For Those Who Wish to Acquire Japanese Nationality and Begin a New Life in Japan
Naturalization is the legal process through which a foreign national acquires Japanese nationality.
Once naturalization is approved, a Japanese family register will be created, and the applicant will become eligible to obtain a Japanese passport. The applicant will also acquire the rights and obligations of a Japanese citizen, including the right to vote and stand for election.
Naturalization applications require a large number of documents and usually involve a lengthy examination process. Careful preparation is therefore essential.
At Trust Shimizu Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide comprehensive support, including an initial eligibility assessment, collection of required documents, preparation of application forms, and preparation for submission to the Legal Affairs Bureau.
What is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the process of acquiring Japanese nationality with the permission of the Minister of Justice.
Unlike Permanent Residence, naturalization means becoming a Japanese national.
The main benefits include:
- Creation of a Japanese family register
- Eligibility to obtain a Japanese passport
- No further need for a status of residence or Residence Card
- No restrictions on employment
- The right to vote and stand for election
Who May Consider Applying?
Naturalization may be suitable for those who:
- Wish to continue living in Japan permanently
- Wish to acquire Japanese nationality
- Wish to obtain a Japanese passport
- Plan to live with their family in Japan over the long term
- Wish to receive professional assistance with their naturalization application
Main Requirements for Naturalization
The Nationality Act sets out several requirements for naturalization.
1. Residence Requirement
Applicants must generally have maintained a domicile in Japan continuously for a prescribed period.
Because the residence requirement may be affected by legal amendments and individual circumstances, it is important to confirm the applicable standard on a case-by-case basis.
2. Legal Capacity Requirement
As a general rule, the applicant must be at least 18 years old and have full legal capacity under the law of their home country.
Exceptions may apply depending on changes in law or individual circumstances.
3. Good Conduct Requirement
Applicants must comply with Japanese laws and conduct themselves appropriately as members of society.
The examination may consider not only criminal records and traffic violations, but also matters such as tax compliance.
4. Financial Stability Requirement
Applicants must be able to maintain a stable livelihood in Japan.
The applicant’s own income is considered, as well as the financial condition of the entire household.
5. Prevention of Multiple Nationality
As a general rule, an applicant must lose or renounce their current nationality when acquiring Japanese nationality.
The procedures and legal consequences differ depending on Japanese law and the law of the applicant’s home country.
6. Japanese Language Ability
There is no statutory requirement such as passing a particular level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.
However, applicants are generally expected to have sufficient Japanese ability to understand the application documents and manage daily life in Japan.
Required Documents
The required documents vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, family circumstances, occupation, and other factors.
Typical documents include the following.
Documents Prepared by the Applicant
- Application for Permission for Naturalization
- Family Information Form
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Reasons for Naturalization
- Statement of Household Finances
- Passport
- Residence Card
- Photographs
- Travel and Immigration History
- Civil status and nationality documents issued by the applicant’s home country
Documents Obtained in Japan
- Certificate of Residence
- Resident Tax Certificate and Tax Payment Certificate
- Documents proving income
- Pension and social insurance records
- Employment Certificate
- Other documents requested by the Legal Affairs Bureau
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, corporate documents, business records, or other additional materials may also be required.
Naturalization Application Process
- Preliminary Consultation with the Legal Affairs Bureau
- Collection of Required Documents
- Preparation of Application Documents
- Submission of the Application to the Legal Affairs Bureau
- Interview and Submission of Additional Documents
- Examination
- Approval of Naturalization
- Creation of a Family Register and Acquisition of Japanese Nationality
In general, applicants must first attend a preliminary consultation with the Legal Affairs Bureau by appointment before formally submitting the application.
Processing Time
The examination period varies depending on the individual case.
In many cases, the process takes approximately eight months to one and a half years, although some applications may take longer.
Applicants may also be asked to submit additional documents during the examination.
What Questions Are Asked During the Interview?
During the interview at the Legal Affairs Bureau, applicants may be asked about:
- The circumstances of their arrival in Japan
- Their current life in Japan
- Family members
- Employment and job duties
- Income and financial circumstances
- Japanese language ability
- Reasons for wishing to acquire Japanese nationality
The content of the interview varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Difference Between Naturalization and Permanent Residence
| Naturalization | Permanent Residence |
|---|---|
| Acquire Japanese nationality | Retain foreign nationality |
| Eligible for a Japanese passport | Continue using the passport of the home country |
| A Japanese family register is created | No Japanese family register is created |
| No status of residence is required | Reside in Japan as a Permanent Resident |
The more suitable option depends on your personal wishes and long-term plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my current nationality if I naturalize?
As a general rule, you will be required to lose or renounce your current nationality when acquiring Japanese nationality.
The applicable procedure differs depending on the law of your home country, so advance confirmation is important.
Which is better, Naturalization or Permanent Residence?
Naturalization may be appropriate if you wish to acquire Japanese nationality.
Permanent Residence may be preferable if you wish to continue living in Japan while retaining your current nationality.
Do I need to pass the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test to naturalize?
No.
Passing the JLPT is not a statutory requirement.
However, applicants are expected to have enough Japanese ability to manage daily life and understand the application process.
Our Services
At Trust Shimizu Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide support tailored to each applicant’s circumstances, including:
- Initial Eligibility Assessment
- Confirmation and Collection of Required Documents
- Preparation of Naturalization Application Documents
- Preparation for Submission to the Legal Affairs Bureau
- Advice for the Interview
- Responses to Requests for Additional Documents
Naturalization applications involve a large number of documents, and the required preparation differs significantly from one applicant to another.
We provide careful and professional support so that you can proceed with confidence throughout the entire process