Marriage In Japan Is not the most strait forward process for International couples. First off let me start by saying this guide Is only from mine and my wife’s personal experience but I will cover everything we had to do to marry and inherently get my visa for living In Japan.

This is what was required for the Iruma City Hall and requirements might differ due to situations and places. Please contact your local City hall and ask for all document required as to make this process as simple as possible.

Step 1

For the American partner you will need to print out a Affidavit of Competency this must be filled out and notarized (Signed) at the nearest U.S Embassy This is required by the Japanese government to prove that you can legally marry abroad in Japan. Along with the Affidavit you will need to bring your U.S Passport and 30$ or the Japanese equivalent. Credit cards are accepted at the embassy however checks are not. Now the Affidavit of competency must be translated to Japanese for the Japanese Government this translated copy does not need to be notarized. next you need to get a Japanese municipal Government form called Kon-in Todoke which can be received at a local Japanese city hall ” You will also want to get a Alien Registration document while at city hall”. The Kon-in Todoke then needs to be signed by 2 witnesses over the age of 20 and any nationality. Long hand is okay but Japanese Korean and Chinese nationals may be asked for their Inkan (seal).

This next step Is only If you wish To live in Japan Skip ahead to Step 2 If does not apply.

Upon finishing the Municipal document you will now need to complete your alien registration document Requirements for getting this card are your passport and 2 (4.5cm by 3.5cm) passport pictures as well as the before stated document.

Step 2

Take the Affidavit of Competency and Its translated counterpart, the Kon-in Todoke and Alien Registration documents to City hall turn and all the papers that are before mentioned and they will need to make copy’s of your passport. After which they will begin the process for getting you your marriage certificate you have a choice between large and small and the only difference is cost. You will want to get 2 marriage certificates.
You will need to translate the marriage certificate for the U.S Embassy I have provided the Translation document’s ->(Large and Small)<-

Once the Translation is complete take marriage certificate and the Translation to the U.S Embassy as well as your passport and after a few minutes they will notarize it and send you on your way you are now married In Japan and America.

Soon I will Explain the process of getting a Spouse Visa and what to expect.

List of required documents

1. Affidavit of Competency ”

Translated Affidavit of Competency

2. Kon-in Todoke

3. Alien Registration Document

4. Passport

5. 2 (4.5cm by 3.5cm) passport pictures

6. Japanese Marriage Certificate

Translated Marriage Certificate Large and Small