How to Have an International Marriage with an American in Japan

If you are considering marriage with an American living in Japan, you may feel anxious about unfamiliar systems such as marriage procedures and obtaining a visa afterward.

In this article, we present the latest information on “marriage procedures for international marriage with an American,” in an easy-to-understand way from the perspective of an immigration law specialist.

We comprehensively explain how to obtain the necessary documents, key points to note when filing the marriage registration, the spouse visa application after marriage, and preparations for life afterward.

1. Overall Process of Getting Married to an American in Japan

When getting married to an American in Japan, it is not enough to simply submit a marriage registration to a municipal office. You also need to prepare U.S.-side documents and proceed with an eye toward the future status of residence application (Japan spouse visa). Here, we organize the general flow into three steps.

Step 1: Advance Preparation (Confirming Required Documents and Procedures at the Embassy/Consulate)

First, confirm the required documents for both the Japanese side and the American side. On the Japanese side, you typically need a family register (koseki) and identification. On the American side, you may need a passport, documents proving legal capacity to marry (such as a certificate of legal capacity to marry or an affidavit), and—if there is a divorce history—divorce certificates, etc. Some of these documents are obtained at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Japan, so it is helpful to check reservation methods and fees in advance for a smooth process.

Step 2: Submit the Marriage Registration at a Japanese Municipal Office

Once you have all required documents, submit the marriage registration to a Japanese municipal office. Typically, the filing office is the city/ward/town office of the Japanese spouse’s registered domicile or current residence. The marriage registration generally requires signatures (and seals, if applicable) from both the Japanese and American parties, as well as signatures from two witnesses. In many cases, Japanese translations of the American documents are required, so prepare translations in advance. If the documents or entries contain deficiencies, acceptance may be put on hold or refused, so it is reassuring to confirm required items with the municipal office beforehand.

Step 3: Post-Marriage Notifications and Considering Status of Residence (Spouse Visa)

After the marriage registration is accepted, the marriage is legally established under Japanese law. In addition, depending on what is required on the U.S. side, you may need to report or notify the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Japan or U.S. authorities. If you will live together in Japan, the American spouse must obtain or change to the status of residence “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National.” From this stage, it is important to plan and prepare the materials needed for the visa review, such as evidence of the genuine marital relationship and documents showing the ability to support a stable life.

2. Documents to Prepare Before Filing the Marriage Registration

To have the marriage registration accepted smoothly, preparing documents in advance is the most important step. It is easier to organize the required documents by separating them into items needed for the Japanese side, the American side, and items commonly needed.

1. Main Documents Required on the Japanese Side

Generally, the Japanese side prepares the following documents.

• Family register (koseki) (if filing at an office other than the registered domicile)
• Identity verification documents (My Number card, driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Seal (inkan) (in some cases, a signature alone may be sufficient)
• As needed, a resident record (juminhyo) or a koseki showing a prior divorce, etc.

Because required documents may vary slightly by municipality, it is reassuring to confirm in advance with the city/ward/town office where you plan to file.

2. Main Documents Required on the American Side

On the American side, it is common to prepare the following documents.

• A valid passport
• A certificate of legal capacity to marry or an affidavit
• A birth certificate (may be required in some cases)
• If there is a divorce history, divorce certificates or divorce decrees, etc.
• Japanese translations of each document (with translator name and date)

Because the United States does not have a nationwide family register system like Japan, matters such as “currently single” and “already divorced if previously married” are often proven through an affidavit, etc. These are frequently prepared and notarized at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Japan, so be sure to confirm reservation methods and required details in advance.

3. Points to Confirm in Common

For both the Japanese and American sides, it is important to confirm the following points in advance.

• Whether name, date of birth, and nationality match across documents
• If there is a divorce history, whether documents proving dissolution of the prior marriage are prepared
• Document validity periods (some documents must be issued within a certain period from the date of issuance)
• Whether translations have typos/omissions and whether the content matches the original text

If there are deficiencies, acceptance of the marriage registration may be delayed, and in some cases you may be asked to take the documents back and resubmit. Early preparation and confirmation are key to a smooth marriage procedure.

