anchor.diff:  
   ^Check the [travel advice for Japan](/foreign-travel-advice/japan) and get [legal advice](/government/collections/list-of-lawyers) before making any plans.^
   
  -##Prove you’re free to get married
  +##What you need to do
   
   To prove you can legally get married in local municipal offices, you’ll need to:
   
   - apply for an affirmation or affidavit of marriage
   - book an appointment to swear the affirmation or affidavit at the British embassy in Tokyo
  +- take your documents to the relevant local municipal office
   
   Check with the municipal office how long your affirmation or affidavit will be valid for. Most municipal offices require you to get married within 3 months of the date you swear your affirmation or affidavit.
   
  
positive.code: 
  You can apply for an affirmation or affidavit online or with a paper form. It costs £50 per person.
  
  Do not sign the affirmation or affidavit when you get it - you’ll need to sign it later at the embassy when you swear your affirmation or affidavit.
  
  ###Apply for an affirmation or affidavit of marriage online
  
  
negative.code: - a photo of your proof of address, which can be a utility bill, a bank statement or a Japanese residence card
  - a debit or credit card, if you want to pay online
  
  You’ll be told if you need to provide any other documents. For example, if you’ve been married before you’ll need proof that the marriage is over.
  
  [Apply for the affirmation or affidavit of marriage](https://www.prove-eligibility-foreign-government.service.gov.uk/japan/do-you-have-a-uk-passport).
  
  ###Apply for an affirmation or affidavit of marriage with a paper form
  
  This costs £50 per person in the [local currency](/government/publications/fco-consular-services-abroad-exchange-rates). You can pay in person using cash or a Visa or Mastercard credit card.
  
  [Download and fill in an application form using the guidance](/government/publications/affidavitaffirmation-of-marital-status-japan).
  
  