2025-09-15

Hong Kong was returned from the UK to China in July 1997, 27 years ago. Currently, when Japanese citizens marry someone from Hong Kong, they must follow Chinese procedures. Here, we explain the procedures for international marriage with someone from Hong Kong.

Marriage Requirements for Hong Kong Residents

The requirements for Hong Kong residents to marry are as follows:

First, both parties must be at least 16 years old to marry. This is an earlier age than in mainland China. Note that while the age of majority in Hong Kong is 18 for both men and women, marrying at age 21 requires parental consent.

If the child is illegitimate, only the mother’s consent is required. However, if either party is under 21 but has a prior marriage history, it is considered that parental consent was previously obtained, so consent is not required again.

In Japan, there is a 100-day waiting period after divorce before remarriage, known as the “remarriage prohibition period.” Hong Kong does not have this. Like Japan, Hong Kong follows a monogamous system, so bigamy is prohibited.

Furthermore, Hong Kong prohibits marriage between close relatives under Section 27 of the Marriage Ordinance. Consequently, marriage with certain blood relatives is not permitted. Incidentally, like Japan, same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Regarding the surname after marriage, there are no explicit regulations, but custom dictates that the husband’s surname is placed before the wife’s surname.

When Marrying in the Japanese Style

When a Japanese national and a Hong Kong resident marry in Japan, the following procedures are typically followed:

First, the Hong Kong resident prepares a “Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage” in their home country and enters Japan (this document can also be obtained at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Japan). They then take this certificate to a Japanese municipal office to complete the marriage registration procedures (submitting the “Marriage Registration Form”).

About one week after submitting the “Marriage Registration Form,” the marriage details are recorded in the “Family Register.” At this stage, the procedures in Japan are complete. Even without completing procedures in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong national is considered married.

For Hong Kong-style Marriage

When a Japanese national and a Hong Kong resident marry in Hong Kong, the following procedures apply:

First, make a provisional reservation at the Marriage Registry before entering Hong Kong. Reservations can be made by phone or online, and the “registration date” must be set at this time. Reservations are possible starting three months prior to this “registration date.”

Before entering Hong Kong, obtain the Hong Kong national’s “Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage” (Certificate of Single Status) from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Japan (also obtainable in Hong Kong). Additionally, obtain the Japanese national’s “Family Register Extract” from their municipal office. Note that this “Family Register Extract” requires “legalization” by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

Once all documents are ready, complete the formal registration at the pre-booked Marriage Registry Office. Upon completion of this registration, the wedding date is finalized. The wedding ceremony is then held at the Marriage Registry Office or a designated place of worship. During the ceremony, the marriage registrar confirms the bride and groom’s intent to marry. The marriage certificate is then signed by the bride, groom, registrar, and two witnesses.

Subsequently, submit the “Marriage Registration Form” to the Japanese Embassy in Hong Kong or a municipal office in Japan. Once your marital status is recorded in Japan’s “family register,” the process is complete.

Summary

When a Japanese national marries a Hong Kong resident, the procedure differs depending on whether the marriage takes place in Japan or Hong Kong. Particularly when marrying in Hong Kong, note that the process is complex, involving steps like booking at the Marriage Registry Office.