3. How an American Can Obtain the Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (Affidavit)

If an American intends to marry in Japan, a certificate showing that they “meet the legal requirements to marry under the law of their home country” may be required. In practice, this is often handled through a certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage or a substitute affidavit (Affidavit).

1. Application Flow at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Japan

The certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage (or an Affidavit) is generally prepared, signed, and notarized at the U.S. Embassy in Japan or a U.S. Consulate. In many cases, an online appointment in advance is required, so please check the latest information on the official embassy/consulate website.

On the day of the appointment, you bring identity documents such as your passport, take an oath at the counter or designated location, and sign the document. After that, a consular notarization seal is affixed, and the document can be used as proof of legal capacity to marry.

2. Key Points to Note When Applying

• Appointment slots are limited, so book well in advance by working backward from your planned marriage registration submission date
• Required fees and acceptable payment methods (cash, credit card, etc.)
• The document’s validity period and whether the municipal office will accept the original or a copy
• The document is often issued in English, and a Japanese translation may be required as an attachment

Confirming these points in advance helps you avoid trouble on the day you complete the marriage procedures.

3. Additional Documents If There Is a Prior Divorce

If the American spouse has a prior divorce, a divorce decree or divorce certificate may be required to prove that the previous marriage has already been dissolved. It is also common to attach Japanese translations to these documents in addition to the originals. Because the format and how to obtain proof documents vary by state, it is reassuring to confirm the rules of the state of origin in advance.

4. How to Submit the Marriage Registration in Japan

Once the required documents are ready, you submit the marriage registration (kon-in todoke) at a Japanese municipal office. Here we explain where to file, what documents are needed, and situations in which acceptance is more likely to be refused.

1. Where to File and Office Hours

The filing office is typically one of the following municipal offices.

• The municipal office of the Japanese spouse’s registered domicile
• The municipal office of the Japanese spouse’s place of residence
• Another municipality recognized as the filer’s location

Some municipalities accept submissions after hours on weekday nights or on weekends/holidays. However, for international marriages, you are often encouraged to confirm details at the weekday daytime counter, so be sure to check by phone or on the official website in advance.

2. Required Entries and Supporting Documents for the Marriage Registration

The marriage registration form can be obtained at the municipal office counter or from the municipality’s website. The main items to complete and supporting documents are as follows.

• Names, dates of birth, addresses, registered domicile, and nationalities of both the Japanese and American parties
• Choice of which surname (family name) the couple will use
• Signatures, dates of birth, and addresses of two witnesses
• The Japanese spouse’s family register (koseki) (if filing outside the registered domicile)
• The American party’s certificate of legal capacity to marry (or Affidavit) and its Japanese translation
• As needed: divorce certificates, birth certificates, and their Japanese translations

If there are errors or blank fields, the submission may not be accepted on the spot. It is safer to draft first and then complete the final version, or fill it out while confirming with the counter staff.

3. Common Reasons a Marriage Registration Is Not Accepted or Is Put on Hold

Common reasons why an international marriage registration is not accepted or is placed on hold include the following.

• The certificate of legal capacity to marry has not been submitted, or the content is incomplete
• Names, dates of birth, and other details do not match across documents
• Obvious errors in the translation, or the translator’s name is not stated
• The prior divorce cannot be proven
• Cases where the municipal staff are unsure and need to consult a higher authority

If you have concerns, we recommend consulting the municipal family registry counter before filing, or having a professional familiar with international marriage and visas review the documents in advance.

5. Post-Marriage Notifications (Reporting the Marriage to the U.S. Side)

Once the marriage registration is accepted in Japan, the marriage is legally established under Japanese law. However, you should also confirm how the marriage will be treated on the U.S. side, because it may affect future procedures such as surname changes and U.S.-based administrative procedures (visas, passports, Social Security number, etc.).

1. Whether You Need to Notify the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Japan

In the United States, marriages concluded in Japan are generally recognized as long as they are validly established under Japanese law. That said, depending on your needs, you may be required to report the marriage or obtain proof documents for submission to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Japan or local authorities in the U.S.

For example, if you need to submit proof of the Japanese marriage for procedures in the U.S., additional steps may be required, such as translating a Japanese marriage certificate or family register into English and, depending on the situation, obtaining notarization or an apostille.

