Can a foreign couple marry in Japan?

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Foreign couples that live in Japan are allowed to marry in Japan just as any ordinary Japanese citizen would be allowed to.  The foreign couple needs to register their marriage at the local government office and both parties will need to submit a certificate of legal capacity to marry along with Japanese translations.  Completing these procedures will legally marry the couple under Japanese law.

However, the marriage conducted in Japan may not always be recognized in the foreign couple’s home country.  Laws on this topic vary by country and it is always best to check with a lawyer and the local consulate or embassy to ensure that the marriage will be legal in both jurisdictions.

Please contact our office if you need help translating marriage forms or would like a legal consultation regarding Japanese and international marriage laws.