A Legal Process for Foreign Nationals to Acquire Japanese Citizenship
If these thoughts sound familiar, our office is here to support you. At Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, we offer clear and comprehensive guidance for your naturalization process.
“I’ve lived in Japan for many years—maybe it’s time to become a Japanese citizen.” “For the future of my children, we’re considering naturalization as a family.”
目次
Introduction: What Does “Naturalization” Mean?
Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national who does not currently hold Japanese nationality acquires Japanese citizenship by fulfilling certain legal conditions and receiving permission from the Minister of Justice. Based on the Nationality Act of Japan, this system enables long-term residents to officially choose to “live as a Japanese citizen.”
What Is the Difference Between Naturalization and Permanent Residency?
Naturalization is often confused with the status of permanent residency (“Permanent Resident” visa). While both aim to ensure long-term stability in Japan, there are some essential differences:
Category
Permanent Residency
Naturalization (Acquiring Japanese Citizenship)
Nationality
Remains foreign
Becomes Japanese
Passport
Foreign passport
Issued a Japanese passport
Voting Rights
None
Granted full rights, same as Japanese citizens
Residency Status
No renewal needed
No longer a foreign national
International Travel
Requires re-entry permission each time
Can travel freely as a Japanese citizen
In short, naturalization is the legal process of becoming a full-fledged member of Japanese society, with all the rights and responsibilities of a Japanese citizen.
▶ For more details, please refer to the related article below.
Not everyone is automatically eligible to apply for naturalization. You must meet specific legal requirements and undergo a strict examination by the Legal Affairs Bureau. Even if you meet all the conditions, the final decision is discretionary, and your application may still be denied.
That’s why it is crucial to understand the fundamental eligibility criteria before beginning the process. In the next chapter, we will explain the major requirements in detail.
🧱 Chapter 2: Main Requirements for Naturalization
Who Can Become a Japanese Citizen?
To apply for naturalization in Japan, several legal requirements—primarily based on Article 5 of the Nationality Act—must be satisfied. In general, applicants must have lived in Japan for a long period in a stable manner and must be well integrated into Japanese society.
This section provides a clear overview of the key eligibility criteria, based on the actual practices of the Legal Affairs Bureau.
(1) Residency Requirement: Continuous Stay in Japan for 5 Years or More
✅ Basic Rule:
In principle, you must have resided in Japan continuously for at least 5 years.
“Continuously” means living in Japan without major interruptions—long stays abroad or long gaps may negatively affect your application.
✅ How It’s Counted:
Periods spent under certain statuses such as Student, Technical Intern, or Designated Activities may not count as residency.
Periods under visas with strong residency characteristics, such as Spouse of Japanese National or Permanent Resident, are given more weight.
✅ Common Misunderstanding:
Many believe that just accumulating 5 years in total is enough. In reality, continuity, type of status, and travel history are all considered in the review.
(2) Legal Capacity Requirement: Must Be of Legal Age and Capacity Under Your Country’s Law
In principle, applicants must be 20 years or older (although following the legal age revision in Japan to 18, authorities may now apply this more flexibly).
You must also be of legal age to act independently under your home country’s laws.
(3) Good Conduct Requirement: Lifestyle and Legal Compliance in Japan Are Closely Examined
✅ Key Evaluation Factors:
Any criminal record, convictions, or traffic violations (especially serious offenses such as DUI or driving without a license).
Unpaid taxes, or failure to join or pay social insurance and pension systems.
Past records of overstaying, sham marriages, or other immigration-related violations.
✅ Even Minor Offenses Are Reviewed:
Repeated speeding or parking violations can be viewed negatively.
You may be asked to submit a five-year driving record as part of the review.
(4) Financial Stability Requirement: Must Have a Stable Income
✅ You or your cohabiting family must demonstrate the ability to sustain daily life:
For full-time workers (e.g., regular employees, contract workers, or self-employed), annual income and employment continuity are key.
If supported by a family member, their income and tax status will be reviewed as well.
✅ Income Benchmarks:
For a single person, an annual income of ¥2.5–3 million or more is a general standard.
For those with dependents such as a spouse or children, a higher income level corresponding to family size is expected.
✅ Tax & Social Insurance Are Also Crucial:
Whether you have properly paid income tax and resident tax.
Whether you are enrolled in and paying employee pension and health insurance.
