Getting Married in Japan
Any person wishing to marry in Japan will do so in accordance with Japanese law. The law requires that any person wishing to get married in Japan must be 18 years of age or older for males and 16 years of age or older for females. A woman cannot contract marriage within 100 days of her divorce. Marriage must be registered at the local City/Ward Office. Ceremonies performed by religious bodies and customary marriages, are not considered legal marriages in Japan. The Consular officers at this Embassy cannot officiate marriages. Marriage registered at Japanese City/Ward office is considered legal marriage.
Japanese law requires that foreign nationals wishing to contract marriage in Japan are required to submit documents from their home country or Embassy confirming that they are eligible to marry. Before you proceed with your marriage it is advised that you contact the local City/Ward Office where you wish to register your proposed marriage for the required documents needed for the registration of the marriage
Attestation to marital status
A Ghanaian national residing in Japan and wishing to marry may apply for Marriage Attestation document (KoinYokenGubiShomeisho) at the Embassy in Tokyo.
The following documents are also required:
• An affidavit by parent/relative or a divorce certificate duly certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Accra, Ghana confirming that the applicant is single and of age.
• A valid passport.
• A passport size photograph of both applicant and fiancé.
• Documentary evidence of fiancé indicating that he/she is single. If the fiancé is a Japanese national, a certified copy of family register (KosekiShohon).
• If fiancé is neither a Ghanaian nor a Japanese, he/she must obtain a document form his/her home country or Embassy confirming that he/she is single.
• If fiancé is a Ghanaian, a separate sworn Affidavit by parent/relative or a divorce certificate duly certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Accra, Ghana confirming that he/she is single.
Fee: ¥6,000
Please note that all the documents required must be originals and in English. Documents in other languages must be submitted with certified English versions. The original documents will be returned to applicant after the processing.