I want to marry in Japan

What do I need to arrange if I want to marry in Japan?

Marrying in Japan is unique and enriching, but it requires detailed planning and meets specific requirements. If you plan on getting married in Japan, you may have several questions about the process, mainly if you are a foreigner. That's where a guide is handy to walk you through the most critical steps in legally recognizing your marriage and smoothly executing it.

Understanding the Process: Getting Married in Japan

Getting married in Japan is a dream many couples have, especially foreign couples. Getting married involves several steps, though, which may be quite different from what you are used to expecting from your country. Whether you're a foreigner preparing to marry a Japanese national or a Japanese citizen marrying one from abroad, you have much to learn about the requirements and procedures you must follow.

Read it: Why Marriage Is Important?

1. Marriage Eligibility Requirements

Before planning your wedding, you must understand the criteria for getting married in Japan, including who is eligible. The law demands that the parties meet the marriage requirements to be considered valid and lawful. The requirements are enumerated below.

  • Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must not be currently married to another person.
  • The parties must not have a close blood relationship.

If you are a foreigner, you will also have to prove that you are within the legal bounds to get married to a Japanese under your country's laws.

2. Required Documents

Getting married in Japan requires you to provide and submit several documents. Listed below is a general idea of what you may be needing:

  • Valid Passports: Both parties' passports should be produced.
  • Birth Certificates: In some cases, these are also required to prove identity and age.
  • Certificate of No Impediment: The paper confirms your marriage status, proving that you are legally free to get married to a Japanese. The paper should be issued through an embassy or consulate of the country of one's origin residing in Japan.
  • Affidavit of Marriage: Sometimes, the local office requires the filling in a form called the affidavit, stating your current not-married position and adherence to the marital requirements by law.

These should be translated into Japanese by a certified translator. It is important to note that the Japanese authorities will require both the original documents and their translations.

3. Filing the Marriage Application

Getting married in Japan is done by submitting your marriage application to the local city or ward office. Here's a rough idea of what you might expect:

  • City Hall Visit: You will have to visit the city or ward office in the area where you are going to get married, and you will be required to submit your documents along with a completed registration of marriage form.
  • Witnesses: There are two witnesses required for your marriage registration. They do not necessarily have to be Japanese citizens but must be above 20 years old.

You will receive a marriage certificate once your application is processed and approved. This legal paper attests that your marriage is lawfully recognized in Japan.

marry in Japan

Considerations for Foreigners Married in Japan

Due to added requirements, it may sound all the more complicated for foreigners to get married in Japan. Well, here are things to consider if you're a foreigner and got married in Japan:

1. Legal Recognition in Your Home Country

After getting married in Japan, you must often have your marriage recognized in your home country. For some countries, this will require you to have your marriage registered with your home country's local authorities or embassy. This is good to inquire about so you do not experience problems.

2. Residency and Visa Issues

Residency and visa issues must be resolved if you will be staying in Japan following your marriage. Your marriage will affect your spouse through their visa status; you may also want to consider applying for a spousal visa. You should find out what documents you need to adjust your visa status.

3. Cultural Differences

Marriage in Japan includes crossing cultural boundaries as well. Regarding marriage ceremonies and traditions, Japanese customs may differ significantly from what the people of Japan are used to. Enjoy the difference; it will make it all the more rewarding and fun.

How Do Japanese Marry Foreigners?

Among the many questions usually asked, one is: "Do Japanese marry foreigners?" Yes, many citizens of Japan do marry foreigners. This has been a typical cross-cultural exchange in recent times, with the global nature of today's world. Many successful marriages between Japanese and foreigners are built on mutual respect, understanding, and love.

The Transpacific Marriage Agency has been in the facilitation of these marriages for many years. Since 1994, TMA has specialized in introducing Japanese women to Western men for dating, romance, and marriage. Being in this profession provides much experience to help many couples easily take their relations through the complexities toward final acceptance and living together happily as husband and wife.

Conclusion

Getting married in Japan can be well-planned, with an understanding of the locals' requirements. Preparing the required documents and understanding the legal and cultural aspects, together with expert advice from the Transpacific Marriage Agency, will ensure the legality and celebration of one's marriage in Japan.

Whether you are a foreigner marrying the Japanese or a Japanese marrying someone from abroad, taking the time to understand these requirements will make your wedding a joyous and legally valid one.

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