Simplified vs. Standard Naturalization for Zainichi Koreans: Key Differences and Practical Tips

Introduction

When foreign nationals who have lived in Japan for many years wish to obtain Japanese nationality, they must apply for naturalization.
There are three main types of naturalization in Japan: standard naturalization, simplified naturalization, and special naturalization. Among these, Zainichi Koreans are most often involved with the first two — standard and simplified.

Some people assume that “simplified naturalization” means the process is easy or that approval will be quick. In reality, this is not the case. Only certain requirements, such as the length of residence, may be waived. Other conditions remain essentially the same as in standard naturalization.

This article explains, from a practical perspective, the key differences between simplified and standard naturalization that Zainichi Koreans often face.

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The Basic Rules of Standard Naturalization

Standard naturalization is the baseline route that applies to most applicants.
Under Article 5 of the Nationality Act, the following conditions must be met:

• Residence requirement: Having a “domicile” (main place of living) in Japan for at least 5 consecutive years
• Capacity requirement: Being an adult and legally competent under the laws of your home country
• Good conduct requirement: Demonstrating good behavior (criminal records or repeated traffic violations can negatively affect the evaluation)
• Livelihood requirement: Having stable income or assets sufficient to maintain your livelihood (individually or as a household)
• Prevention of dual nationality: You must lose your previous nationality when acquiring Japanese nationality
• Constitutional compliance: Respecting Japan’s Constitution and not being involved in violent or anti-constitutional organizations

In short, the starting point is five years of continuous residence in Japan, plus proof of good conduct and a stable livelihood.

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What Is Simplified Naturalization? (Articles 6–8)

Simplified naturalization means that some of the conditions for standard naturalization are waived.
The law defines the categories of people who are eligible, such as:

• Article 6: People born in Japan who have lived here for 3 years or more, children of former Japanese nationals, etc.
• Article 7: Spouses of Japanese nationals (for example, married for at least 3 years and living in Japan for at least 1 year)
• Article 8: Biological or adopted children of Japanese nationals, stateless persons born in Japan, etc.

For example, under standard naturalization you must have lived in Japan for 5 years. But if you fall into one of the simplified categories, this residence requirement may be waived.

However, the waiver only applies to certain items. Good conduct, taxes, pension contributions, livelihood stability, and Japanese language ability are all examined at the same level as standard naturalization. Therefore, the preparation burden is almost the same.

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Why Zainichi Koreans Often Qualify for Simplified Naturalization

The law itself does not explicitly mention “Zainichi Koreans.”
However, because many Zainichi Koreans were born and raised in Japan and have long-term residence and family roots here, they often meet the conditions under Article 6 and thus qualify for simplified naturalization.

That said, even if someone was born in Japan, if they spent a long period abroad — for example, for study or work — they may be regarded as not having their “main place of living” in Japan, and therefore fall under standard naturalization instead.

In short, the key factor is whether your main base of life is in Japan.

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Comparing Simplified and Standard Naturalization

Here is a side-by-side comparison:

Item	Standard Naturalization	Simplified Naturalization
Residence	At least 5 years in Japan	Waived in some cases (e.g., born in Japan and living here for 3+ years)
Livelihood	Stable income or assets required	Same
Good conduct	Careful review of violations/criminal record	Same
Taxes & pension	Full payment and enrollment required	Same
Japanese language	Daily conversation and reading/writing required	Same
Documents	Many required	Almost the same; additional documents often required for Korean nationals

👉 The main difference is whether the residence requirement is waived. In all other respects, the review process and required documentation are essentially the same.

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Required Documents and Special Points for Korean Nationals

Naturalization applications require a large number of documents. Whether applying under standard or simplified naturalization, the basic set is the same.

Common documents

• Resident record (jūminhyō)
• Taxation and tax payment certificates
• Pension and social insurance records
• Certificate of employment, tax withholding slips, or tax returns
• Residence card and passport

Additional documents for Korean nationals

• Basic Certificate
• Family Relations Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Certificate of Nationality Loss (required in principle, but may be waived if objectively impossible to obtain)
• Record of using a common alias (tsūshōmei)

👉 Since obtaining Korean documents and preparing translations takes time, it is important to start collecting these early.

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Practical Tendencies at the Osaka Legal Affairs Bureau

In practice, procedures differ by region. At the Osaka Legal Affairs Bureau, the following points are often emphasized:

• Frequent relocations: Applicants may be asked to submit a written explanation of the reasons for moving
• Household finances: If self-employed or engaged in side work, applicants must provide detailed proof of income
• Korean documents: Obtaining family registry certificates from Korea can take months, so it is best to start early

In Osaka, special attention is paid to the stability of livelihood and life base. Even if there are job changes or income fluctuations, providing a clear written explanation can cover such issues.

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Conclusion

For Zainichi Koreans, simplified naturalization is often applicable, but not always. Long-term overseas stays or unstable living conditions can result in being treated as a standard naturalization case.

The key points are:

• Simplified = only the residence requirement is waived
• The number of documents and the examination criteria are nearly the same as standard naturalization
• Proof of stability (income, taxes, pension, continuous residence) is critical

Naturalization may look simple at first, but in practice it is a deep and detailed process. Preparing carefully — ideally with expert support — is the best way to ensure smooth approval.

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FAQ

Is simplified naturalization faster?

No. Only the residence requirement is waived. The review period is the same as standard naturalization — typically about 1 to 1.5 years.

I was born in Japan but studied abroad for several years. Do I qualify for simplified naturalization?

If your overseas stay was long, you may be judged as not having your main place of living in Japan, and thus be treated as a standard naturalization case.

I am Korean. Is it mandatory to renounce my nationality?

In principle, yes. Japan does not allow dual nationality, so you must go through the Korean nationality renunciation process. However, under Article 5(2) of the Nationality Act, if renunciation is objectively difficult, exceptions may be granted.

How much Japanese ability is required?

You must have the ability to conduct everyday conversation and basic reading/writing. This will be checked during interviews and through submitted documents.

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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