How to Renounce Your Former Nationality After Naturalization in Japan – Country-by-Country Guide

Introduction｜Why Understanding “Renunciation of Original Nationality” Is Important

Becoming a naturalized Japanese citizen is not simply about acquiring Japanese nationality. In the actual naturalization process, one must also address the issue of what to do with their current nationality—this is known as the problem of renunciation of original nationality.

Japan’s Nationality Act, in principle, does not allow dual citizenship. Therefore, applicants are required to submit a written pledge stating that they agree to renounce their foreign nationality at the time of application.

As a result, after receiving naturalization approval, many applicants are asked to submit documents such as a certificate of renunciation or a notification of loss of nationality issued by their home country.

However, nationality laws differ significantly from country to country. For example:

• Some countries automatically revoke nationality when foreign citizenship is acquired
• Some require a formal renunciation application
• Some have no renunciation process at all

In this article, we examine 10 major countries and explain the availability of renunciation procedures, how to obtain certificates, and practical points to watch out for in each case.

Japan’s Legal Framework｜Naturalization and Dual Citizenship

Article 11, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Act of Japan states:

“A person who has acquired Japanese nationality shall, in principle, lose their foreign nationality at the time of acquisition.”

Based on this provision, applicants for naturalization are required to submit a pledge indicating their intention to renounce their foreign nationality.

However, this does not mean that renunciation must be completed as a precondition for naturalization approval. In practice, naturalization may still be granted if the applicant makes a good-faith effort to renounce their nationality, especially when:

• The renunciation process is legally difficult, or
• The procedures are known to be time-consuming in the applicant’s home country.

In other words, after naturalization, Japanese authorities will check the following points:

• Is it legally possible to renounce the original nationality in the applicant’s country?
• Did the applicant actually submit a renunciation application?
• Have any certificates or supplementary documents been submitted?

With these factors in mind, the next section provides a country-by-country breakdown of the specific procedures and considerations involved.

Country-Specific Overview (10 Countries)

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🇨🇳 China (People’s Republic of China)

■ Overview of Renunciation System
China explicitly prohibits dual nationality. Article 3 of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China clearly states:

“The People’s Republic of China does not recognize dual nationality.”

Therefore, if a Chinese national acquires a foreign nationality (e.g., Japanese), they are considered to automatically lose their Chinese nationality in principle.

■ Practical Points
Despite the concept of automatic loss, China does not have a formal system for issuing a “Certificate of Loss of Nationality.”
As a result, in the Japanese naturalization process, the following documents are typically submitted as substitutes:

• A document proving acquisition of Japanese nationality
• A translated explanation of China’s nationality law
• A written record confirming contact with the Chinese embassy or consulate in Japan

In recent years, returning the Chinese passport after naturalization has increasingly been regarded as implicit evidence of renunciation.

■ Key Points to Note

• China does not issue a formal certificate of loss of nationality
• You may be asked during the interview to explain how you no longer hold Chinese nationality
• If you held multiple Chinese passports, all must be returned

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🇰🇷 South Korea (Republic of Korea)

■ Overview of Renunciation System
South Korea also prohibits dual nationality in principle.
However, there are many exceptions—for example, individuals under age 20 or special permanent residents—so the system includes a number of special provisions.

■ Renunciation Procedures and Proof
After naturalization, one must file a Nationality Renunciation Declaration at a Korean consulate. This process results in the issuance of a 국적이탈확인서 (Certificate of Nationality Renunciation).

Required documents include:

• Proof of acquisition of Japanese nationality (e.g., family register)
• Korean resident registration and family relationship certificates
• Return of Korean passport and national ID card

■ Practical Considerations

• An interview or screening may be required as part of the process
• It may take 1–2 months to obtain the certificate
• For special permanent residents, whether renunciation is required depends on the specific legal provisions

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🇵🇭 Philippines

■ Overview of Renunciation System
According to Philippine Commonwealth Act No. 63, acquiring a foreign nationality results in automatic loss of Philippine citizenship.
However, under RA 9225 (Dual Citizenship Act), former citizens may reacquire Philippine nationality.

