Getting married is a beautiful thing. If you’re a foreigner who wants to get married in Japan, you need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (commonly referred to as a CNI). This article will give you a complete guide on what you need to do to obtain this certificate in Japan.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?
A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is a document that confirms that there are no legal impediments to your marriage. This certificate serves as proof that you’re free to marry and is often a requirement for foreign citizens to legally marry in Japan.
To get this document, you need to prove that you’re legally single and eligible to marry. In Japan, the local government office is responsible for issuing this certificate.
Why Do You Need a CNI?
If you’re a foreigner who wants to get married in Japan, you need to obtain a CNI. This is because Japanese law requires all foreigners who want to get married in Japan to obtain this certificate. Without this certificate, your marriage will not be considered legal in Japan.
It’s important to note that the requirements for obtaining a CNI may vary depending on your country of origin. Therefore, it’s important to check with your embassy or consulate in Japan to determine the specific requirements for your country.
How to Apply for a CNI
If you want to get a CNI, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment
You need to schedule an appointment with the local government office in Japan that is responsible for issuing CNIs. You can usually schedule an appointment online or by phone.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need to gather the required documents, which may vary depending on your country of origin. Typically, you’ll need to provide your passport, birth certificate, and a document that proves you’re legally single (such as a divorce certificate or a certificate of single status).
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you have your appointment and documents in order, you need to submit your application to the local government office. You’ll usually be required to pay a fee when submitting your application.
Step 4: Wait for Your CNI
After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for your CNI to be issued. The processing time may vary depending on the local government office and the complexity of your case. Typically, it takes a few days to a week to process your application.
Conclusion
If you’re a foreigner who wants to get married in Japan, obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is a crucial step. This certificate serves as proof that you’re free to marry and is often required by Japanese law for foreigners who want to legally marry in Japan. To obtain this certificate, you need to follow the steps outlined in this article and provide the required documents.
