What Documents Are Required
When a Japanese national registers a marriage in a foreign country, the local registrar typically needs to verify two things: that the person is legally free to marry (not already married), and who their parents are (for the foreign marriage certificate). The primary document for both purposes is the koseki-tohon (戸籍謄本, full family register transcript).
The koseki-tohon shows all marriages and divorces recorded for the person — confirming single status — and records both parents' names as they appear in the Japanese register. Most foreign authorities require this document to be:
- Issued recently — typically within the past 3 to 6 months
- Certified translated — into English or the local language
- Apostilled — authenticated by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for use in Hague Convention countries
Some countries additionally accept or require a certificate of no impediment to marriage (kon'in yoken gubi shomeisho, 婚姻要件具備証明書), issued by a Japanese consulate or embassy in the country where you reside. If your destination country requires this, we recommend contacting your nearest Japanese consulate — this certificate is issued by them directly, not by a Japanese municipal office.
Requirements by Destination Country
Requirements vary. The following reflects common practice — always confirm directly with the registrar or civil authority where you plan to marry, as rules can change.
Australia
NOIM (Notice of Intended Marriage) must be lodged at least one month before the ceremony. Supporting documents typically include a translated koseki-tohon with apostille, and a passport.
United States
Marriage requirements vary by state. Most states require only valid ID and proof of divorce/widowhood if previously married. A translated apostilled koseki-tohon may be requested by some county clerks; confirm locally.
United Kingdom
A "Notice of marriage" must be given at the local register office. A certificate of no impediment (from the Japanese consulate) or a translated koseki-tohon with apostille is typically required as proof of single status.
Italy
A translated and apostilled koseki-tohon (or equivalent single-status certificate) is required. The comune (civil registry office) may request notarized translation; confirm with the specific commune.
France
A certificate of celibacy or non-marriage, or a translated apostilled koseki-tohon showing no current marriage, is required. Documents must be translated by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté).
Germany
The Standesamt (civil registry office) typically requires a Ledigkeitsbescheinigung (certificate of single status), which in Japan's case is provided by a translated apostilled koseki-tohon or a certificate of no impediment from the Japanese consulate.
Other countries
Contact us with your destination — we advise on requirements for additional countries regularly served by our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Japanese documents for marriage registration abroad.
What Japanese documents do I need to get married abroad? +
Most foreign registrars require a koseki-tohon (full family register transcript) with certified translation and a Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille. Some countries also accept or require a certificate of no impediment to marriage (kon'in yoken gubi shomeisho) from your nearest Japanese consulate. We handle the koseki-tohon; the certificate of no impediment is issued by Japanese consulates abroad.
Does a koseki-tohon prove that I am single? +
Yes. A koseki-tohon records all marriages and divorces for the individuals on the register page. If no current marriage is recorded against your entry, foreign registrars read this as confirmation of single status. It also shows any previous marriages and their dissolution, which may be relevant if you have been divorced or widowed.
How recent does the koseki-tohon need to be? +
Most foreign registrars require the document to have been issued within the past 3 to 6 months. We request a fresh copy at the start of each engagement, and most couples receive their complete document set 2–3 weeks later, leaving ample time before a typical wedding date. If your ceremony is very soon, contact us immediately and we will discuss expedited processing.
What if I was previously married? +
The koseki-tohon will show your previous marriage and its dissolution (divorce decree recorded date, or death of a former spouse). Foreign registrars will want to see that the previous marriage ended legally. In some countries, you may also need to provide a separate divorce certificate or a translated copy of the divorce record. We can advise on what additional documents may be needed for your specific situation.
Do I need to register the marriage in Japan afterwards? +
Yes — if a Japanese national marries abroad, the marriage should be reported to the local Japanese consulate or embassy, or directly to the honseki municipal office in Japan, within 3 months of the marriage taking place. This updates the koseki to reflect the marriage. We do not handle consular reporting, but your nearest Japanese consulate can advise on the process.