Expat Japan Guide

Getting Married in Japan as a Foreigner — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Getting married in Japan as a foreigner involves more paperwork than locals deal with — but it’s manageable if you know the steps. Here’s the complete process. Overview of the Process Gather required documents from your home country Get documents certified/apostilled Translate documents into Japanese Submit notification of marriage (婚姻届) at your local municipal office Update your Residence Card (if applicable) Apply for Spouse Visa (if your partner is Japanese and you’re on a different visa) Step 1: Documents Required For the Foreign Spouse You’ll need documents proving your current legal status and that you’re free to marry. Required documents vary by nationality but typically include: ...

May 5, 2025 · 3 min · Expat Japan Team