Japan — Spouse & Fiancé Visa Guide
Bringing Your Japanese Partner to the United States
Japan's marriage registration process changed for US citizens in September 2025, when the US Embassy in Tokyo stopped providing a document couples had relied on for years. Understanding the current process helps you avoid planning around outdated information.
Marriage Registration in Japan: What Changed in 2025
Japanese law requires a foreign national marrying in Japan to provide a document proving they are legally free to marry, historically an "Affidavit of Competency to Marry" notarized at the US Embassy or a US Consulate in Japan.
As of September 1, 2025, US Embassy and Consulate offices in Japan no longer provide this notarial service. The embassy's stated reasoning is that the US federal government has no centralized registry of marital status and cannot verify the accuracy of a sworn declaration, so it discontinued offering the notarization.
The current path, since Japan is a member of the Apostille Convention, generally involves:
Single-status affidavit
A single-status affidavit sworn in the United States, before a notary in your home state, rather than at the embassy in Japan.Apostille
An apostille obtained from the relevant US state authority, authenticating the affidavit for use in Japan.
This is a meaningful change from the older process, which allowed US citizens to complete the entire affidavit step locally in Japan in a single embassy visit.
Requirements for the Japanese Partner
The Japanese partner generally needs to provide:
- Koseki Tohon (Family Registry) — Valid for three months from issue date. If divorced, the record of marriage and divorce with the previous spouse must appear on it. If widowed, the previous spouse's death must be recorded. A Koseki Shohon (an abbreviated version) is generally not accepted; the full Koseki Tohon is required.
- Valid passport or ID.
- Three passport-size photos.
Common Challenges for Japan Cases
Outdated information about the affidavit process
Apostille timing
Koseki Tohon versus Koseki Shohon
Prior marriage or divorce documentation
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer? Every case is different, and a free case evaluation is the fastest way to get guidance specific to your situation.
Get a Free Case EvaluationCan I still get an Affidavit of Competency to Marry at the US Embassy in Japan?
No. As of September 1, 2025, the US Embassy and its consulates in Japan stopped providing this notarial service. The current process generally involves notarizing a single-status affidavit in the US and obtaining an apostille for use in Japan.
What is a Koseki Tohon, and why does it matter which version I get?
It's the Japanese partner's full family registry document, valid for three months from issue. A Koseki Shohon, an abbreviated version, is generally not accepted in its place, so requesting the correct document matters.
Does the US government require me to register my marriage abroad?
No. No registration of a marriage performed abroad is required by the US government itself; the requirements described here come from Japanese law for the marriage to be recognized in Japan.
How long does the apostille process typically take?
This varies by US state, since apostilles are issued at the state level, not federally. Confirm current processing times with your state's apostille-issuing authority before planning your timeline.
