Practical Tips for Naturalization: How to Write the “Residence & Moving History” Explanation

Why “Residence & Moving History” Matters in Naturalization

In a naturalization application, it is not enough to simply prepare the required documents. A key factor in the review is demonstrating how you have continuously lived in Japan. Among these elements, one of the most important is the “residence & moving history” explanation.

• Stability Checkpoint: If you have moved frequently or changed addresses in a short period, the authorities may judge that your living base is unstable.
• Consistency with Official Records: Your explanation will always be compared against your residence certificate (住民票) and family register transcript (戸籍附票).
• Credibility: If your explanation is vague or incomplete, the examiner may question the accuracy of other parts of your application.

Thus, residence history is not just a list of addresses—it is important evidence of your stability and long-term life in Japan.

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Basic Rules and Official Requirements

When submitting a naturalization application at the Legal Affairs Bureau, explanations of residence history must follow these rules:

• Every address change must be recorded
  　→ All changes appearing on your residence certificate must be included.
• Consistency with residence and family register records is mandatory
  　→ If there is a discrepancy, provide a written explanation.
• Overseas stays must be explained
  　→ Business trips, studies abroad, and family visits overseas count as “residence changes.”
• Dates must be precise
  　→ Record each period in the format “YYYY/MM–YYYY/MM” with no gaps in between.

The Ministry of Justice emphasizes these points repeatedly in its naturalization Q&A. Missing or inconsistent information can easily lead to delays or correction requests.

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Common Pitfalls

Applicants often run into the following issues:

• Too many moves to organize
  　→ If you moved frequently and always updated your residence certificate, listing everything becomes complicated.
• Insufficient explanation for overseas stays
  　→ Long-term study abroad or business assignments are sometimes omitted.
• Mismatch between registered address and actual residence
  　→ For example, living in a dormitory or company housing while your residence certificate remained at your parents’ home.
• Ignoring changes in household members
  　→ Marriage or childbirth not reflected in the explanation.

Failing to address these issues upfront can result in probing questions at the counter or time-consuming correction requests.

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Steps for Using a Template Effectively

The most efficient way to present residence history is to use a table template.

Required Information

1. Address
2. Period of residence (YYYY/MM–YYYY/MM)
3. Reason for moving (employment, transfer, marriage, study, etc.)
4. Co-residents (family members, single, etc.)

Example Template

Address	Period	Reason for Moving	Co-residents
Osaka-shi, XX-ku △△1-2-3	Apr 2015 – Mar 2018	Dormitory for university study	Single
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo □□1-2-3	Apr 2018 – Jun 2021	Moved for employment	Single
Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa ◇◇1-2-3	Jul 2021 – Present	Marriage	Wife

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Practical Points That Make a Difference

To strengthen your explanation, consider adding supporting details:

• Keep reasons short and clear: “Company dormitory,” “marriage,” “end of lease,” etc.
• Provide evidence for overseas stays: flight tickets, residence permits, visa stamps.
• Show proof of actual living arrangements: rental contracts, utility bills, move-in/out notices.
• Add brief explanations for frequent short-term moves: e.g., “Company dorm policy,” “Short-term lease not renewable.”

These additions help examiners recognize that your lifestyle in Japan has been stable.

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Writing Tips for Different Situations

Since residence history differs widely by individual, tailor your explanation to your case:

• Single applicant: Keep it simple with only essential reasons.
• With family: Clearly show changes in household members (spouse, children).
• From student to employee: Add a short note when moving from a dormitory or shared housing to private housing.
• With long-term overseas stays: Clarify that Japan remained your main home base during that time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is frequent moving a disadvantage in naturalization?

Moving itself is not a negative factor. However, unexplained or unclear reasons can weaken your application.

How detailed should I be about overseas stays?

Any stay longer than a few weeks should be included. Provide evidence if possible (study abroad, business assignment, family visits).

Do I need to list co-residents as well?

Yes. Changes in family composition (spouse, children) must be clearly stated.

Can I just write “moved house” as the reason?

It is acceptable, but adding a brief explanation such as “due to marriage,” “employment transfer,” or “end of lease” makes it clearer.

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Conclusion: Use the Template Correctly to Strengthen Your Application

The “residence & moving history” section plays a key role in determining stability and credibility in naturalization applications.

• Follow the official rules
• Use a table template to organize clearly
• Attach supporting documents where necessary

By doing so, even applicants with many moves can avoid disadvantages. If needed, consult a certified administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) to prepare your explanation in the most effective way.

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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