How to Demonstrate Stability in Naturalization for Employees at Foreign or Venture Companies

Naturalization Applications and “Stability”

When applying for naturalization, authorities carefully examine whether the applicant can maintain a stable life in Japan for the long term. Under the Nationality Act, the “livelihood requirement” includes not only the applicant’s own income and assets but also those of family members living together. In other words, the household as a whole must demonstrate financial independence.
For employees of foreign-affiliated or venture companies, employment contracts and salary systems often differ from those of typical Japanese firms, which can cause examiners to see them as “unstable.” This makes it crucial to present documents clearly and provide supplementary explanations.

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Why Foreign or Venture Employment Appears “Unstable”

Foreign-affiliated and venture companies each have unique characteristics. In foreign firms, sudden withdrawal or restructuring dictated by headquarters may raise concerns about stability. In addition, employment contracts are often written in English, making them harder for examiners to interpret.
Venture companies, on the other hand, are frequently younger firms, where financing and business continuity are perceived as less certain. Moreover, in both cases, the use of fixed-term contracts or performance-based compensation (bonuses, RSUs, stock options) can give the impression of instability.
However, many employees in these environments do in fact enjoy steady employment. The key is to demonstrate the reality of continued work and income through objective evidence.

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Income Trends: Tables Are Highly Effective

Submitting income certificates alone is not enough. Organizing your annual income into a table makes your financial stability far more persuasive. Showing income trends for three to five years allows examiners to see stability at a glance. Even if there was a dip in income, clearly explaining the reason in a written statement—such as job change, maternity leave, or RSU timing—will address concerns.

Sample Income Trend Table

Year	Income (gross)	Employment Status / Position	Main Bonuses / RSU	Notes (e.g., promotion or job change)
2021	¥4,800,000	Full-time (Foreign firm)	Bonus included	First year, slightly lower income
2022	¥5,200,000	Full-time (Foreign firm)	RSU granted	Promotion led to salary increase
2023	¥5,600,000	Full-time (Venture firm)	Stock options	Maintained income after job change
2024	¥6,000,000	Full-time (Same company)	Higher bonus	Company performance improved
2025	¥6,200,000	Full-time (Same company)	RSU vesting	Stable earnings continue

Attaching such a table alongside tax certificates and withholding slips strongly emphasizes stability in numbers.

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Presenting Employment Contracts Clearly

Contracts at foreign and venture companies often differ from those at Japanese firms. Submitting them without context can cause examiners to worry.
English-language contracts must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. Ideally, the entire contract is translated, but at a minimum, the following details must be accurately conveyed: contract period, job duties, salary structure, and social insurance coverage.

Key Points to Highlight

• Contract period: If fixed-term, note automatic renewal or a record of continuous renewals
• Job duties: Show that the role is highly specialized and not easily replaced
• Salary structure: Separate base salary from variable elements, and emphasize that the base salary alone supports daily living
• Social insurance: Prove enrollment in pension and health insurance through contract clauses or employment certificates

If the contract itself might raise doubts, request additional documents from your employer such as a certificate of employment or a letter confirming continued employment.

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Supplementary Materials to Show Company Continuity

It is also effective to submit documents proving the company’s ongoing stability. Listed companies can provide securities reports or financial statements. Non-listed companies may submit published financial notices. For venture firms, evidence such as fundraising announcements, government subsidy approvals, or awards can serve as strong supporting materials.
By combining these, you can demonstrate not just contractual stability but also the company’s growth potential and sustainability.

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Key Points by Case Type

The focus differs depending on the type of company:

• Large foreign-affiliated firms: Leverage company reputation and financial stability while presenting income trends
• Small or mid-sized foreign affiliates: Address withdrawal risks by showing renewal history, client base, and proof that work is based in Japan
• Venture firms: Provide evidence of future prospects, such as fundraising, subsidies, or growth indicators, while clarifying that the base salary ensures financial security

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Basic Document Set for Applicants

Finally, here is a typical set of documents required when employees of foreign or venture firms apply for naturalization. The exact requirements vary, so always confirm with the competent Legal Affairs Bureau.

• Resident record, family register documents, nationality certificate from home country (with Japanese translation)
• Resume, records of residence history
• Withholding slips (3–5 years), tax certificates, salary statements
• Employment contract (with Japanese translation if in English), working conditions notice
• Certificate of employment, proof of social insurance enrollment
• (If applicable) housing loan contract, bank balance certificate
• (Supplementary) financial statements, fundraising releases, award notices

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Conclusion

For employees of foreign-affiliated or venture companies, employment stability often attracts extra scrutiny during naturalization. Yet “appearing unstable” is not the same as actually being unstable.
What matters is to demonstrate stability through income trends, to explain employment contract terms clearly, and to provide company continuity evidence. By preparing these materials thoroughly, applicants can give examiners the reassurance they need and significantly strengthen their case for naturalization approval.

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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