Hello, I’m Dave Higgins, a legal translator based in Okinawa, Japan. If you’re a Brazilian passport holder planning to get married in Japan, I’m here to help you navigate the process. Let’s start with the basics: in Japan, legal marriage is all about the paperwork. While a celebration or ceremony is a meaningful addition, it’s entirely optional and doesn’t affect the legality of your marriage.
Documents Required for Brazilian Citizens
If you are a Brazilian citizen residing in Japan and wish to marry a foreign national, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- DECLARAÇÂO CONSULAR DE ESTADO CIVIL – This is a Marriage Status Consular Declaration issued by the Consulate General of Brazil in Japan.
- Japanese Translation of the Declaration – Although Brazilian documents contain some Japanese text, certain sections may not be in Japanese, requiring a full translation.
- Passport – The original passport must be presented at the city office for verification, but no Japanese translation is required.
Choosing Your Married Name
Brazilian citizens have the option to change their surname by making a note in the “other” section of the marriage registration. The name change will need to be processed in Brazil after the marriage registration in Japan. The following options are available:
- Combined Surname – Wife’s surname + Husband’s surname (Note: Husband’s surname + Wife’s surname is not allowed.)
- Husband’s Surname
If you wish to change your surname, I can guide you on how to complete the necessary section in the marriage registration form.
Submitting Your Marriage Application
Once your documents are prepared and translated, we’ll assist you in completing your marriage application. Ensuring accuracy is vital, as any discrepancies can cause delays.
Your marriage application will also require two witnesses. My wife and I can serve as your witnesses, and since we’re both residents of Japan, we don’t need to be present at the city office with you. If you’d prefer your own witnesses, you’ll need to provide us with their full names, birth dates, nationalities, and local addresses. They must be present with you at the city office on the day of your marriage.
Once these steps are completed, you’ll submit your documents to the city office nearest your residence in Japan, which could even be your hotel. Some town or village offices may require additional documents, so we recommend consulting with us to ensure a smooth submission process.
After Marriage Registration
After your marriage is registered, you’ll receive a marriage certificate in Japanese. We can translate this certificate into Portuguese or English and provide you with certified copies, which you’ll need to report your marriage to the appropriate authorities in Brazil.
And that’s it! If you have any questions about getting married in Japan as a Brazilian citizen, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.