I am a Japanese citizen planning to marry a Canadian. What procedures are required from marriage to obtaining a Spouse Visa in Japan?
I am a Japanese citizen planning to marry a Canadian. What procedures are required from marriage to obtaining a Spouse Visa in Japan?
You must complete the legal marriage procedures in both Japan and Canada, and then apply for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa (Spouse Visa) in Japan.
Marriage to a Canadian and Obtaining a Spouse Visa in Japan
To obtain a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa in Japan, your marriage with your Canadian partner must be legally recognized in both countries. Please note that Canada’s marriage requirements vary by province (such as Ontario and British Columbia), including the minimum marriageable age, required consents, and other legal conditions.
Should We Marry in Japan or in Canada First?
You may begin your marriage process in either country. If your Canadian partner already resides in Japan, it is common to file your marriage first with the local municipal office in Japan. If your partner lives in Canada, it may be more practical to marry in Canada first. Factors to consider include convenience, processing time, current residence, and future living plans.
Once your marriage is legally recognized in both countries, you can apply for a Spouse Visa at the Immigration Bureau in Japan. The screening process evaluates the authenticity of your marriage and your ability as a couple to support your life in Japan.
(1) Marrying in Japan First
If you begin the marriage process in Japan, the steps are:
- Obtain a Marriage Affidavit from the Embassy of Canada in Japan
- File your marriage registration at your local municipal office in Japan
A marriage legally completed in Japan is also valid in Canada. Therefore, there is usually no need to report your marriage to Canadian authorities, and no official Canadian marriage certificate will be issued in this case.
Step 1: Get a Marriage Affidavit at the Canadian Embassy in Japan
Book an appointment at the Canadian Embassy to obtain a Marriage Affidavit, where your Canadian partner declares under oath that they are legally free to marry. Do not sign the affidavit in advance; it must be signed in front of an embassy official. Required documents may include a passport, birth certificate, and any divorce certificates if applicable.
Step 2: Submit the Marriage Registration at the Local Municipal Office
After obtaining the affidavit, take it with its Japanese translation to your local city office. Additional required documents may vary but generally include the following:
– Marriage Affidavit + Japanese translation
– Birth certificate + Japanese translation
– Passport
– Residence Card (if already residing in Japan)
– Other documents as specified by the municipal officeDocuments for the Japanese spouse:
– Family Register (Koseki Tohon)
– ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
– Marriage registration form (requires two witnesses’ signatures)
(2) Marrying in Canada First
If you decide to marry in Canada, the process will differ by province. In general, the process includes:
- Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage from the Japanese Embassy or Legal Affairs Bureau
- Complete the local marriage procedure according to provincial law
- Submit a marriage report to the Japanese municipal office or embassy
Step 1: Get the Certificate of No Impediment
To legally marry in Canada, the Japanese spouse must obtain proof of legal capacity to marry (Marriage Certificate of Legal Capacity) from a Japanese consulate or legal affairs bureau. Requirements may vary by province, including notarization and translation of documents.
Step 2: Complete Provincial Marriage Procedure
Apply for a Marriage License in your province and hold an official marriage ceremony conducted by a government official or authorized celebrant. After the ceremony, your marriage will be registered and a Marriage Certificate issued, which is necessary for applying for the Spouse Visa in Japan.
Step 3: Submit Marriage Notification to Japan
Once you receive the Canadian Marriage Certificate, report the marriage to the Japanese government by submitting documents to a Japanese consulate or municipal office. The marriage will be recorded on the Family Register (Koseki Tohon). You may also submit by mail or via a proxy depending on the municipality’s rules.
– Marriage registration form
– Family Register (Koseki Tohon)
– Canadian Marriage Certificate + Japanese translation
– Passport + Japanese translation (for ID verification)
– Others as specified by the municipality
After your marriage is officially recognized in Japan, your Canadian partner can apply for the Spouse Visa. If the Canadian spouse is earning income in Canada or owns assets, documents such as T4 Assessments, income certificates, or proof of transfer to a Japan-based office may be helpful.
Written by
Masakazu Murai
CFP, Certified Securities Analyst, Administrative Scrivener
Former investment banker at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities. Specializes in spouse visas and financial advisory for foreign nationals. Enjoys walking, movies, and playing with his cats on weekends.
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