■ Practical Handling of Certificates
In many cases, after naturalization, applicants are asked to submit:

• A certificate of loss of Philippine nationality
• Proof of return of the Philippine passport

However, Philippine embassies often do not issue such certificates, so the following may be submitted instead:

• A translated explanation of the renunciation system
• Correspondence records with the embassy
• A copy of the returned passport

■ Points to Note

• Because reacquisition is allowed, applicants may be asked, “Why haven’t you reacquired Philippine citizenship?”
• If documents are incomplete, a written explanation must be submitted to the Japanese authorities

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🇻🇳 Vietnam

■ Overview of Renunciation System
Vietnam generally does not recognize dual nationality, and citizenship is not lost automatically upon acquiring a foreign nationality.
Therefore, an explicit renunciation process is required.

■ Procedures and Required Documents
After naturalization, the applicant must apply for renunciation of Vietnamese nationality through the Vietnamese embassy in Japan, and obtain a certificate of loss.

The documents must generally be submitted in Vietnamese, and translations and notarizations may be required, making the process complicated.

■ Points to Note

• Approval of the renunciation application can take several months to a year
• The Vietnamese side may demand numerous supporting documents, making individual handling difficult in many cases

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🇮🇳 India

■ Overview of Renunciation System
Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, India clearly states that Indian nationality is automatically lost upon acquisition of foreign nationality.

However, simply stating “it should have been automatically lost” is not sufficient under Japan’s naturalization process.
Applicants are strongly required to submit official proof of renunciation.

■ Renunciation Process

1. Apply for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship through the Indian embassy or consulate
2. Return the old Indian passport and submit a copy
3. Complete a Self Declaration form
4. After about 2–3 months, a Renunciation Certificate is issued

■ Points to Note

• Applications must be submitted by the applicant personally; administrative scriveners cannot act as proxies
• If there are errors or missing documents, the application may be returned, potentially causing months of delay
• If the renunciation is not completed promptly, registration of the new Japanese family register may be delayed, so early action is recommended

🇵🇰 Pakistan

■ Overview of Renunciation System
Pakistan recognizes dual nationality only with certain countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
However, dual nationality is not permitted between Pakistan and Japan, and renunciation is generally required after naturalization in Japan.

■ Practical Procedure
Applicants must apply for a certificate of renunciation through the Embassy of Pakistan in Japan. Required documents typically include:

• A renunciation application form
• Return of the Pakistani passport
• National Identity Card (NIC) and related documents

In some cases, the process takes a long time, and there are reports that certificates may not be issued at all.

■ Points to Note

• If the process does not exist or the embassy refuses to issue a certificate, submit an explanatory document (in English with Japanese translation) instead
• The acceptance of such cases may vary depending on the Japanese official in charge, so advance consultation is highly recommended

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🇬🇧 United Kingdom

■ Overview of Renunciation System
The UK fully allows dual nationality. Even if you acquire another nationality, you do not lose your British nationality automatically.
Renunciation of British citizenship is not required and can be done voluntarily at the discretion of the individual.

■ What Is Required in Japan
It is legally permissible to retain British nationality even after acquiring Japanese nationality.
However, Japanese authorities (the Legal Affairs Bureau) may ask:

• “Why haven’t you renounced your British nationality?”
• “Is renunciation unnecessary under UK law?”

In such cases, attaching official UK Home Office documents (with English and Japanese versions) can be very helpful.

■ Points to Note

• If you do not renounce, it may be perceived as lacking sincerity, so prepare a clear explanation of why you chose to retain it
• If you continue to hold a British passport after naturalization, be cautious to avoid complications with Japanese authorities

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🇺🇸 United States

■ Overview of Renunciation System
The United States is one of the countries that explicitly permits dual citizenship.
Under the U.S. Constitution and related laws, simply acquiring another nationality does not result in automatic loss of U.S. citizenship.

■ Renunciation Process (Not Required in Most Cases)
If someone wishes to renounce U.S. citizenship, they must apply for a “Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship” at a U.S. embassy.
However, this process involves:

• A high fee of $2,350
• An in-person interview
  → As such, it is rarely carried out.

■ Response in Japan
In most cases, applicants explain:

“I have not renounced U.S. citizenship, but this is due to the legal framework in the United States.”

Supplementary documents may include:

• Excerpts from U.S. nationality laws (in English and Japanese)
• Website printouts from the U.S. Embassy in Japan

■ Points to Note

• Avoid vague answers when asked about dual citizenship during the interview
• You may also be questioned about which nationality you use and in what contexts after naturalization

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🇧🇷 Brazil

■ Overview of Renunciation System
Brazil, in principle, permits dual nationality.
Even after acquiring another nationality, Brazilian citizenship is not automatically lost.

If someone wishes to renounce it, they may do so voluntarily by submitting a “Renúncia” application.

■ Practical Handling
Most applicants do not renounce their Brazilian nationality and continue to hold dual nationality.
In such cases, Japanese authorities often accept:

• A written explanation that renunciation is not legally required under Brazilian law
• Supporting documents describing the relevant legal system

■ Points to Note

• Some Legal Affairs Bureau officers may view non-renunciation negatively
  → In such cases, prior consultation and coordination of your explanation are advisable

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🇳🇵 Nepal (or 🇧🇩 Bangladesh)

■ Overview of Renunciation System
In countries like Nepal or Bangladesh, the renunciation process is either extremely complicated or nonexistent.
Even if a procedure exists, certificates may not be issued properly, or documents may never arrive.

■ Response in Japan
Applicants must demonstrate they have made reasonable efforts to renounce their nationality.
Examples of supporting documents:

• Email exchanges with the embassy in Japan
• Copies of submitted applications
• A written explanation stating that issuance is difficult under the country’s legal system

■ Points to Note

• Japan generally adopts flexible handling for countries with non-functional systems, as long as there is a sincere explanation
• Advance consultation with the Legal Affairs Bureau is recommended to ensure smooth processing

Potential Issues After Naturalization and Key Points to Watch

Even after your naturalization is approved, issues related to renunciation of original nationality can still arise. Below are common real-life cases to be aware of:

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📌 Case 1: No Renunciation Certificate Issued → Delay in Family Registry Registration
Example: Philippines, Pakistan
Even if a renunciation application is submitted, no certificate may be issued, or in some cases, the renunciation system may not exist at all.
As a result, the creation of a new Japanese family register may be temporarily suspended after naturalization.

▶ Tips for Resolution:

• Consult with a certified administrative scrivener and prepare a supplementary explanation (legal background, proof of effort)
• Obtain a written response from the embassy (e.g., “We do not issue renunciation certificates”)

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📌 Case 2: Criticized for Retaining Dual Nationality
Example: United Kingdom, United States, Brazil
Even in cases where the home country allows dual nationality or renunciation is not required, retaining the old passport may lead officials to suspect a lack of intent to renounce.

▶ Tips for Resolution:

• Prepare a written explanation of the legal system in your home country in advance
• Clearly state in writing that renunciation is not required or not possible under the law

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📌 Case 3: Trouble With Administrative Procedures in Home Country
Example: Passport renewal, bank account verification
Some people realize only after naturalization that their old passport is no longer valid, which may lead to problems with identification or legal violations in the former country.

▶ Tips for Resolution:

• Return or invalidate your old passport immediately after naturalization
• Notify your home country’s embassy that you have become a Japanese citizen

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What a Certified Administrative Scrivener Can and Cannot Do

✅ Services We Can Provide

• Preparation of explanation documents for renunciation within the Japanese naturalization application
• Research and summarization of the legal system of your home country (with Japanese translation)
• Advice on how to explain your case during interviews with officials
• Translation and organization of foreign documents (e.g., passport return receipts, application copies)

❌ Services We Cannot Provide

• Applying for renunciation of nationality with a foreign government on your behalf
• Returning your foreign passport
• Requesting or following up on renunciation certificates (these must always be done personally by the applicant)

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Conclusion｜Naturalization Isn’t the End—Be Prepared for Nationality Renunciation Too

When people think about naturalization, their focus tends to be on the application process and Japanese documentation.
However, the renunciation of your original nationality after naturalization is just as important.

• In some countries, obtaining a renunciation certificate can be difficult
• In countries where renunciation isn’t required, careful explanation to Japanese authorities is essential
• In countries with complex procedures, it may take months of follow-up work even after approval

That’s why it’s crucial to research your home country’s rules and understand how to explain your situation in Japan—and, if possible,

We strongly recommend seeking support from a professional such as a certified administrative scrivener.

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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