Marriage Subsidy (Marriage New-Life Support Subsidy): Eligibility, Amount & How to Apply [2026, for Foreigners]

The "Marriage New-Life Support Subsidy" is a program in which municipalities subsidize the costs of starting a new life together as newlyweds, such as rent and moving costs. It uses funding from the national government (Children and Families Agency), and is administered by municipalities that choose to implement it. Regardless of nationality, foreign resident households can be eligible if they have residence registration in a participating municipality and meet the requirements.

① What is the Marriage New-Life Support Subsidy

As part of Japan's measures against the declining birthrate, this is a subsidy program designed to ease the financial burden of getting married. It is not available nationwide — only in municipalities that have chosen to implement it. The first step is to check whether your city, town, or ward (current or planned) offers the program.

② Maximum subsidy amount

For fiscal year 2025 (Reiwa 7), the guideline maximum amounts are as follows (the maximum amount and operation vary by municipality).

These are maximum amounts; the actual subsidy depends on your actual eligible expenses and the municipality's budget.

③ Household eligibility requirements

• A newlywed household in which both spouses are 39 or under on the date of marriage registration
• Combined household income under ¥5,000,000 (if repaying a student loan, the annual repayment amount can be deducted from income)
• For fiscal year 2025, households that registered their marriage between January 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026 are eligible (the eligible period is updated each fiscal year)
• Must have residence registration in a participating municipality

④ Eligible expenses

• Rent, key money, deposit, common service fees, and agent fees for a new home
• Moving costs for the new home
• Purchase costs of a new home
• Renovation costs for a new home

Which expenses are covered, and which payment dates are eligible, vary by municipality. Keep receipts and other supporting documents, as you will need them as proof.

⑤ Key points for foreign residents

• You must have residence registration in a participating municipality, and your marriage must be legally registered in Japan (your marriage notification must have been accepted)
• Age, income, and marriage-date requirements are judged using the same standards as for Japanese nationals
• Guidance and application forms are basically in Japanese only. Consider using your municipality's multilingual counter or an interpreter if needed

⑥ Application process and points to note

1. Check whether your (current or planned) municipality implements the program (Children and Families Agency website / municipal website)
2. Confirm the eligibility requirements, eligible expenses, application period, and required documents with your municipality
3. Gather your supporting documents for marriage, moving, and payments, then apply

FAQ

Are foreign residents eligible?If you have residence registration in a municipality that implements the program, and meet the marriage, age, and income requirements, you can be eligible. Whether the program is offered, and the specific requirements, vary by municipality.

How much can I receive?For fiscal year 2025, the guideline is up to ¥600,000 if both spouses are 29 or under, or up to ¥300,000 if both spouses are 39 or under. The maximum amount and operation vary by municipality.

What expenses are covered?Rent, key money, deposit, common service fees, and agent fees for a new home, moving costs, and the purchase or renovation costs of a new home. Eligible expenses vary by municipality.

Where do I apply?At your municipal office. Please check with your municipality whether the program is offered and what documents are required. You can also check which municipalities implement the program on the Children and Families Agency website.

Which households are eligible based on marriage date?For fiscal year 2025, households that registered their marriage between January 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026 are eligible. The eligible period is updated each fiscal year.