognized in the UK.

Which Country to Complete Marriage Procedures First?

International marriage procedures can commence in either country. If the British partner resides in Japan, initiating the marriage registration (foundational notification) in Japan is common. Conversely, if residing in the UK, starting with UK marriage procedures is typical. Considerations include current residence, procedural simplicity, time required, and future plans for marital residence.

Upon completing marriage procedures in both countries, apply for the Spouse or Child of Japanese National status at the Immigration Bureau. The visa assessment rigorously examines the authenticity of the marriage and the couple’s financial stability in Japan.

(1) When Initiating Marriage Procedures in Japan

If starting marriage procedures at a Japanese municipal office, the process involves: 1) Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment from the British Embassy in Japan or a UK registry office; 2) Submitting a marriage notification at the Japanese municipal office (foundational notification). This completes the marriage procedures in both countries. A marriage validly established in Japan is recognized in the UK, eliminating the need for additional procedures at the British Embassy in Japan.

(STEP1) Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment

At the British Embassy in Japan, obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (Affidavit or Affirmation). Alternatively, acquire a Certificate of No Impediment from a UK registry office.

For procedures in Japan, schedule an appointment with the British Embassy, where the British partner applies for an Affidavit of Marital Status or Affirmation of Marital Status. These documents certify the British partner’s legal capacity to marry under UK law, including details like birthplace, occupation, parents’ names, marital status (single, divorced, widowed), intended spouse, and confirmation of no legal impediments to marriage.

Required documents for the British Embassy may include:

– Original British passport
– British birth certificate
– Residence card or driver’s license as proof of address
– Relevant documents for any previous divorces or name changes

Confirm the required documents with the British Embassy beforehand, as they may change or require additional items.

(STEP2) Submitting Marriage Notification at Japanese Municipal Office

After obtaining the Certificate of No Impediment, submit the marriage notification at the Japanese municipal office. Required documents typically include:

**For the British partner:**

– Certificate of No Impediment + Japanese translation
– Birth certificate + Japanese translation
– Passport
– Residence card (if applicable)
– Other documents specified by the municipal office

**For the Japanese partner:**

– Family register (戸籍謄本)
– Identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
– Marriage notification (with signatures of two witnesses)

Procedures may vary by municipal office; confirm specifics in advance.

After submission, it takes approximately 1-2 weeks to obtain an updated family register reflecting the marriage. A marriage validly established in Japan is recognized in the UK, so no additional reporting to the British Embassy is necessary. Consequently, the UK government does not issue a marriage certificate in this case.

(2) When Initiating Marriage Procedures in the UK (for Japanese Residents Traveling to the UK)

If starting marriage procedures in the UK, the process involves: 1) The Japanese partner obtaining a Marriage Visitor Visa; 2) Traveling to the UK and acquiring a Certificate of No Impediment; 3) Giving Notice at a UK registry office; 4) Conducting a legally recognized marriage ceremony; 5) Reporting the marriage to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in the UK or a Japanese municipal office;
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