(5) Renunciation of Former Nationality: Generally Required to Renounce Your Citizenship
✅ In most countries, renouncing your original citizenship is a condition for naturalization.
You are not required to renounce your nationality at the time of application, but you must intend to do so after acquiring Japanese nationality.
You may be asked to submit a written pledge or documents confirming your intention to renounce.
✅ Caution for Some Countries:
In countries like China, South Korea, or India, you may not be able to obtain a certificate of renunciation, or dual nationality may be restricted.
In such cases, alternative documentation or discretionary judgment by the Legal Affairs Bureau may apply.
(6) Japanese Language Ability: Sufficient for Everyday Life
There is no official test, but your Japanese ability is assessed through your interview, written statements, and document preparation.
A general guideline is equivalent to JLPT N3 or higher.
(7) Willingness to Naturalize: A Genuine Desire to Become Japanese
During the interview, you will be asked thoroughly: “Why do you want to naturalize?”
Your answer should be consistent, and your actual experience living in Japanese society will be important.
▶ For more details, please refer to the related article below.
From Preparation to Approval — The Full Picture of Naturalization in Japan
At first glance, naturalization may seem like a simple matter of “gathering documents and submitting them.” However, in reality, it is a carefully structured process that includes advance consultations, interviews, document preparation, official review, and finally, approval.
This chapter outlines the standard process from application to approval at the Legal Affairs Bureau, along with key points to keep in mind at each stage.
STEP
Advance Consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau (by Appointment)
First, make a phone appointment with the Nationality Division of the Legal Affairs Bureau that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. This consultation is not for submitting your application right away—it is meant to confirm your eligibility and to receive instructions on the required documents.
✅ Key Points:
The responsible Legal Affairs Bureau varies depending on your address, so be sure to contact the appropriate office for your region.
When calling, state clearly that you are interested in applying for naturalization, and you will be directed to the proper department.
Consultations are appointment-only, and it may take several weeks to get a time slot for the initial consultation.
STEP
Preparing, Translating, and Collecting Documents (Approx. 1–3 Months)
Based on the “Required Documents List” provided at your initial consultation, begin gathering your paperwork. In addition to documents from within Japan (such as residence certificates and tax records), you will also need to obtain and translate documents from your home country.
✅ Main Tasks:
Copies of your Residence Card and passport
Japanese official documents such as residence certificate, family registry, and tax certificates
Foreign-language documents like birth certificates and marriage certificates, along with their translations
Employment-related documents such as employment verification, withholding tax slips, and proof of current employment
Written statements explaining your income, family structure, and daily life (e.g., Statement of Purpose, Reason for Naturalization)
✅ Important Notes:
Some documents from your home country may require consular certification, notarization, or an apostille.
Translations must clearly state who translated them and must be written accurately in Japanese.
STEP
Formal Submission of Application at the Legal Affairs Bureau
Once all documents are ready, make another appointment with the Legal Affairs Bureau to attend your formal application interview and submit your documents. You may be asked to explain the details of your documents during this meeting.
✅ Common Interview Topics:
Consistency between your written statements and your actual situation
Details about your marriage, employment, and family relationships
Your reasons for naturalization and future plans
Your ability to communicate in Japanese
STEP
Examination by the Legal Affairs Bureau (Average 6 Months to 1 Year)
After submission, the Legal Affairs Bureau will begin its thorough review process. This includes checking all documents, conducting interviews or on-site investigations, and contacting the embassy of your home country as needed to assess your eligibility.
✅ You may be asked to submit additional materials, such as:
Extra tax certificates
Family photographs
Proof of nationality renunciation or translated documents
✅ Occasional on-site investigations:
These are not surprise visits—you will usually be contacted in advance.
Particularly in cases involving spouses, officials may seek to confirm actual cohabitation.
STEP
Naturalization Approval and Official Gazette Announcement
If your application is approved, a Naturalization Permit will be issued, and your name will be published in the Japanese government’s Official Gazette (Kanpō). At this point, you are legally recognized as a Japanese citizen.
✅ What You’ll Be Notified Of Before the Gazette Announcement:
The approval date and publication date
Instructions for registering your family registry (koseki) at your municipal office
STEP
Registering Your Family Registry at City Hall & Starting Life as a Japanese Citizen
After receiving approval, go to your local city hall to complete the procedures for creating your koseki (family registry). From then on, you can apply for a Japanese passport, update your My Number, and begin life fully as a Japanese citizen.
