How Much Does Naturalization Cost in Japan? 2025 Guide with Real Examples and Support Options

🧭 How Much Does Naturalization Cost in Japan?

One of the most frequently asked questions during naturalization consultations is:

“So, how much does the entire process actually cost?”

You may find online claims like “It only costs a few tens of thousands of yen,” but such information typically refers to the minimum out-of-pocket costs when applying by yourself. The situation is entirely different when you hire an administrative scrivener. Additionally, costs can vary greatly depending on your visa status and family structure.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of naturalization costs, compares self-application with hiring a professional, introduces common case patterns with estimated costs, and explains the practical benefits of getting professional support—all based on real-world experience.

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Chapter 1: Total Costs of Naturalization

1-1. Costs When Applying by Yourself

First, note that there are no official fees or revenue stamps required by the Legal Affairs Bureau. Since naturalization is a voluntary application, the government does not charge a fee for reviewing your case.

However, you will incur some actual costs when gathering the required documents, such as:

• Certificates (Family Register, Resident Record, etc.): ¥300–450 per document
• Translation fees (if outsourced): ¥3,000–10,000 per document
• Transportation to the city office, Legal Affairs Bureau, translation office: several thousand yen
• ID photo fee: around ¥500
• Postage, photocopying, and other miscellaneous costs

In total, you can expect to spend around ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 on average.
If you handle all translations and document collection on your own, it may be possible to keep the cost under ¥10,000.

👉A Realistic Guide for Those Who Want to Apply for Naturalization Themselves

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1-2. Costs When Hiring an Administrative Scrivener

When hiring an administrative scrivener, the primary cost is the professional service fee charged by the office.

Typical fee ranges include:

• ¥150,000–¥250,000: The standard range for single-person applications
• Under ¥100,000: In cases such as Special Permanent Residents with simplified documentation
• Over ¥300,000: For business owners, high-income applicants, or cases requiring English support

Why do costs differ so much between offices? Factors include:

• Whether the scrivener accompanies you to the Legal Affairs Bureau
• Whether translation services are included
• Whether they draft the Statement of Purpose
• The level of pre-interview support and document review
• Their responsiveness to revisions and legal bureau communication

Even if a website advertises a flat fee, always verify what’s actually included in the service.

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Chapter 2: Real-World Case Examples of Naturalization Costs

Here we present commonly seen cases from an administrative perspective, along with typical cost ranges.

2-1. Special Permanent Residents

For Special Permanent Residents (such as Zainichi Korean residents), the documentation process is simplified, and the screening criteria are generally more lenient.

When hiring a scrivener, you may see:

• Fewer required documents, reducing workload
• No need to track visa history or entry records
• Simplified Statement of Purpose

As a result, the average cost is often around ¥100,000 to ¥150,000—significantly lower than other cases.

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2-2. Naturalization from Work Visas (Engineer, Business Manager, etc.)

Those applying for naturalization while holding work-related statuses (e.g., “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or “Business Manager”) often face a higher complexity level due to:

• The need to prove salary, tax history, and years of employment
• Required cooperation from the employer (employment certificates, withholding slips, etc.)
• Additional review of personal income vs. expenses

Accordingly, hiring a scrivener typically costs ¥200,000 to ¥250,000.

In the case of Business Manager visa holders, where you must prove your company’s financial and operational viability, costs may rise to around ¥300,000.

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2-3. Spouse Visa Holders and Family Applications

Applicants married to Japanese nationals or children applying together with their families often file joint naturalization applications.

Key considerations include:

• Discounts may apply for additional applicants in the same household
• When only a child applies, parental consent and involvement are essential
• In international marriages, authorities review length of marriage and cohabitation history

Estimated fees:

• Around ¥300,000 for a couple + one child (with bundle discount)
• Around ¥100,000 for child-only applications (may vary depending on parental background)

Costs vary depending on family makeup and visa status. A personalized quote is recommended.

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Chapter 3: Benefits of Hiring an Administrative Scrivener

Naturalization is not just about collecting documents. It’s crucial to ensure consistency between written records and actual facts, and to make a good impression during interviews with Legal Affairs Bureau officials.

Hiring a scrivener offers the following benefits:

✅ Interview preparation, including likely questions and mock interviews
✅ Document consistency review across income, work history, family info
✅ Support in drafting a convincing Statement of Purpose
✅ Peace of mind through full support and Legal Affairs Bureau communication

Ultimately, the main advantage is reducing the risk of rejection and avoiding the need to reapply.

Don’t judge services by price alone—understanding what’s included and what stress it prevents is key to evaluating value.

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🧩 Related Links:

👉 Interview Questions and Tips for Naturalization in Japan

👉 FAQ: Common Questions About the Naturalization Process

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Chapter 4: Support and Fees at Ishinagi Office

At Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide flexible and transparent naturalization support tailored to foreign residents in Japan.

👉 Click here for our pricing table

▶ Estimated Fees (as of 2025)

• Solo application: ¥200,000 (incl. tax)
• Additional family member: +¥88,000 (incl. tax) per person
• Note: Special Permanent Residents and simple cases are individually quoted (often lower)

▶ What’s Included

• Pre-application hearing and strategic planning
• Customized document checklist and guidance
• Drafting assistance for the Statement of Purpose
• Translation support (English, Simplified Chinese, etc.)
• Interview preparation and mock interviews
• Legal Affairs Bureau accompaniment (within Kansai area)
• Post-submission support and corrections

Initial consultation (via email or inquiry form) is free, and a detailed quote is provided before any formal agreement.

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📝 Conclusion: Costs Depend on Your Situation—Start by Getting Oriented

The cost of naturalization depends on many factors: visa type, family members, income, and whether translation is needed.

While some may initially feel that professional fees are high, a close look at the scope of services provided often reveals their true value.

We recommend first understanding your situation, then determining the best approach.
Take advantage of our free consultation and find the path that fits your needs best.

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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