Marriage Procedures Differ Between the U.S. and Japan
Marriage Procedures Between the U.S. and Japan—Here’s How to Navigate Both
Step-by-Step Guide to International Marriage with a U.S. Citizen
To successfully obtain a Spouse of Japanese National visa in Japan, the marriage must be legally recognized in both the United States and Japan. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan conducts rigorous screenings to prevent fraudulent marriages—even those involving nationals from OECD countries are subject to high scrutiny.
Unlike Japan’s centralized legal structure, marriage laws in the United States vary by state and often by county. Factors such as residency requirements, waiting periods between issuing the marriage license and the actual wedding, minimum age, and need for parental or judicial consent can differ greatly.
Should You Marry in Japan or the U.S. First?
There’s no fixed rule—marriage procedures can start in either country. If the American partner resides in Japan, initiating the process with a Japanese municipal office may be simplest. If both partners are living in the U.S., you may begin there and later report the marriage to Japanese authorities.
Once the marriage is registered in both countries, you may apply for the Spouse of Japanese National visa. This application will be examined for the legitimacy of the marital relationship and the couple’s financial ability to support life in Japan.
Case 1: Marriage First Registered in Japan
The process typically involves:
- Obtaining a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (Affidavit) from the U.S. Embassy in Japan.
- Filing a marriage registration with the Japanese municipal office.
This Japanese marriage is legally valid in the U.S., and no additional steps with the U.S. Embassy are required. Note: the U.S. government does not issue its own marriage certificates for marriages conducted abroad—your Japanese-issued certificate will suffice.
Documents Needed from the U.S. Partner
- Affidavit + Japanese translation
- Birth certificate + Japanese translation
- Passport
- Residence Card (if applicable)
- Any additional documents requested by the local Japanese municipal office
Documents Needed from the Japanese Partner
- Family register (Koseki Tohon)
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Marriage registration form (with two witness signatures)
Case 2: Marriage First Registered in the United States
Steps include:
- Obtaining a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage from a Japanese consulate or Legal Affairs Bureau in Japan
- Conducting the legal marriage ceremony and registration with the relevant U.S. state or county
- Reporting the marriage to the Japanese consulate or municipal office
Document and process requirements can vary significantly by state and county, including requirements for apostilles or official translations. Contact the local civil registry and the Japanese consulate for up-to-date procedures.
U.S. Military Personnel Marrying in Japan
If the American partner is an active-duty U.S. military member, additional filings may be required through the military legal office. Always check with your unit’s Legal Office for branch-specific requirements.
Visa Application: After the Marriage
Once your marriage is legally recognized in both countries, you can apply for a Spouse of Japanese National Visa. Be prepared to submit income documentation (such as Form W-2, U.S. tax returns, Social Security statements, employment contracts, or relocation letters) as part of the eligibility review.
Professional Advisors
Masakazu Murai
Immigration Lawyer | CFP | Chartered Member Analyst
Former Investment Banker at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley
Specialist in international marriage, visa strategy, and financial consulting
Tomomi Murayama
Immigration Lawyer, Former Yahoo! JAPAN Staff
Expert in spouse visa applications for U.S.–Japan international marriages
For Foreign Nationals
- Looking to work in Japan?
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We provide one-stop legal solutions tailored to your goals. Contact Continental Immigration & Consulting today.
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