⏳ How Long Does the Naturalization Process Take?
Document preparation: 1 to 3 months
From submission to approval: 6 months to 1 year (depending on case volume and regional workload)
➡️ In total, the process typically takes between 6 months and 1.5 years, even in the fastest cases.
As you can see, naturalization requires long-term, ongoing preparation and thorough screening.
▶ For more details, please refer to the related article below.
🧱 Chapter 4: List of Required Documents for Naturalization
Translation and Preparation Tips
Naturalization requires a wide range of documents related to the applicant, their spouse, and family members. In addition, you will need to obtain official documents from your home country and prepare accurate Japanese translations.
This chapter provides a categorized overview of the documents commonly required by the Legal Affairs Bureau, along with practical tips for preparation.
🗂 1. Basic Documents Related to the Applicant
Document
Description / Notes
Copy of Residence Card (front and back)
To confirm your current residency status
Copy of Passport (all pages)
To verify entry/exit history and past stays
Resume (Rirekisho)
Educational background, work history, and life in Japan (based on Legal Affairs Bureau template)
Statement of Explanation (Shinjutsusho)
A written essay in your own words explaining the reasons for naturalization and your living situation
Photo (5cm × 5cm)
Must be taken within the past 6 months, plain background
🏢 2. Documents Related to Residence and Family
Document
Description / Notes
Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo)
For all household members. Must be in format without My Number
Family Register (Koseki Tohon) (if spouse is Japanese)
To verify marital relationship with Japanese spouse
Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Registration
Required if the marriage was registered in Japan
Birth Certificate (issued abroad) + Translation
To confirm relationships with parents, siblings, etc.
Family Relationship Chart (Keizu)
In some cases, a family tree or list of relatives is requested
💼 3. Documents Related to Employment and Income
Document
Description / Notes
Withholding Slip (Gensen Choshu-hyo) for the Most Recent Year
Salary certificate issued by employer
Certificate of Employment (Zaishoku Shomeisho)
To confirm current employment and type of work
Pay Slips (several months)
Evidence of stable income
Final Tax Return (Kakutei Shinkokusho) (for self-employed)
To confirm declared income (copy or receipt-stamped)
Tax Payment Certificate / Taxation Certificate
Official documents verifying income tax and resident tax payments
🧾 4. Documents Related to Tax and Social Insurance
Document
Description / Notes
Pension Enrollment Records / Copy of Insurance Card
Records of enrollment in Employee’s Pension or National Pension
Copy of Health Insurance Card
To confirm enrollment in public health insurance
National Pension Payment Slips (for self-employed)
May be submitted to prove past payments
🌐 5. Documents Related to Foreign Nationality (Obtained from Home Country)
Document
Description / Notes
Birth Certificate
Must be submitted with accurate Japanese translation for the Legal Affairs Bureau
Marriage / Divorce Certificate
Proof of marital history and family status
Certificate of Nationality / Certificate of Renunciation
Required if nationality renunciation is necessary under your country’s law
Translations
Accurate Japanese translations are required for all the above documents
✍ Important Notes on Translation
Translations can be done by the applicant, but if your Japanese ability is limited, it is safer to ask a professional.
Every translation must clearly state the translator’s name, contact information, and signature.
Literal and accurate word-for-word translation is required—not free interpretation.
There is no fixed format, but it is essential to maintain the structure of the original document (such as item order and paragraph format).
🔍 Accuracy of Documents Greatly Affects the Review
The Legal Affairs Bureau makes judgments about your living situation, behavior, and intention to naturalize based on your submitted documents.
If there are inconsistencies or errors, you may be asked about them during the interview or given instructions to revise and resubmit.
📥 Collect Documents “Carefully and in Advance”
Public documents from your home country and their translations can take a long time to obtain, so it’s crucial to start early.
If you have any concerns, consulting with an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) in advance can help you avoid costly
▶ For more details, please refer to the related article below.
Even after understanding the naturalization process and required documents, many applicants still worry: “Will my specific situation actually be approved?”
In this chapter, we will explore frequently asked questions and slightly unusual or complex real-world cases that have been encountered in past consultations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I still apply for naturalization if my annual income is under ¥3 million?
Not automatically disqualified, but for single-person households, an annual income of around ¥2.5 to ¥3 million is generally considered a basic benchmark. If you have dependents, your overall income must be sufficient to support your household.
Even in cases of unstable income, support from cohabiting family members or personal savings may be considered positively.
Q2. I’ve had three traffic violations in the past. Will that prevent me from naturalizing?
Minor violations (such as one or two traffic offenses) typically do not pose a major problem. However, repeated violations in a short period or serious offenses (e.g., DUI, driving without a license) require caution.
You may be asked to explain during the interview, so it’s important to obtain a driving record certificate, confirm the facts, and be honest in your explanation.
Q3. I’m currently unemployed, but my spouse is working. Can I still apply?
Yes—if your spouse lives with you, has a stable income, and the dependence relationship is clearly established, you may still apply. However, you will need to submit documentation to prove this support, such as your spouse’s tax records, employment certificate, and household financial information.
Q4. Can I apply for naturalization if I’ve been divorced?
Yes. Having a divorce in your past does not disqualify you. However, the Legal Affairs Bureau may examine the circumstances surrounding your marriage(s) and divorce(s) for any inconsistencies.
This is especially true if you’ve had multiple international marriages or short-term marriages—such cases may lead to more detailed questioning or investigation.
Q5. Is naturalization possible for Chinese or Korean nationals?
Absolutely. In fact, many applicants come from China and South Korea.
However, in these countries, obtaining a certificate of nationality renunciation can be difficult or involve complex procedures. In such cases, you may need to coordinate with the Legal Affairs Bureau and prepare alternative documentation.
🧭 Rare Case Examples｜Beware of Unexpected Pitfalls
📌 Case 1: Technical Intern Experience Not Counted Toward Residency Requirement
The Technical Intern Training Program is considered more of a training-based status, and therefore may not qualify as “residency” under the Nationality Act. Even if the person had stayed in Japan for over five years in total, the pattern of Technical Intern → Return to home country → Re-entry under a work visa meant that the continuity was broken due to the status change and absence from Japan.
As a result, the application was not accepted and had to be restarted from the point of re-entry.
📌 Case 2: Recent Marriage Led to Intense Questioning About Marital Authenticity
When applying for naturalization shortly after marriage, authorities may suspect a “paper marriage” or a relationship without substance. In this case, the Legal Affairs Bureau placed great importance on proof of real-life interaction—such as period of cohabitation, photos, LINE message logs, and childcare records.
The application was eventually approved, but if the supporting evidence had been insufficient, it could have been rejected.
📌 Case 3: Inconsistencies in Name or Date of Birth Across Foreign Documents Caused Delays
Discrepancies often arise in international documents (like birth certificates or passports) due to differences in kanji vs. romaji, spelling errors, or calendar systems (Gregorian vs. Japanese era).
In this case, the applicant was asked multiple times to correct the documents, and had to submit notarized statements and personal declarations to clarify the inconsistencies. The process was significantly delayed as a result.
Meeting the legal requirements for naturalization is only part of the challenge— what truly matters is your ability to present a reliable and consistent picture of your life and documentation.
In the next chapter, we’ll explore how administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) can help prevent these risks and ensure a smoother and more successful application process.
▶ For more details, please refer to the related article below.
🧱 Chapter 6: Naturalization Support by Administrative Scriveners
Why You Should Consider Professional Help
Compared to other immigration applications, the naturalization process involves a significantly larger volume of documents and requires long-term preparation. Moreover, the screening covers a wide range of topics—such as your lifestyle, conduct, family relationships, and nationality status—which means the process varies greatly depending on individual circumstances.
In this context, working with an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) can help you save time and avoid major risks throughout the application.
🎯 Common Challenges When Applying for Naturalization on Your Own
The document requirements are complicated, and it’s hard to know what to collect and how
You’re uncertain about translating documents from your native language
Writing documents like the Statement of Reasons or Personal Declaration is difficult
You don’t know how to respond to correction requests or additional documents from the Legal Affairs Bureau
You’re unsure whether your case actually meets the conditions for application
💼 5 Key Benefits of Hiring an Administrative Scrivener
✅ 1. Support with Document Collection and Translation Guidance
An administrative scrivener can provide a customized list of required documents based on your specific case, drawing on experience from numerous past applications. They can also advise on translation procedures and even introduce trusted translators, helping you prepare more efficiently from the beginning.
✅ 2. Thorough Review and Consistency Check of Your Documents
Consistency in the content of your documents is critical. Administrative scriveners will cross-check your residence card, passport, family register, birth certificate, and more to ensure there are no discrepancies. This helps minimize the risk of future corrections or issues during the screening process.
