Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national who does not hold Japanese citizenship applies to the government for permission to acquire Japanese nationality. The authority to grant permission lies with the Minister of Justice. If approved, the decision is published in the Official Gazette, and Japanese nationality is granted from that date (Nationality Act, Articles 4 and 10).

Those wishing to naturalize must meet the eligibility requirements set out in the Nationality Act. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee approval — they are merely the minimum conditions required to apply. Applications are submitted in person at the Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence. There is no application fee (Ministry of Justice: Naturalization Application).

The Six General Requirements for Naturalization

Standard naturalization (ordinary naturalization) requires meeting the following six conditions (Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau: "About Naturalization" · Nationality Act, Article 5).

① Residence Requirement (5 or More Years of Continuous Residence)

You must have been living in Japan continuously for 5 years or more up to the time of application. Your residence must be lawful, meaning you must hold a valid status of residence. You must have established Japan as your primary place of residence.

※ For those with a special connection to Japan — such as spouses of Japanese nationals, persons born in Japan, or former Japanese nationals — the residence period may be reduced to 3 years or even 1 year, and other conditions may be relaxed (Simplified Naturalization; see below).

② Capacity Requirement (Age 18 or Older)

You must be 18 years of age or older and have reached the age of majority under the laws of your home country. In Japan, the age of majority has been 18 since April 2022.

③ Good Conduct Requirement (Upright Character)

You must be of good character. This is assessed comprehensively based on criminal history, tax compliance, and whether you have caused trouble to society. Traffic violations or unpaid taxes may affect the review. Minor violations may still result in approval in some cases, but the treatment differs depending on the nature and frequency of the offense — it is advisable to consult with the Legal Affairs Bureau in advance.

④ Livelihood Requirement (Ability to Support Oneself)

You must be able to live in Japan without financial hardship. This requirement is assessed on a household unit basis. Even if the applicant has no income of their own, the condition may be deemed met if the household can maintain a stable livelihood through the assets or earning capacity of a spouse or other family member. In many cases, approval is granted as long as there is sufficient income or assets to support a normal standard of living, even if savings or property are modest.

⑤ Dual Nationality Prevention Requirement (Regarding Nationality)

The applicant must either be stateless or, in principle, must lose their current nationality upon naturalization. As an exception, if losing the nationality of the applicant's home country is not possible through their own volition, approval may still be granted even if this condition is not met (Nationality Act, Article 5, Paragraph 2).

⑥ Constitutional Compliance Requirement (Rejection of Violent Subversion)

Naturalization will not be granted to those who plot or advocate the violent overthrow of the Japanese government, or to those who have organized or joined groups that do so.

Japanese Language Ability

While not explicitly required by law, a functional level of Japanese (speaking, reading, and writing for daily life) is expected. As a general guideline, proficiency at approximately the level of a 2nd or 3rd grade elementary school student or above is considered desirable.

Cases Where Requirements Are Relaxed (Simplified / Special Naturalization)

For foreign nationals with a special connection to Japan — such as those born in Japan, spouses of Japanese nationals, children of Japanese nationals, or former Japanese nationals — some of the above requirements may be relaxed (Nationality Act, Articles 6–8).

For example, a spouse of a Japanese national may qualify if they have "maintained a domicile or residence in Japan continuously for 3 or more years and currently have a domicile in Japan," or if "3 years have elapsed since the date of marriage and they have maintained a domicile in Japan continuously for 1 or more years." Children of Japanese nationals (excluding adopted children) and those who have lost Japanese nationality may in some cases be exempt from the residence period and livelihood requirements. Please consult the competent Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau to determine whether your circumstances qualify.

How to Apply for Naturalization (Official Procedure)

If the applicant is 15 years of age or older, they must apply in person; if under 15, a legal representative such as a parent or guardian must do so. The application must be submitted in writing by personally appearing at the competent Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau. Application forms are available at the submission office. Supporting documents — including those proving eligibility for naturalization and those establishing family relationships — must be attached. Required documents vary depending on individual circumstances; please consult the applicable Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau in advance (Ministry of Justice: Naturalization Application).

The review process typically takes approximately 6 months to 2 years. If approved, the decision is published in the Official Gazette, and naturalization takes effect from the date of publication.

References and Official Links

Our Process for Naturalization Support

  1. 1. Contact Us via Our Website

    Call us at 090-3676-8204 or email miyazaki@visa-agent.net

  2. 2. Reply from Our Staff

  3. 3. Initial Consultation (Fee-Based)

    Please let us know your preferred date and time.

  4. 4. Preparation of a Quote

    We will discuss the details during the consultation and prepare a service outline and written estimate.

  5. 5. Formal Engagement

    Please review the estimate provided, and we will explain the schedule going forward.

  6. 6. Payment of Retainer Fee

    The full service fee is due at the time of engagement.

  7. 7. Document Review at the Legal Affairs Bureau

  8. 8. Collection and Preparation of Required Documents

  9. 9. Submission of Documents and Start of Review

  10. 10. Interview with the Applicant by the Examiner

  11. 11. Review and Decision on Approval or Denial

  12. 12. Notification of Approval or Denial from the Legal Affairs Bureau