Rare Case Vol. 4: Unexpected Pitfalls from Nationality and Legal Differences – Know Your Country’s Rules!

Introduction｜“Country-Specific Risks” Hidden in the Naturalization Process

Once most of the documents for naturalization are prepared, many applicants stumble at the final hurdle: the procedure for renouncing their original nationality.

Surprisingly, it’s not the Japanese naturalization system itself, but the legal systems of the applicant’s home country that often cause problems or delays. Examples include: no renunciation certificate being issued, legal requirements changing due to amendments in the nationality law, or embassies failing to provide clear guidance.

This article introduces three real-life rare cases where such international legal mismatches created unexpected trouble during the naturalization process.

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Case 1: Mr. A from India｜“No Renunciation Certificate” Due to Legal Framework

Mr. A, an Indian national, had worked in Japan for over 10 years and had a flawless record in both taxation and immigration status. His documents and interview went smoothly, and everything seemed on track for naturalization.

However, at one point, the Legal Affairs Bureau asked:

“You mentioned that Indian nationality will be renounced after naturalization. Can you explain the procedure for that?”

At first, this seemed like a simple confirmation, but it turned out to be a significant issue.

India does not have a system for issuing a “renunciation certificate.”

Under Indian law, citizenship is automatically lost once a person acquires another nationality. There is no formal process involving “application for renunciation → issuance of certificate.”

Mr. A contacted the Indian embassy and received an official explanation confirming that no renunciation certificate is issued under Indian law. He submitted supplemental documents to the Legal Affairs Bureau, including excerpts from the nationality law and the embassy’s response.

As a result, the application was not significantly delayed, but it became clear that applicants must be prepared for cases where it’s not possible to provide proof of renunciation—even when renunciation itself is automatic.

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Case 2: Ms. B from the Philippines｜Renunciation Possible, but More Complicated Than Expected

Ms. B, who had been living in Japan on a spouse visa for over five years, decided to apply for naturalization.

The Philippines has a formal system for renouncing nationality, but when Ms. B inquired at the embassy, she found the process to be far more complex and burdensome than expected.

The application required extensive documentation, some of which had to be obtained from the Philippines. On top of that, the procedure involved interviews, translations, notarizations, and settling of outstanding taxes.

In the end, it took almost six months to complete the renunciation process, which delayed the issuance of the Japanese citizenship certificate after naturalization was approved.

This case illustrates that even if a legal framework for renunciation exists, the actual procedures may impose a significant burden.

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Case 3: Mr. C from Vietnam｜Mismatch Due to Cultural Differences in Family Registration

In Vietnam, birth certificates and family records are commonly issued on paper. Mr. C, who was raised by a single mother, submitted a birth certificate that did not include his father’s name.

This triggered a follow-up request from the Legal Affairs Bureau:

“Please explain why your father is not listed and submit documents or statements that verify your family relationships.”

In countries like Vietnam, which lack a family registry system like Japan’s, there may be no standard way to prove parental relationships or family ties through official records.

Mr. C had to supplement his application with detailed written statements, explanations of his family background, and third-party confirmations to fill in the gaps.

This case highlights how differences in legal and cultural assumptions between countries can create unexpected challenges.

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From the Administrative Scrivener’s Perspective｜How to Bridge Two Legal Systems

Naturalization is not simply about meeting the requirements under Japanese law. It also involves understanding and working with the legal framework of the applicant’s home country.

When supporting clients, administrative scriveners should:

• Confirm the renunciation procedures of the home country in advance (using both official and practical sources)
• Prepare a strategy for submitting “alternative documents” when renunciation certificates cannot be issued
• Anticipate documentation inconsistencies in certain countries and proactively prepare written explanations

These proactive measures are essential for a smooth application.

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Conclusion｜Naturalization Means Bridging Two Legal Systems

Naturalization is more than a domestic administrative process—it requires carefully connecting Japan’s legal system with that of the applicant’s country of origin.

• A renunciation process may not exist as expected
• A document assumed to be available may not be issued at all
• What is “normal” in one’s home country may raise questions in Japan

By anticipating and addressing these system mismatches in advance, applicants can significantly reduce the risk of delays or rejection.

In our next article, we will present Rare Case: Bonus Edition, featuring unusual responses and unique interpretations encountered at the Legal Affairs Bureau!

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.

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