Naturalization and Family Nationality Choices｜Key Points for Spouses and Children

Introduction

When considering naturalization, one of the biggest questions many people have is: “What will happen to my family’s nationality, not just my own?”
If you have a spouse or children, how their nationality and residence status will be handled can significantly affect your family’s future life. In this article, we will explain the connection between naturalization and dependent family members, including the rules, common cases, and practical points to keep in mind.

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How Family Nationality Relates to Naturalization

Naturalization procedures are basically applied for on an individual basis. However, if you have family members, you may need to decide things such as:

• Will the children naturalize together with you?
• Will your spouse remain a foreign national?

For example, if you have minor children, they can smoothly acquire Japanese nationality if they naturalize with their parent. On the other hand, if the children remain foreign nationals, this may later affect school enrollment, employment opportunities, or renewal of their residence status. It is important to carefully consider which choice best suits your family’s life.

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Rules on Children’s Nationality Choice

Japan’s Nationality Act sets out clear rules on dual nationality:

• Deadline: By the age of 22, or within 2 years from when dual nationality is recognized.
• Options:
  • Choosing Japanese nationality → Declaration to renounce foreign nationality
  • Choosing foreign nationality → Declaration to renounce Japanese nationality

Whether a child who acquires Japanese nationality through naturalization may continue to hold their foreign nationality depends on the laws of the other country. Even if Japan requires nationality selection, the foreign country may allow dual nationality. Families need to be aware of both legal frameworks.

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Nationality Rules Differ by Country

How foreign nationality is treated after a child acquires Japanese nationality varies greatly by country.

• Countries that prohibit dual nationality
  e.g. China, India, Singapore → Foreign nationality is automatically lost once Japanese nationality is acquired.
• Countries that allow dual nationality
  e.g. United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom → Both nationalities can be retained. However, Japan still requires nationality selection by age 22.
• Countries with conditional acceptance
  e.g. Germany, South Korea → Dual nationality may be recognized if certain conditions are met.

Therefore, it is essential to confirm not only Japan’s rules but also the other country’s legal system.

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When the Spouse Remains a Foreign National

It is quite common for only one spouse to naturalize. In this case, the spouse who remains a foreign national must continue to maintain their existing residence status, such as Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, or Work Visa.

Key points to note:

• Even if the marriage continues, Japanese nationality is not automatically granted to the spouse.
• If the child has Japanese nationality, the foreign spouse may be eligible for a status such as Parent of a Japanese National.
• If the spouse also wishes to naturalize in the future, a separate application is required.

In other words, when a couple has different nationalities, the foreign spouse must continue to manage residence renewals and related obligations.

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Checklist for Required Documents

When applying for naturalization involving family members, additional documents may be required.

• If children naturalize together:
  • Birth certificate (translation and legalization may be required depending on the country)
  • School enrollment certificate or health certificate
  • Documents proving parental authority
• If the spouse remains foreign:
  • Marriage certificate (translation and legalization if issued abroad)
  • Residence card and renewal history

Since obtaining foreign documents often takes time, it is advisable to start preparations early.

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What Happens If the Family Holds Different Nationalities?

If family members hold different nationalities, unexpected differences can arise:

• Education: Some scholarships or entrance requirements depend on nationality.
• Employment: Certain professional licenses or civil service jobs require Japanese nationality.
• Travel: Visa exemptions differ by passport, making it harder for the family to travel together under the same conditions.
• Daily life: Purchasing real estate or getting a housing loan may be more difficult with foreign nationality.

Because these matters directly affect everyday life, families should carefully consider the impact before making a decision.

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Typical Cases and Responses

Here are some common scenarios:

Case	Children	Spouse	Key Points
Only the applicant naturalizes	Remain foreign	Remain foreign	Children’s nationality becomes a future issue. Spouse continues current residence status.
Applicant + children naturalize	Japanese nationality	Remain foreign	Provides stability for the children. Spouse must still maintain residence status.
Whole family naturalizes	Japanese nationality	Japanese nationality	Simplest case. No nationality selection issues remain.
Applicant naturalizes, spouse later naturalizes	Japanese nationality	Foreign → Japanese nationality	Spouse must file separately. Children can secure Japanese nationality early.

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Case Studies: Lessons from Real Families

• Case 1: Father naturalized, mother remained foreign. → Children naturalized with the father, making school and scholarship procedures smoother.
• Case 2: Both parents remained foreign. → Children grew up as foreign nationals, but later found naturalization advantageous when entering university.
• Case 3: Mother naturalized, father remained foreign. → Differences in visa requirements complicated family overseas travel.

These examples show that the “best choice” depends greatly on each family’s specific circumstances.

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Conclusion

Naturalization is an individual procedure, but when a spouse or children are involved, it becomes essential to consider the nationality and residence status of the entire family.

• Children must choose a nationality by age 22.
• Treatment of dual nationality differs by country.
• Document preparation should begin early.
• Different nationalities within a family may affect education, employment, and everyday life.

Our office provides tailored advice based on each family’s situation to help plan the best naturalization application. If you are unsure about your options, please feel free to contact us for consultation.

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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