Getting Married in Japan: Complete Guide

Q. What does a foreigner need to register a marriage in Japan?

Besides the marriage form — which needs the signatures of two adult witnesses, though seals are optional — you need identity documents, your residence card, and a certificate of legal capacity to marry from your home country with a Japanese translation. What that certificate is called, its format, and what substitutes where no such certificate exists all vary by nationality. Since March 1, 2024, staff can check the family register even when you file outside your registered domicile, so attaching a family register certificate is generally no longer required.

Q. Does marriage let me get a spouse-related residence status?

If your spouse is a Japanese national you can apply for Spouse or Child of Japanese National, and for Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident if they hold permanent residence. Either one lets you work without restriction once the immigration office approves it. If your spouse is a foreign national who is neither, you look at changing to Dependent status instead, depending on the status they hold — Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Technical Intern Training do not qualify.

Q. Are there other procedures needed after marriage, such as for name or address changes?

If your name changes, you will need to update your Residence Card, passport, driver's license, bank accounts, and workplace records. If your address changes, a change of address notification will also be required.