Japan–New Zealand Marriage & Spouse Visa Guide
Marriage Between Japanese and New Zealand Citizens: Registration and Spouse Visa Procedures
International Marriage & Japan Immigration Law | Updated October 2026
How Can a Japanese Citizen Marry a New Zealand National?
A Japanese citizen and a New Zealand national may legally marry in either Japan or New Zealand.
For the New Zealand spouse to obtain Japan’s residence status Spouse or Child of Japanese National, the marriage must be legally valid and appropriately documented.
Under New Zealand law, the general minimum marriage age is 18. Individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with the consent of a Family Court judge. Marriage is not permitted below age 16.
New Zealand recognizes same-sex marriage and allows spouses to retain different surnames. However, Japan’s legal recognition of marriage and its immigration treatment of same-sex couples differ from those of New Zealand.
Couples should consider their current residence, documentary requirements, and plans for living in Japan before deciding where to marry.
1. Getting Married in Japan First
When the couple chooses to marry in Japan, the procedure generally involves two steps.
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CONI)
The New Zealand spouse generally obtains a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CONI) from New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs.
The certificate confirms that there is no known legal impediment to the proposed marriage.
Applicants submit the prescribed application to Births, Deaths and Marriages. According to the New Zealand government, the process generally takes three to five weeks.
The New Zealand Embassy in Japan advises that the CONI must be accompanied by an apostille when submitted for marriage registration in Japan.
Applicants should confirm current documentary requirements before applying.
Step 2: Register the Marriage at a Japanese Municipal Office
After obtaining the CONI, the couple submits a marriage notification (Kon-in Todoke) to the appropriate Japanese municipal office.
Typical supporting documents include:
New Zealand spouse:
- Certificate of No Impediment and apostille
- Japanese translation of the certificate
- Birth certificate and Japanese translation, where required
- Passport
- Residence card, if applicable
Japanese spouse:
- Identification documents
- Family register (Koseki Tohon), where required
- Marriage notification signed by two adult witnesses
Documentary requirements may vary by municipality.
Once the marriage notification is accepted, the marriage becomes legally effective in Japan.
A marriage validly concluded in Japan is generally recognized in New Zealand without separate registration with New Zealand authorities.
The couple can obtain a Japanese Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Notification or an updated family register as evidence of the marriage.
2. Getting Married in New Zealand First
Couples marrying in New Zealand generally obtain a Marriage Licence, complete a legally recognized ceremony, and report the marriage to Japanese authorities.
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
The Japanese spouse should prepare a valid passport and any additional documents requested by the relevant New Zealand authority or marriage celebrant.
A Japanese Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage may be useful in particular circumstances, but it is not a universal requirement for obtaining a New Zealand Marriage Licence.
Where required, the certificate may be obtained from an appropriate Japanese authority. Translation or authentication requirements should be confirmed in advance.
Step 2: Obtain a Marriage Licence and Complete the Ceremony
Before the wedding, the couple must apply for a Marriage Licence through New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs.
Under current New Zealand procedures:
- Applications can generally be submitted online, including from overseas.
- The licence must ordinarily be arranged at least three working days before the wedding.
- A Marriage Licence is valid for three months.
- The marriage must be conducted by an authorized celebrant in the presence of two witnesses.
The couple may choose a registry ceremony, religious ceremony, or another ceremony conducted by an authorized marriage celebrant.
Following the ceremony, the marriage is registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The couple may then obtain an official New Zealand Marriage Certificate for use in Japanese marriage registration and immigration procedures.
Step 3: Report the Marriage to Japanese Authorities
After the marriage is legally completed in New Zealand, the Japanese spouse must report it to Japanese authorities.
The notification must generally be submitted within three months of the marriage.
It may be filed with the Embassy of Japan in New Zealand, the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland, or the appropriate municipal office in Japan.
Typical documents include:
- Japanese marriage notification
- Official New Zealand Marriage Certificate
- Japanese translation of the marriage certificate
- Passports or other nationality documents
- Additional documents requested by the relevant authority
Couples intending to apply promptly for a Japanese spouse visa should consider the time required for the marriage to be reflected in the Japanese family register.
3. Applying for a Japanese Spouse Visa After Marriage
Marriage registration alone does not grant the New Zealand spouse permission to reside in Japan.
After the marriage has been properly documented, the New Zealand spouse may apply for the residence status Spouse or Child of Japanese National.
Japanese immigration authorities examine:
- Whether the marriage is legally valid and genuine
- The couple’s relationship history and supporting documentation
- Household income, savings, and financial stability
- Their intended living arrangements in Japan
Applying From New Zealand: Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
If the New Zealand spouse currently resides overseas, the standard procedure generally involves obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through Japan’s Immigration Services Agency.
Following issuance of the COE, the spouse applies for the appropriate Japanese visa and then travels to Japan.
Applying From Japan: Change of Status of Residence
If the New Zealand spouse already holds an eligible residence status in Japan, an Application for Change of Status of Residence may be available.
Couples returning from overseas who lack recent Japanese tax certificates may need to provide alternative evidence of income, savings, or financial support.
Continental Immigration: Japanese–New Zealand Marriage and Spouse Visa Support
Continental Immigration Administrative Scrivener Corporation assists Japanese–New Zealand couples with applications for Spouse or Child of Japanese National status.
Our services include reviewing marriage documentation, preparing Certificate of Eligibility and Change of Status applications, and organizing evidence of the couple’s relationship and financial circumstances.
As your Trusted Advisor, we provide professional immigration assistance tailored to each couple’s circumstances.
Planning to bring your New Zealand husband or wife to Japan?
Contact Continental Immigration for professional assistance with your Japanese spouse visa application.
https://en.continental-immigration.com/
Disclaimer: Marriage registration and immigration requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and the relevant authorities. Applicants should confirm current requirements before submitting their documents.
Professional
Masakazu Murai
18 years’ experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley (JV, MUFG Bank and Morgan Stanley). He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.
During his tenure, he worked as an employee union executive committee member in promoting diversity, including the active participation of foreigners and women in the office, and engaged in activities to improve the working environment. He specializes in financial consulting and VISA/PR consulting.
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer, 東京都行政書士会 港支部 副支部長
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship
