In recent years, international marriages have become common.

Marriages between Japanese and foreigners from different cultural backgrounds bring new discoveries and exciting experiences through cultural exchange. However, to make an international marriage successful, a series of procedures and preparations are necessary. Therefore, this article explains the public procedures that foreigners who want to marry or who married a Japanese person and live in Japan should do, as well as things they should consider doing to enrich their lives.

Things Foreigners Marrying Japanese and Living in Japan Should Definitely Do

When a foreigner marries a Japanese person and starts a new life in Japan, the following procedures are necessary:

• Procedures for international marriage
• Applying for a spouse visa and obtaining residency status
• Resident registration
• Procedures related to “My Number”
• Enrollment in public health insurance
• Enrollment in public pension

Detailed explanations of these procedures below are essential to smooth living in Japan and ensure a peaceful life.

【１】  Procedures for International Marriage

To accomplish an international marriage, the marriage procedures in accordance with the laws of both countries must be followed.

In the procedures for international marriage, acquiring a marriage certificate, preparing and submitting necessary documents, and sometimes other legal procedures may be involved.

• Preparation of documents for the foreign partner: Prepare necessary documents including a “Certificate of Eligibility for Marriage Requirements” to prove single status. In countries without this certificate, alternative documents (e.g., affidavits) are required.
• Translation of documents: Translate overseas documents into Japanese and create translated documents stating the translator’s name and address. This is necessary for Japanese authorities to understand the content.
• Preparation of documents for the Japanese partner: The Japanese partner obtains a “Family Register Copy” to prove single status.
• Submission of marriage notification: Submit prepared documents and marriage notification to the municipal office where the Japanese partner resides. Upon acceptance of the marriage notification, a “Marriage Notification Acceptance Certificate” is issued.
• Reporting to the home country: After completing procedures in Japan, the foreign partner reports to their home country’s embassy or consulate in Japan with the “Marriage Notification Acceptance Certificate.” Some countries may not require this report, so checking beforehand is necessary.

Since each process varies by country, thorough research and preparation in advance are crucial.

【２】  Applying for a Spouse Visa and Obtaining Residency Status

To live in Japan after an international marriage, a foreign spouse must obtain a spouse visa.

There are two methods for obtaining a spouse visa: “Certification Application” to call the overseas spouse to Japan and “Change Application” to change the residency status of a spouse with a different visa already in Japan to a spouse visa.

If the Certification Application is approved, the Certificate of Eligibility for Resident Status is sent to the spouse, who then obtains a visa at the local Japanese embassy or consulate and enters Japan.

If the Change Application is approved, the contents of the Residence Card are changed to a spouse visa.

【３】  Resident Registration

To start life in Japan, resident registration must be done at the municipal office of the area of residence.

Resident registration results in the issuance of a residence certificate, allowing eligibility for public services.

Resident registration is the initial step to formally start life in Japan.

Simultaneously, it is recommended to proceed with enrollment in public health insurance and public pension.

Those who receive a Residence Card must register their address at the municipal office where their Japanese spouse resides within 14 days.

【４】  Procedures for My Number

All residents in Japan are assigned a number called “My Number” to identify individuals. After resident registration, you can apply for a “My Number Card”.

Since the “My Number Card” is necessary for various public procedures and medical service utilization, it is recommended to acquire it promptly.

【５】  Enrollment in Public Health Insurance

In Japan, all residents are obligated to enroll in public health insurance.

Enrolling in public health insurance reduces the burden of medical expenses compared to self-payment.

Enrollment in health insurance is possible after resident registration.

【６】  Enrollment in Public Pension

Usually, obtaining a permanent resident visa in Japan requires enrollment in the Japanese pension system.

However, if you are enrolled in a pension of a country that has a social security agreement with Japan, joining the Japanese pension system is optional.

Although this is optional, joining the pension system is essential for accumulating funds for the future. It does not affect the review for a permanent resident visa.

While there is no effect, joining the pension system allows you to accumulate funds for the future, making it essential. Therefore, it is recommended to join early.

Things Foreigners Marrying Japanese and Living in Japan Should Consider Doing

When starting life in Japan by marrying a Japanese, it is also recommended to consider the following two procedures for convenience and introducing your family from your home country:

• Opening a bank account
• Obtaining a Japanese driver’s license

Let’s explain each procedure in detail.

【１】    Opening a Bank Account

For long-term stays in Japan, opening a bank account is recommended.

With a bank account, you can smoothly conduct financial transactions such as receiving salary, paying public utilities, and daily shopping.

To open an account, prepare identification documents such as a Residence Card, passport, and resident certificate.

Many banks in Japan also provide services in foreign languages, making it possible to proceed with procedures without language barriers.

【２】    Obtaining a Japanese Driver’s License

Obtaining a Japanese driver’s license is not mandatory for international marriage.

However, having a license significantly expands your mobility within Japan.

Especially for those living in rural areas or needing to travel for shopping or children’s transportation, having a driver’s license greatly increases freedom of movement.

There are driving schools in Japan that provide foreign language support, allowing even those who do not have a confident in Japanese to obtain a driver’s license safely.

At driving schools, you can learn about Japanese traffic rules and driving manners, acquiring knowledge and skills for safe driving.

【３】    Inviting Family from Your Home Country to Japan

Introducing your partner and their family to your own family and showing them life in Japan promotes understanding and emotional acceptance among family members.

This process is particularly crucial if there is a possibility of living abroad in the future.

Inviting your family to Japan is an important event for couples who have entered into an international marriage.

Consider the following when inviting your family:

– Visa procedures: Depending on the purpose of the visit and duration of stay, a short-term stay visa or tourist visa may be required. Check the necessary procedures at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in advance.

• Preparation for the stay: Arrange for accommodations and plan the schedule to ensure your family’s comfortable stay. Share information about Japanese culture, customs, and tourist spots to make their visit enjoyable.
• Health insurance: Visitors from overseas may incur high medical expenses when using Japan’s healthcare system. Consider taking out travel insurance to prepare for any health issues.
• Cultural experiences: Experiencing traditional Japanese culture and daily life will create unforgettable memories for your family. Plan experiences such as tea ceremonies, trying on kimono, or participating in local festivals.

Inviting your family to Japan is an important event for couples in international marriages.

By making appropriate preparations, supporting your family’s visit to Japan, and deepening family bonds, you can have a meaningful and comfortable start in Japan!

It’s Important to Complete Public Procedures!

This article explained what foreigners who marry Japanese and live in Japan need to do.

Marrying a Japanese person signifies a new beginning for many foreigners.

From procedures for international marriage to applying for a spouse visa, resident registration, obtaining a “My Number”, and enrolling in public health insurance and pension, make sure to complete the necessary steps accurately.

Furthermore, opening a bank account, obtaining a Japanese driver’s license, and inviting family from your home country to Japan are recommended to introduce your family to life in Japan, and leading to a comfortable start!