Family
Can I register my child's foreign birth in Japan?
Yes. A child born abroad to a family residing in Japan can have the birth reflected in relevant Japanese municipal/immigration records, but the exact filing depends on the parents' nationalities and whether either parent is Japanese.
VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- A Japanese parent has family-register birth-report obligations.
- Foreign parents may need the foreign birth certificate plus Japanese translation for residence/immigration procedures.
- The child may need a passport, COE/status procedure and municipal registration before/after entry.
Documents
- Identity documents
- Civil-status / relationship documents
- Certified translations where required
Likely cost
No single national fee; municipal certificates, translations, medical care or immigration procedures may carry separate costs.
Where to act
Municipal office, Legal Affairs Bureau, Family Court or Immigration Services Bureau depending on the family procedure.