Residency Procedures

Marriage and Divorce

Marriage

An international marriage must conform to the laws of each country of the two persons who are marrying. It is important to undertake the procedures for marriage in both countries.

 Marriage between a foreign national and a Japanese national

The Japanese national must satisfy the conditions for marriage as stipulated under Japanese law, and the foreign national must meet the conditions for marriage in his or her own country.

To undertake the procedures for marriage under Japanese law, you must file a marriage notification with the municipal office. The Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, which is a proof that the foreign national is legally free to marry, must also be submitted. For information about the procedures for marriage in the foreign national’s country, contact the embassy or consulate.

Change of Status of Residence

If you marry a Japanese national and want to change your status to Spouse of Japanese National, you must apply at the Sapporo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

 Marriage between foreign nationals in Japan

Since procedures for marriage between foreign nationals in Japan vary depending on their home countries, contact the relevant embassies or consulates.

Divorce

There are four types of divorce: amicable divorce, which is undertaken through discussion between the two parties; arbitrated divorce, which is brought about through involvement of the family court; judicial  divorce; and adjudicated divorce. Different countries have different procedures for divorce, and there are cases in which divorce through discussion (amicable divorce) is not legally valid.

Divorce between a foreign national and a Japanese national

To undertake the procedures for divorce under Japanese law, you must file a divorce notification with the Citizen Registration Section of the ward office.

For information about the procedures for divorce in the foreign national’s country, contact the embassy or consulate or consult with an expert such as an attorney.

If you have a child, you must also undertake procedures concerning parental authority.

Divorce between foreign nationals in Japan

Contact the relevant embassies or consulates.

 Notification of Relationship with Spouse

Mid- to long-term residents in Japan with the status of residence of “Dependent,” “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” or “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” (the last two of which are limited to those who have a status as a spouse) must file a divorce notification with the Sapporo Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 14 days.

The status of residence will be revoked if a foreign national staying in Japan with any of the aforementioned residence statuses fails to continue to engage in the activity as a spouse for six months or more without a justifiable reason for not engaging in the said activity.

You may be granted Long-term Resident status depending on your marriage duration and other circumstances. For details, consult with an expert such as a certified administrative procedures legal specialist. Please feel free to also use free professional consultations offered at the Sapporo Help Desk for Foreign Residents.

Marriage/Divorce counseling

If you need advice about procedures for marriage or divorce, feel free to use legal consultation services and free professional consultations offered at the Sapporo Help Desk for Foreign Residents.