Permanent Residency vs. Naturalization in Japan: A Complete Comparison by a Certified Immigration Lawyer

▶︎ 日本語でこの記事を読みたい方はこちら：
『永住ビザと帰化申請の違いを徹底比較』日本語版はこちら

Introduction｜Wondering Whether to Choose Permanent Residency or Naturalization?

For foreign nationals who wish to live in Japan long-term, deciding between permanent residency and naturalization (acquiring Japanese citizenship) is a major turning point.

• I want to keep my current nationality while securing a stable residency status
• I want to acquire Japanese citizenship to gain voting rights and a Japanese passport
• I want to choose based on future plans with my family, employment, or long-term care and pension considerations

This article, written from the perspective of a certified immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi), explains the differences between permanent residency and naturalization, including the legal systems, application requirements, advantages and disadvantages, and key decision points.

Legal Framework: Permanent Residency vs. Naturalization

Permanent residency is one type of “residency status,” while naturalization is a process of “changing your nationality.” Each is governed by a different authority, and the procedures involved are fundamentally different.

	Permanent Residency	Naturalization (Japanese Citizenship)
Legal Category	Residency status	Nationality acquisition procedure
Governing Authority	Immigration Services Agency	Legal Affairs Bureau (Ministry of Justice)
Nationality	Retain original nationality	Acquire Japanese nationality (generally requires renunciation of original nationality)
Residence Card	Yes	No (registered as a Japanese citizen with residence and family registry)

Requirements: Permanent Residency vs. Naturalization

The requirements for permanent residency and naturalization differ. Permanent residency emphasizes long-term, stable residence, while naturalization focuses more on Japanese language ability, good conduct, and compliance with taxes and insurance.

Item	Permanent Residency	Naturalization
Period of Stay	Typically 10 years	Typically 5 years
Income Requirements	Stable income required	Focus on overall financial stability
Taxes & Insurance	Resident tax and others must be paid	Strict review of all taxes and insurance
Japanese Ability	Basic conversational level	Reading and writing skills required
Good Conduct	Includes review of traffic violations	Thorough review of criminal/violation history

Pros and Cons: Permanent Residency vs. Naturalization

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each option is key to choosing the right path for your situation.

Aspect	Permanent Residency	Naturalization
Pros	No expiration date, simplified immigration procedures	Voting rights, Japanese passport, eligibility for the family registry
Cons	Requires re-entry permits, residency card renewal	Loss of original nationality, very strict review process

Which Should You Choose? Key Decision Points

Beyond the system differences, your future plans and view on nationality will influence your decision.

• If you want to keep your current nationality → Permanent Residency
• If you need full rights as a Japanese citizen → Naturalization
• If you want your children to have Japanese nationality → Naturalization
• If you may return to your home country in the future → Permanent Residency

Application Process and Required Documents

The type, volume, and acquisition process of required documents vary significantly.

• Permanent Residency: Typically 10–20 documents. Includes residence certificate, tax certificates, employment certificate, tax withholding slips, etc.
• Naturalization: Can require 100–200 documents. Includes family relationship documents, translations, statements of reason, pledges, etc.

Common Pitfalls and Points to Watch

Both applications require extensive paperwork and long review periods. Knowing common mistakes can help you prepare effectively.

• Permanent Residency: Insufficient income, recently changed jobs, unstable residency status
• Naturalization: Unclear parental marital status, translation errors in birth certificates, unpaid taxes, weak statements of reason

How a Certified Immigration Lawyer Can Help

A certified immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi) can assist by planning the entire process, preparing and translating documents, managing deadlines, and communicating with the Legal Affairs Bureau. Especially for naturalization—which can involve over 100 documents—professional support is highly beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I apply for both permanent residency and naturalization at the same time?
  A: Generally, no. You must choose one or the other.
• Q: Can I regain my original nationality after naturalization?
  A: In most cases, no. Please consider carefully before proceeding.
• Q: What happens to my family registry after naturalization?
  A: A new family registry will be created as a Japanese citizen.

Related Articles

▶︎ Click here for more details on Naturalization

▶︎ Click here for more details on Permanent Residency

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