2. Important Notes on How Names/Surnames Are Handled

Japan and the U.S. differ in how surnames are handled and how name changes are processed after marriage. In Japan, you choose how the surname is recorded in the family register through the marriage registration. On the U.S. side, separate procedures may be required to change how the name appears on passports and other certificates.

If you may live in the U.S. in the future, or if you are considering issues such as a child’s nationality and surname, it is important to consider name handling based on the rules of both Japan and the U.S..

6. Process for Applying for the Japan Spouse Visa (“Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”) After Marriage

To live together in Japan, the American spouse must obtain the appropriate status of residence. When living in Japan based on marriage to a Japanese national, many people obtain or change to the status of residence called “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National.”

1. What Is a Japan Spouse Visa?

The status of residence “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” is obtained by a foreign spouse who is legally married to a Japanese national in order to live in Japan. There are no work restrictions, and if certain requirements are met, it can also be a pathway toward permanent residency in the future. Therefore, it is an important step for building a stable life in Japan.

2. Timing of Application and Required Documents

If the American spouse is already staying in Japan under another status of residence (such as a work visa or student visa), you file an application for permission to change status of residence. If the spouse is overseas, it is common to file an Application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in anticipation of starting life in Japan, and then enter Japan after the visa is issued.

Main required documents include the following (which vary by case).

• Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence, or Application for a Certificate of Eligibility
• The Japanese spouse’s family register (koseki) showing the marriage
• The American spouse’s passport and residence card (if currently in Japan)
• Documents such as a questionnaire explaining the history of the marriage and relationship
• Evidence of the genuine marriage, such as couple photos and message records
• Documents explaining living expenses in Japan (tax certificates, withholding slips, bank balance certificates, etc.)

3. Screening Points and Important Notes

In spouse visa screening, the following points are particularly important.

• Whether the marriage is genuine (i.e., not a sham marriage)
• Whether your living foundation in Japan (income and housing) is stable
• Whether there are problems with past residence status (such as overstaying)

If documents are missing or explanations are vague, screening may take longer and you may be asked to submit additional materials. As much as possible, prepare documents that clearly and specifically convey the marriage history and living situation.

7. Common Trouble Cases in International Marriage and Visa Applications

In international marriages and visa applications involving an American spouse, the following issues are often seen. Knowing them in advance makes it easier to avoid the same mistakes.

Cases Where the Marriage Registration Is Not Accepted or Is Put on Hold

As noted above, there are cases where the marriage registration is not accepted immediately due to deficiencies in the certificate of legal capacity to marry, inconsistencies in entries across documents, translation errors, and so on. In particular, if there is a divorce history or documents span multiple states/countries, confirmation tends to take longer, so caution is necessary.

Cases Where the Visa Screening Takes Longer

The screening period for a Japan spouse visa is typically a few months. However, if the marriage history is complex or documentation regarding your living foundation is insufficient, it may take even longer. To avoid anxiety such as “I don’t know when the result will come,” it is reassuring to consult a professional before submission and have them check the content of your documents.

Risk That Your Period of Stay Expires First

If an American already residing in Japan is applying to change status of residence, the timing in relation to the current period of stay is critical. If you apply too late, there is a risk that your period of stay will expire, so it is important to set a schedule early.

8. About Using Professional Support for Procedures

International marriage and visa applications involve many documents and different rules depending on the institution, so many people feel uneasy about proceeding on their own. In such cases, one option is to request assistance from an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) who is familiar with immigration procedures, or a firm specializing in international marriage and visas.

1. Benefits of Hiring a Professional

• You can receive advice based on a thorough identification of required documents and operational differences among municipal offices and embassies/consulates
• You can get support in preparing marriage registration forms, visa application forms, questionnaires, and more
• You can identify in advance points that are more likely to lead to denial or prolonged screening
• Even if you are busy, you can significantly reduce the time and burden required for procedures

2. Examples of Support Services

Services vary by office, but generally the following types of support are provided.

• Individual consultations on international marriage and visa procedures
• Creation and checking of required document lists
• Drafting and review/editing of marriage registrations and status of residence application documents
• Filing with immigration authorities and follow-up on results

You can also choose how to use such services based on your needs, such as “We want to do as much as possible ourselves but consult on key points,” or “We want to entrust everything from start to finish.”

