The order you register your marriage changes everything
When a Filipino and Japanese couple decides to marry, the first major question is: register in Japan first (Japan-first marriage) or in the Philippines first (Philippines-first marriage)?
Both result in a legally valid marriage, but the required documents, sequence of steps, and overall timeline differ significantly. The right choice also depends on where your partner is currently living.
This page compares the steps, required documents, pros and cons of both approaches.
Japan-First Marriage: Register at a Japanese Municipal Office First
Steps
- 1
Obtain Philippine documents
Get a CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) and PSA Birth Certificate from PSA, each with DFA Apostille. A document service can handle this without you traveling to the Philippines.
- 2
Submit the marriage registration at a Japanese municipal office
Submit the marriage registration form, family register extract (koseki), and Philippine documents (CENOMAR, PSA Birth Certificate + DFA Apostille). Translation requirements may vary by office.
- 3
Report the marriage to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate
After the marriage is registered in Japan, submit a "Report of Marriage" to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Japan. This records the marriage on the Philippine side as well.
- 4
Proceed with spouse visa application
If your partner entered Japan on a short-stay or tourist visa, a change-of-status application is required to convert to a spouse visa.
Required Philippine Documents
| Document | Issuer | Apostille | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) | PSA | Generally required | Many offices require within 6 months of issue |
| PSA Birth Certificate | PSA | Generally required | Certificate of Live Birth |
| Passport copy | Filipino applicant | Not required | Must be valid |
Advantages of Japan-First
- · No travel to the Philippines required (a document service can handle the Philippine documents)
- · No waiting for PSA marriage certificate to be reflected
- · Marriage is recorded in the Japanese family register
Points to Note
- · After registering in Japan, a separate Report of Marriage to the Philippine Embassy is required
- · Translation format requirements may vary by municipal office
Philippines-First Marriage: Register the Marriage in the Philippines First
Steps
- 1
Japanese partner obtains LCCM (Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage)
Issued by the Legal Affairs Bureau in Japan → apostille at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs → authentication at the Philippine Embassy in Japan. This certificate proves the Japanese national is legally eligible to marry.
- 2
Apply for Marriage License in the Philippines
Apply at the Local Civil Registrar in the Philippines. After filing, there is a mandatory 10-day public posting period before the marriage can proceed.
- 3
Wedding ceremony (solemnization)
A person with solemnizing authority (priest, judge, or mayor) officiates the marriage ceremony and vows.
- 4
Obtain PSA Marriage Certificate
After the marriage is registered, it takes time to be reflected in PSA records. Typically 2–4 months in Metro Manila, 6+ months in provincial areas.
- 5
Report the marriage to a Japanese municipal office
Within 3 months of returning to Japan, submit a reportive marriage registration with the PSA Marriage Certificate attached at your local municipal office.
Advantages of Philippines-First
- · Can invite Philippine family and relatives to the wedding ceremony
- · After registering in the Philippines, the Japan registration is only a reportive filing
Points to Note
- · LCCM takes time to obtain (Legal Affairs Bureau → Ministry of Foreign Affairs → Embassy authentication)
- · Marriage License requires a 10-day public posting period
- · PSA Marriage Certificate may take 2–6+ months to be reflected, delaying the spouse visa application
- · Travel to the Philippines is required
Which to Choose — Decision Guide by Situation
| Situation | Japan-First | Philippines-First |
|---|---|---|
| Partner is in Japan | ◎ No travel needed | △ Philippines trip required |
| Partner is in the Philippines | ○ Documents can be retrieved remotely | ○ Can complete procedures together in person |
| Want spouse visa as soon as possible | ◎ No PSA reflection wait — easier to move faster | △ PSA marriage cert may take months |
| Want a ceremony with family in the Philippines | △ Japan registration only | ◎ Full wedding with Philippine family |
| Schedule is tight | ◎ No travel or 10-day posting required | ✕ Marriage License posting + PSA wait |
※ The above is a general guide. Additional documents may be required if there is a history of divorce or remarriage.
Required for Both Approaches
- Retrieve and verify Philippine PSA documents (CENOMAR, PSA Birth Certificate)
- Confirm that names and dates of birth match your Japanese passport exactly
- DFA Apostille (generally required for Japanese submission destinations)
- Proceed with spouse visa (residence status) application after marriage is registered
Document retrieval typically takes 1–2 months. Start early and work backwards from your target marriage registration date.
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FAQ
When the Filipino partner is already in Japan, most couples choose Japan-first marriage since no travel is needed. However, after registration, a change-of-status application to spouse visa is required — factor this into your overall plan.
No. Even after the marriage is registered in the Philippines, it takes time to be reflected in PSA records — typically 2–4 months in Metro Manila, 6+ months in provincial areas. This can delay the spouse visa application.
Generally a CENOMAR and PSA Birth Certificate from PSA, each with DFA Apostille. Exact requirements may vary by municipal office — confirm in advance.