For Filipino couples residing in Japan who wish to tie the knot anytime soon may seek legal assistance from the Philippine Embassy to legalize this important event in their lives.
When people get married and choose to settle down overseas, they need to undergo certain legal and social procedures to become legally and socially recognized by the State they live in, and one good example of which is through marriage. Of course, there are other important requirements to be considered first such as going through marriage counselling – just because starting a family or a married life in general takes more than just the ideas and experiences of the two people tying the knot. The Philippine Embassy recognizes this, and by authority given and recognized by the Philippine government to its emissary in Japan, here are the requirements and steps given by the Embassy for couples who desire to get a marriage license here in Japan:
Applying for a Marriage License in Japan
There are certain cases which require proper documents to enforce a valid and legal marriage. Read carefully to know which is applicable in your case:
Requirements
- Your valid and original passport plus a copy of the data page
- A completely filled-out application form available at the Embassy or its website.
- Your original NSO-issued birth certificate and a photocopy.
- Your original residence card and a photocopy.
- Three (3) passport size photographs.
Additional (Circumstantial) Requirements
- For Single Filipino couples aged between 18 and 25 years:
- For those aged between 18-20: The original and a copy of the Affidavit of Parental Consent (including copies of both parents’ passport)
- For those aged between 21-25: The original and a copy of Parental Advice (including copies of both parents’ passport) or a Sworn Statement to prove that parental advice was requested.
Note: Affidavits issued in the Philippines must be duly notarized by a notary public in the State with authentication from the DFA. If both parents are living in Japan, they may direct their request for an Affidavit of parental advice or consent through the Philippine Embassy. However, if both parents are deceased, an NSO-issued death certificate will be required.
- A copy of a Marriage Counselling Certificate issued by any reputable and qualified authority (minister or a marriage counsellor).
- The original and a photocopy of an NSO-issued Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) valid for six (6) months upon issuance and bearing the purpose ”for marriage”.
- For Widowed Filipinos:
- The original and a photocopy of an NSO-issued Advisory on Marriage
- The Certificate of Death of the Deceased Spouse.
- If the deceased spouse is Filipino: an NSO-issued Death Certificate of the dead spouse will be needed.
- If the deceased partner is Japanese: a copy of the Family Registry or Koseki Tohon of the dead spouse will be needed.
- If the deceased spouse is of a different nationality other than Japanese: a certificate of death issued by his/her Consulate or Embassy will be needed. The document has to be in English.
- For Annulled Filipinos
- The original and a copy of an NSO-issued Advisory on Marriage
- The original and a copy of an Annotated NSO Certificate of Marriage
- The original and a copy of Judicial Decree of Annulment provided by a relevant Philippine court including a Certificate of Finality with proper authentication from the DFA.
- For Divorced Filipinos:
- The original and a copy of an NSO-issued Advisory on Marriage
- The original and a copy of an Annotated NSO Certificate of Marriage
- The original and a copy of Judicial Authorization of Foreign Divorce provided by a relevant Philippine court including a Certificate of Finality, with proper authentication from the DFA.
Procedures
- The couple must personally visit the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo between Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for the submission of application and requirements, and from 3:00 – 5:00 pm for the collection of documents.
- Settle the service application fee (Marriage License) at the Embassy. You may refer to the Embassy’s Schedule of Fees.
- Keep the receipt and wait for a notification from the Embassy as to when you may pick up your Marriage License. The processing period for this service usually takes about ten (10) business days.
The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan
Address: 5-15-5 Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537
Contact Details:
Tel. No: (03) 5562-1600
Fax: (03) 5562-1603
Website: https://tokyo.philembassy.net