Procedures You Must Complete After Naturalization in Japan｜Passport, Koseki, Name Change & More

Introduction｜Be Prepared for a “Rush of Procedures” After Naturalization

When you receive the message from the Legal Affairs Bureau that “your naturalization has been approved,” it may feel like the long process is finally over.
However, in reality, many important administrative procedures still lie ahead.

In particular, changes to your name and nationality can create inconsistencies with previously submitted documents and registered information, potentially affecting many aspects of your daily life.
You will need to update records in a wide range of places, including bank accounts, insurance providers, your employer, and your passport.

This article explains, from the perspective of an administrative scrivener, the various procedures required after naturalization.
We hope it helps you avoid omissions or delays in this important stage.

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STEP 1: Official Gazette Publication and Naturalization Notification

The publication date in the Official Gazette becomes your “acquisition date” of Japanese nationality

Once your naturalization is approved, your name will be published in the Official Gazette.
This publication date is legally recognized as the date you acquired Japanese nationality.
In other words, your nationality officially changes from your previous one to Japanese as of this date.

You’ll receive the official notification at the Legal Affairs Bureau

A few days to about a week after your name is published in the Official Gazette, you will receive an official “Naturalization Notification Letter” from the Legal Affairs Bureau where you applied.
This document is essential for submitting a notification to your local city hall (discussed below), so be sure to keep it safe.

Notify your local municipal office promptly

Once you receive the naturalization notification, you must go to your local city office and submit a Notification of Naturalization.
This is a crucial step in creating your new family register as a Japanese national.

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STEP 2: Notification of Naturalization to the City Hall

What is the Notification of Naturalization?

Because newly naturalized individuals do not yet have a Japanese family register (koseki), they must create one.
This process is called the “Notification of Naturalization,” and it must be submitted at your local municipal office.

Deadline: Within one month of receiving the notification

Under Article 104 of the Family Register Act, you must file this notification within one month of receiving the naturalization approval from the Legal Affairs Bureau.

Required documents

• Naturalization notification letter
• Copy of the Official Gazette (some municipalities may not require this)
• ID documents (such as former residence card)
• Former passport
• Personal seal (signature also accepted)

It takes time to create your new family register

After submitting the notification, it generally takes 2 to 4 weeks for your Japanese family register to be officially created.
Other processes such as updating your driver’s license or insurance may need to wait until the family register is completed.

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STEP 3: Notifying Agencies of Name and Nationality Changes

Why these updates are necessary

If your name (including spelling or kanji) changes as part of naturalization, you must update your name with all relevant government offices and service providers.
Likewise, your nationality is now “Japanese,” and all prior records showing foreign nationality must be updated accordingly.

Common areas that require updates

• My Number card (reissue after family register is created)
• Health insurance card (through employer or municipality)
• Driver’s license (at police station or license center)
• Pension records (Japan Pension Service)
• Bank accounts (submit name/nationality change notice)
• Phone and credit card contracts (notify each provider)

How to prove your new name

If your family register has not yet been created, you may be able to use your “naturalization notification letter” and Official Gazette entry as proof of your new name.
However, some agencies may require your koseki (family register), so always confirm in advance.

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STEP 4: Applying for a Japanese Passport

Your first Japanese passport as a new citizen

Once naturalized, your previous foreign passport is no longer valid.
You will need to apply for a Japanese passport at the passport center in your area, after your family register is completed.

Required documents (for adults)

• Certified copy of your koseki (issued within 6 months)
• Resident certificate (juminhyo) — may need one showing registered domicile (honseki)
• ID (driver’s license, My Number card, etc.)
• Photo (45mm x 35mm, taken within 6 months)
• Application form (available at passport center)
• Fee: ¥16,000 (10-year) / ¥11,000 (5-year)

Important: You must wait for your family register to be created

You cannot apply for a Japanese passport until your koseki is officially issued.
Since this may take a few weeks, it’s best to prepare early if you have upcoming travel plans.

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STEP 5: Returning Your Old Passport and Residence Card

Once you become Japanese, foreign identity documents become invalid

After naturalization, you are no longer a foreign national.
Your previous residence card and foreign passport are no longer valid and must be properly returned.

Returning your former passport

Generally, after receiving your Japanese passport, you must return or cancel your former passport at the embassy or consulate of your former country.
Note: In countries like the UK, naturalization in Japan does not always automatically cancel your original nationality — be careful.

Returning your residence card

• Submit to: Immigration Services Agency (also by mail)
• Required: Residence card and return form (official format)
• Mailing address: Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau (applies nationwide)

Failing to return your card may be a legal issue — be sure to complete this step.

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STEP 6: Updating Tax, Insurance, and Pension Records

1. Updating resident tax and income tax records

After naturalization, you are treated as a Japanese citizen, not a foreign resident.
In most cases, tax records will update automatically via changes to your juminhyo, but individual business owners may need to submit separate updates to the tax office.

2. Updating national health insurance or social insurance

If you’re enrolled in workplace insurance, your employer will generally handle the update.
If you are enrolled in national health insurance, you must submit a change of nationality notice at your local city office.

3. Updating national pension and employee pension information

Nationality changes must also be updated in pension records.

• National pension → municipal pension division
• Employee pension → handled through your employer

Note: Some special treatments available to foreign nationals may no longer apply after naturalization, so check how it affects you.

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STEP 7: Updating Various Services and Contracts

1. Updating bank account name and nationality

Many banks allow name and nationality updates after naturalization. Required documents typically include:

• Koseki (to confirm new name)
• ID (My Number card, etc.)
• Old bank card and passbook

Note: Some banks may only handle this at branch offices — call ahead to check.

2. Updating credit cards, phone plans, utility services

You must also update your information with:

• Credit card companies
• Mobile phone providers
• Electricity, gas, and water suppliers

These companies often require strong ID verification — outdated records may cause trouble, so update promptly.

3. Updating other personal accounts

• Online shopping (Amazon, Rakuten, etc.)
• Social media or email accounts
• School or workplace directories
• International remittance services (e.g., Wise)

Update any other services as needed.

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We Offer Continued Support Even After Naturalization｜Consult an Administrative Scrivener

Even after your naturalization is approved, numerous updates and procedures will follow.
For first-time applicants, it’s common to be unsure about which offices to visit, how to handle your new koseki, or where to obtain documents.

What We Can Do to Ease Your Concerns

At our office, we continue providing assistance even after your naturalization is complete.
We can support you with:

• How to obtain and read your family register
• Which documents are needed for name changes at banks or insurance companies
• Clarifying what’s needed for passport applications
• Organizing and explaining all the necessary steps

If needed, we also offer individual consultations and help with preparing documents for post-naturalization procedures.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

If you want to obtain Japanese nationality quickly and securely, or if you feel uncertain about preparing the required documents, please feel free to consult our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka.
We handle requests from all over Japan and provide the most suitable support based on our experience with immigration procedures and applications to the Legal Affairs Bureau.

If you wish to proceed with your naturalization application smoothly and with confidence, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

▶ See our fee schedule here

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