If you’re a US citizen planning to marry in Okinawa, Japan, one of the essential legal documents you’ll need is the Affidavit of Competency to Marry. This document is a sworn statement that affirms you are legally eligible to marry, both in the eyes of the United States and in Japan. It is a common legal requirement for anyone who wishes to marry a US citizen or a non-US citizen in Japan.
What is an Affidavit of Competency to Marry?
The Affidavit of Competency to Marry is a document that confirms that you are free to marry, meaning you are not currently married to anyone else, and there are no legal impediments to your marriage. This sworn affidavit is required by Japanese authorities to ensure that both parties are legally able to enter into a marriage contract. For US citizens, it’s a crucial part of the marriage process in Japan, whether you’re marrying a US citizen or a non-US citizen.
Step 1: Completing the Affidavit
The first step is to fill out the Affidavit of Competency to Marry form. You can download a copy of the affidavit here:
Affidavit-Japanese-Partner-English
These documents are available in both English and Japanese, making it easier for you to complete and understand the necessary steps.
The affidavit is a legal document, and you will need to swear that you meet the qualifications to marry. Once completed, the affidavit should be taken to the US Consulate in Okinawa for notarization.
Step 2: Notarization at the US Consulate or Military Legal Office.
After completing your affidavit, the next step is to have it notarized at the US Consulate in Okinawa. The notarization process is an important step to make the affidavit legally valid in Japan. It’s important to note that notarization at the Consulate is by appointment only.
You can make an appointment by calling the US Consulate at: Tel: 098-876-4211. They will assist you with notarizing the affidavit, confirming that you are legally able to marry under US law.
If you are a US service member stationed in Okinawa, you can also have your affidavit notarized at the military base. Please reach out to your Legal Services Office to find the nearest notary office on base, which is typically available to military personnel for official documents.
Step 3: Translation into Japanese
Once your affidavit has been notarized, it will need to be translated into Japanese. This is a critical step in the marriage process in Japan, as the authorities will require the document to be in Japanese for legal purposes.
At Dave Higgins Office, we specialize in providing professional translation services for marriage-related documents, including the Affidavit of Competency to Marry. After notarization, simply bring your affidavit to our office, and we will accurately translate the document into Japanese. Our experienced translators ensure that the translation adheres to all legal requirements, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 4: Submitting to the Local City Office
The final step in the marriage process is submitting your notarized and translated documents to the local city office (municipal office) in Okinawa. Once everything is submitted, the city office will process your paperwork and officially recognize your marriage.
With all the required documents in order, including your Affidavit of Competency to Marry, you will now be legally married in Japan!
Additional Tips for US Citizens Marrying in Okinawa:
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurate – Missing or incomplete paperwork can delay the process.
- Appointments are necessary – Be sure to schedule your appointment at the US Consulate ahead of time to avoid long waits.
- Get professional translation help – Legal documents like the Affidavit need precise translation to meet Japanese legal standards. We can help you.
- Don’t forget the final submission – After the notarization and translation, remember to submit everything to the local city office to finalize your marriage along with passport, birth certificate and marriage application. All which we will prepare and help you.