Japan–USA Marriage Registration & Spouse Visa Guide
Marriage Between Japanese and American Citizens: Registration and Spouse Visa Procedures
International Marriage & Japan Immigration Law
How Can a Japanese Citizen Marry an American National?
A Japanese citizen and a U.S. citizen may legally marry in either Japan or the United States.
For the American spouse to obtain Japan’s residence status Spouse or Child of Japanese National, the marriage must be legally valid and appropriately documented. Immigration authorities also examine whether the marriage is genuine and whether the couple has sufficient financial resources to live in Japan.
In the United States, marriage requirements vary by state and sometimes by county. These may include minimum marriage age, residency requirements, parental consent for minors, marriage licence procedures, and waiting periods.
Couples should consider their current residence, the required documents, and their plans for living in Japan when deciding where to marry.
1. Getting Married in Japan First
A marriage between a Japanese citizen and an American national can generally be completed through registration at a Japanese municipal office.
Step 1: Prepare Proof of Eligibility to Marry
Important update: Effective September 1, 2025, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan no longer notarize Affidavits of Competency to Marry.
Previously, American citizens could obtain a notarized affidavit from a U.S. consular officer confirming their sworn declaration that they were legally free to marry.
The U.S. Embassy now provides a downloadable statement explaining that the U.S. government does not issue a certificate establishing an individual’s legal capacity to marry.
American applicants should present this statement to the Japanese municipal office and confirm whether additional evidence of marital status is required.
Requirements may differ by municipality.
Accordingly, the current practice is for the individual to prepare an affidavit before a U.S. Notary Public, declaring that they are unmarried and that there is no legal impediment to the marriage. Where necessary, an apostille should also be obtained. The affidavit is then submitted to the relevant Japanese municipal office together with the applicant’s passport, birth certificate, and, if previously married, documents evidencing the termination of the prior marriage, such as a divorce certificate.
Depending on the state, an official document such as a Single Status Letter may be issued to individuals intending to marry abroad, certifying that there is no record of a current marriage.
However, the required documents may vary depending on the municipality, so applicants should always confirm the requirements with the relevant municipal office in advance.
Step 2: Register the Marriage at a Japanese Municipal Office
The couple submits a marriage notification (Kon-in Todoke) to the appropriate city or ward office.
Typical documents include:
American spouse:
- Valid U.S. passport
- U.S. Embassy statement concerning marriage eligibility
- Birth certificate and Japanese translation, if required
- Additional evidence of marital status, where requested
- Residence card, if applicable
Japanese spouse:
- Identification documents
- Family register (Koseki Tohon), where required
- Marriage notification signed by two adult witnesses
Once the notification is accepted, the marriage becomes legally effective in Japan.
A marriage validly concluded in Japan is generally recognized in the United States, subject to applicable state law. A separate marriage registration with the U.S. Embassy is ordinarily unnecessary.
The U.S. government does not issue an American marriage certificate for a marriage performed in Japan. The couple may instead obtain a Japanese Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Notification or an updated family register.
Special Considerations for U.S. Military Personnel
American military personnel stationed in Japan may be subject to additional administrative procedures under applicable military regulations.
These may include submitting marriage documentation to the relevant military legal office or personnel administration office.
Requirements differ among military branches and commands. Service members should consult their designated legal office before proceeding.
2. Getting Married in the United States First
When the couple chooses to marry in the United States, the marriage must comply with the laws of the state and local jurisdiction where the ceremony takes place.
The procedure generally involves obtaining the necessary documents, securing a marriage licence, completing the marriage ceremony, and reporting the marriage to Japanese authorities.
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
The Japanese spouse may need to provide a valid passport, proof of age, and documents establishing their current marital status.
A Japanese Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage may be requested in particular jurisdictions or circumstances, but it is not a universal requirement throughout the United States.
Where needed, this certificate may be obtained from the relevant Japanese authorities.
Any requirements for English translations, notarisation, or apostilles should be confirmed with the responsible state or county office.
Step 2: Obtain a Marriage Licence and Complete the Ceremony
In most U.S. jurisdictions, the couple must obtain a Marriage License before the wedding.
The licence’s validity period, waiting period, and application requirements depend on state and local law.
The marriage ceremony is performed by an authorized officiant, such as an appropriate government official or religious representative.
After the marriage is registered, the couple can obtain an official U.S. Marriage Certificate from the relevant authority.
This certificate is important for subsequent marriage registration in Japan and Japanese spouse visa procedures.
Step 3: Report the Marriage to Japanese Authorities
A marriage legally concluded in the United States must be reported to Japanese authorities.
The notification should generally be submitted within three months of the marriage.
It may be filed with a Japanese embassy or consulate in the United States or with the appropriate municipal office in Japan.
Typical documents include:
- Japanese marriage notification
- Official U.S. Marriage Certificate
- Japanese translation of the marriage certificate
- Passports or other nationality documents
- Additional documents required by the relevant authority
Where the couple intends to apply promptly for a Japanese spouse visa, they 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
After the marriage has been properly documented, the American spouse may apply for Spouse or Child of Japanese National status.
Japanese immigration authorities examine the authenticity of the marriage, the couple’s immigration circumstances, and their ability to maintain a stable household in Japan.
For American spouses residing overseas, the standard procedure generally involves obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before applying for a Japanese visa.
American spouses already residing in Japan under an eligible residence status may apply for a Change of Status of Residence.
Financial Evidence for Couples Relocating From the United States
Couples moving from the United States may not have recent Japanese income or municipal tax certificates.
In such cases, supporting financial documents may include:
- U.S. federal income tax returns
- Form W-2 wage statements
- Social Security benefit statements
- Employment and income certificates
- Bank statements and other financial records
- Employer transfer letters confirming employment in Japan
These documents may help demonstrate the household’s financial stability.
Continental Immigration: Japanese–American Marriage and Spouse Visa Support
Continental Immigration Administrative Scrivener Corporation assists Japanese–American couples with spouse visa applications, Certificates of Eligibility, and changes of residence status.
Our services include reviewing marriage documentation, preparing immigration applications, and organizing financial evidence for couples relocating from the United States to Japan.
As your Trusted Advisor, we provide professional immigration assistance tailored to each couple’s circumstances.
Continental Immigration Administrative Scrivener Corporation
International Marriage | Japanese Spouse Visas | Family Immigration
https://en.continental-immigration.com/
Disclaimer: Marriage registration and immigration requirements may vary by U.S. state, Japanese municipality, and individual circumstances. Applicants should verify current requirements with the relevant authorities.
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