9. Frequently Asked Questions About International Marriage with an American and the Spouse Visa

Finally, we introduce some of the questions we commonly receive when getting married to an American in Japan.

Q1: Can we apply for the Japan spouse visa immediately after getting married?

Legally, it is possible to apply immediately after marriage. However, if the dating period or the period you have lived together is extremely short, you may be asked for a detailed explanation and supporting materials regarding the genuineness of the marriage. Before applying, it is important to be able to properly explain the history leading to the relationship and marriage.

Q2: Is it better to get married in the U.S. first and then report it in Japan?

Which country you complete the marriage procedure in first depends on your future base of life and schedule. If you will start living in Japan, many people prioritize filing the marriage registration at a Japanese municipal office and applying for the Japan spouse visa. However, the optimal steps differ depending on individual circumstances, so it is reassuring to decide while consulting a professional.

Q3: Can we obtain a spouse visa even if we are unemployed?

Even if the applicant is unemployed, it does not automatically result in a denial as long as you can explain how you will cover your living expenses in Japan. It is important to prepare documents showing a stable living foundation, including the Japanese spouse’s income and savings, or financial support from relatives.

Q4: Can we renew a spouse visa even if we are living separately?

If the period of living separately has become long, the renewal of a spouse visa will be judged carefully. You may be required to provide a concrete explanation about the reason for living separately and your future living outlook. Depending on the situation, you may need to consider other options such as changing to a different status of residence, so we recommend consulting a professional early.

10. Summary: Understand Both Japanese and U.S. Systems and Proceed in a Planned Manner

Procedures for getting married to an American in Japan involve multiple elements: Japan’s family register/marriage system, U.S.-side documents and embassy procedures, and the Japan spouse visa application. Because required documents and the best approach vary depending on individual circumstances, it is important not to decide solely based on general information found online, but to consider a method that fits your case.

If you feel “I don’t know where to start” or “There are points that worry us in our case,” consulting a professional early can reduce wasted time and effort and help you proceed with peace of mind.

11. Support System of ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office

A spouse visa application is not only about collecting documents. It is essential to proactively align the entire set of materials by anticipating the points Immigration is likely to check.
From the initial planning stage, our office identifies potential risk factors and provides end-to-end support—covering submission order, supporting documents, and the overall strategy for the Statement of Reasons.

Nationwide support: Managed mainly via email and online. Clients outside the area receive the same quality of support.

Multilingual support: Consultations available in English and Chinese.

Clear progress tracking: Check application status and required documents through an online system.

Support for difficult cases: Extensive experience with cases likely to face closer scrutiny, including re-applications after denial.

Transparent fees: Clear fee structure designed to minimize unexpected additional charges.

Support even after a denial: If denied, we provide a free re-application and thorough support until approval.

Information security: We properly manage personal information under operations based on ISO27001.

Pages Often Read Together When Applying for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National

[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National (Marriage Visa) Application Guide

An administrative scrivener explains the requirements for obtaining a spouse visa (marriage), working under a spouse visa, applying for permanent residency from a spouse visa, what happens in the event of divorce under a spouse visa, required documents, and more.

[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National Renewal Procedures Guide

Renewal procedures for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National (Marriage Visa). An administrative scrivener explains the required document checklist, how to avoid denial cases, and key points to prove eligibility for obtaining a 3-year or 5-year period of stay.

Applying for Permanent Residency from a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National

At ACROSEED, we have a proven track record not only with first-time spouse visa applications, but also with cases that were denied multiple times when filed by the applicant alone, as well as procedures for those with past legal violations or a history of overstaying—across a wide variety of situations.

For More Detailed Questions About the Spouse Visa System

Please explain the requirements for obtaining a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National in detail
Periods of stay for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: Differences between 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years
Required documents & Statement of Reasons for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: Key examination points and preparation tips (Latest Edition)
How to invite a foreign spouse living overseas to Japan with a COE
Can we apply for a Certificate of Eligibility while both spouses remain overseas?
Changing from a short-term visa to a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: General rules and exceptions
How to change from a student/work visa to a spouse visa
My spouse visa application was denied (COE not issued). Can I re-apply?