Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage

In this article, we will explain in detail the contents of the “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” required for international marriage.

What is a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage”?

“Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” is a document that certifies that international marriage is possible. Please check with the embassy or consulate of your country, as it varies depending on the country where you submit your marriage registration. A Japanese “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” is issued by the Legal Affairs Bureau. However, it is not issued at Legal Affairs Bureau local branch offices. Therefore, let’s apply to the ” Legal Affairs Bureau branch office” or “government office where the permanent address is located”. If you live abroad, you can apply at the local embassy or consulate. Procedures other than the person themselves are not permitted, so procedures cannot be performed by proxy.

When acquiring at the Legal Affairs Bureau/Branch Office

In order to prevent fraudulent acquisition, it cannot be handled by mail.

Required documents

Family register(obtained within one month)
Identity verification documents(copy of driver’s license, passport, etc.)
Signature stamp(possible with an informal seal)
Billing application form(available on the spot)

In some cases, it may not be issued on the same day, so please apply well in advance. If you can’t handle it on the spot, you will be handed an “Exchange Order”. Please visit the branch office again with the “Exchange Order” and receive the “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage”. If you prepare a return envelope and stamps, you may be able to mail it later.

When acquiring at the government office

It can be issued at the government office, but depending on the country of the partner, documents issued by the legal affairs bureau may be required. Conversely, you may be instructed to submit a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” issued by the government office, so please inquire at the embassy or consulate of your partner’s country.

Required documents

Identity verification documents(copy of driver’s license, passport, etc.)
Billing application form(available on the spot)

Legal affairs bureaus and branch offices are free of charge, but government offices require a fee of 300 to 400 yen.

When obtaining at an embassy or consulate

Depending on the country, it is possible to mail the documents in advance and formally apply when you come to the office. In that case, it is possible to issue a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” immediately.

Required documents

Family register(obtained within three months/copyable)
Identity verification documents(copy of driver’s license, passport, etc.)
Billing application form(available on the spot)
Fiancé’s identity document(public documents/ copyable)

Required documents vary by country, so be sure to check in advance.

Reasons why a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” is required

Please note that this is different from the “Single Certificate” issued by government office. The ” Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” will contain the information of the foreign spouse. In other words, the fact that “the other party’s information is not listed” is proof that you are single.

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