Naturalization in Japan 2025: Latest Screening Trends & Approval Tips｜Ishinagi Immigration Office [Osaka]

Introduction

As of 2025, the naturalization screening process in Japan has been steadily evolving compared to previous years. While delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are being resolved, the Legal Affairs Bureau is placing greater emphasis on verifying applicants’ stability of living foundation, good conduct, and Japanese language ability. In addition, partial digitization of application materials and the introduction of online communication require higher accuracy and consistency in preparation.
This article organizes the latest screening trends for naturalization in 2025 and explains in detail what preparations are necessary to increase the approval rate.

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Chapter 1｜Overview of Screening in 2025

The naturalization screening process differs depending on the regional Legal Affairs Bureau, but as of 2025, both shorter processing periods and stricter evaluations are advancing simultaneously.

Processing Timeline

• In major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, if all documents are complete and requirements are clearly met, approval may be granted within 1 year (approximately 8–10 months).
• However, if there are deficiencies in documents or doubts about eligibility, additional investigation or interviews may extend the process to over 1.5 years.

Key Focus Points

1. No issues with tax payment history
2. Good conduct (including traffic violations and minor offenses)
3. Stable income and living foundation
4. Japanese language proficiency at a daily life/work level

👉 Overall, the stance of the Legal Affairs Bureau is shifting toward:
“Meeting requirements alone is not enough. High-quality supporting documents and the applicant’s sincerity are essential.”

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Chapter 2｜Key Points in Document Review

The first hurdle in naturalization is the consistency and credibility of submitted documents. As of 2025, the following points are emphasized:

1. Tax Payment History

• Reason: To confirm fulfillment of civic obligations.
• Review Items: Resident tax, income tax, social insurance contributions.
• Notes: Even minor delays are recorded. Full payment must be completed before application.

Case Example:
A man in his 30s once delayed resident tax payments. Although fully paid at the time of application, the Bureau requested an explanation. His honest response and preventive measures led to approval.
👉 Do not assume “full payment = safe.” Be prepared to explain past issues.

2. Good Conduct (including traffic violations and minor offenses)

• Reason: To evaluate law-abiding behavior in Japanese society.
• Review Items: Traffic violations, criminal records, administrative penalties.
• Notes: Even minor offenses must be declared; failure to disclose may be seen as concealment.

3. Income and Living Stability

• Reason: To assess whether the applicant can maintain independent living in Japan.
• Review Items: Tax certificates, payslips, employment verification, dependent family.
• Notes: Job changes or non-regular employment may require additional documentation.

4. Japanese Language Ability

• Reason: To confirm sufficient ability to function in Japanese society after naturalization.
• Review Items: Basic reading/writing (elementary level), JLPT (N3 or higher), daily conversation.
• Notes: Even without certificates, interviews often determine ability.

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Chapter 3｜Interview Trends

In addition to document review, applicants almost always undergo an interview. In 2025, interviews are increasingly emphasized as a means of assessing suitability.

Item	Content	Key Points
Japanese Language	Interviews are conducted in Japanese; applicants must explain work, family, and life plans.	JLPT not required if sufficient conversational ability is shown.
Marriage/Family	Questions on family living conditions and children’s education.	Clarify cohabitation and household financial arrangements.
Economic/Plans	Current income and future prospects are asked.	Prepare to explain stability if recently changed jobs or non-regular worker.
Past Issues	Asked about traffic violations or minor offenses.	Consistency between documents and answers, honesty is critical.

Case Example:
A housewife applied but could not answer in Japanese, relying on her husband. She was denied because her Japanese was judged insufficient.
👉 JLPT certificates or study records help.

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Chapter 4｜Common Reasons for Rejection

Naturalization is not guaranteed even with documents. Common rejection reasons in 2025:

Reason	Content	Notes
Tax/Insurance Delays	Unpaid or delayed taxes/insurance judged as failure of civic duty.	Even if later paid, explanations may be required.
Bad Conduct	Repeated traffic violations or minor crimes breach “good conduct.”	Concealment worsens outcome.
Income Instability	Short employment, non-regular jobs, low income.	Family income may be used to explain stability.
Weak Japanese	Reading/speaking inadequate for social adaptation.	Poor interview responses increase rejection risk.
Marriage Doubts	Long separations or marital issues harm “stable foundation.”	Suspicious circumstances may suggest sham marriage.

Case Example:
A man in his 40s concealed traffic violations, but the Bureau discovered them. He was denied for false declaration.
👉 Always disclose, even minor violations.

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Chapter 5｜Preparation to Shorten Screening Period

Normally naturalization takes about 1 year, but preparation can shorten the time. Effective measures in 2025:

Preparation	Content	Points
Document Consistency	Confirm all details across resident records, tax certificates, employment records.	Minor mismatches delay screening.
Submit Extra Documents Early	Commonly requested (payslips, remittances, expense proof, study records) attached from start.	Reduces requests and interview load.
Expert Support	Use of administrative scrivener improves quality and communication with Bureau.	Especially effective if concerns on conduct, income, or Japanese.

Case Example:
A woman in her 20s pre-submitted extra documents (bank records, family support proof). She was approved in 9 months without extra requests.

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Chapter 6｜Summary of 2025 Strategy

In 2025, naturalization screening emphasizes stable living foundation and Japanese ability more than ever. It is not enough to meet legal requirements; strong supporting evidence and honesty are essential.

• Ensure full payment of taxes/insurance.
• Declare even minor violations honestly.
• Demonstrate income and stability, with supplements if needed.
• Strengthen Japanese ability (study records, JLPT, interview prep).

👉 Document accuracy and supporting evidence directly shorten review periods. With stricter data checks and online systems, early and thorough preparation is key.
For the best chance of success, consider professional support and prepare comprehensively.

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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