✅ 3. Assistance with Writing the Statement of Reasons and Declaration
You’ll be required to submit a personal declaration and statement explaining your reason for naturalization, written in your own words. The scrivener will conduct a careful interview with you and help draft a clear, persuasive statement that resonates with Legal Affairs Bureau officers.
✅ 4. Support for Interview Preparation and Communication with Authorities
Administrative scriveners understand how naturalization interviews are conducted, including frequently asked questions and effective ways to respond. If requested, they can offer pre-interview guidance, including mock questions and key points to be aware of.
✅ 5. Post-Submission Follow-up and Correction Handling
Even after submitting your application, you may receive requests from the Legal Affairs Bureau for additional documents or corrections. If you’ve hired a scrivener, they can handle these requests quickly and efficiently on your behalf.
📌 How to Avoid a “Denial” of Your Naturalization Application
Even if you meet the legal requirements, naturalization applications may still be denied due to incomplete documents or insufficient explanations. The review process is cautious and thorough. If your application is rejected, you may have to wait about a year before reapplying.
That’s why submitting accurate documents and providing clear explanations from the start is absolutely critical.
🧑💼 Our Office Provides the Following Support:
Free eligibility assessment for naturalization (via email or inquiry form)
Customized checklist of required documents tailored to your personal situation
Prioritization of documents that take time to obtain or translate
Guidance and proofreading for the Statement of Reasons and Personal Declaration
Reservation of the Legal Affairs Bureau interview and accompaniment upon request
▶ For more details, please refer to the related article below.
🧱 Chapter 7: Our Support Services and Coverage Area
Free Assessment & Flexible Support for Your Naturalization Journey
At Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide specialized and flexible support tailored to naturalization applications. Even if you’re feeling anxious about applying for the first time, or don’t have time due to work commitments, you can feel confident reaching out to us for help.
🏢 Key Features of Our Office
✅ Specialized in Naturalization and Visa Services
Our office focuses exclusively on residence status and naturalization procedures for foreign nationals. All consultations are handled by an administrative scrivener with in-depth knowledge of the legal system, required documents, and application flow. We provide personalized advice and tailor strategies based on your specific background and living situation.
✅ Available Until 11 PM on Weekdays — Ideal for Busy Workers and Families
For those who are unable to consult during regular hours due to work or childcare, we accept inquiries via email and contact form until 11 PM on weekdays. Upon request, we can also adjust our response time to better suit your schedule.
✅ Based in Osaka, Serving Clients Nationwide
Our office is located in Yodogawa Ward, Osaka, but we support clients throughout Japan. We handle documents via mail, PDFs, and digital translations, making it easy to assist clients remotely with flexibility and care.
✅ English Support Available — Peace of Mind for Non-Japanese Speakers
We frequently receive direct inquiries from foreign nationals, and are happy to offer support in English (via email). Even if your spouse or parent is not confident in Japanese, you can count on us for reliable and accessible assistance.
💼 List of Naturalization Support Services
Service
Description
Free Eligibility Assessment
We assess your potential for naturalization based on your residency status, income, length of stay, and nationality — all at no cost.
Personalized Document Checklist
We provide a list of required documents tailored to your specific situation.
Support for Document Collection
We guide you on translation procedures, document order, and key points to be aware of.
Assistance with Statement and Declaration Writing
We help you draft persuasive documents that reflect your real-life situation and motivations.
Document Review and Consistency Check
We thoroughly review your documents to prevent errors or inconsistencies, improving your chances of approval.
Interview Preparation
We provide guidance on likely interview questions, how to respond, and what mindset to have.
Support with Legal Affairs Bureau Communication
We assist with interview scheduling, document corrections, and re-submissions (if requested).
💰 Estimated Fees and Payment Information
Our service fees vary depending on the scope of support and the client’s specific circumstances. For sample pricing and general fee estimates, please refer to the page below.
🧱 Chapter 8: Summary & Contact｜Start with a Free Assessment
📌 Accurate Knowledge and Practical Strategy Are the Keys to Successful Naturalization
Applying for Japanese nationality through naturalization is more than just meeting legal requirements. Your actual lifestyle, the consistency of your documents, and how you explain your situation can all significantly affect the outcome of your application.
👣 Not Sure Where to Start? Begin with a Free Assessment
“I’m not sure if I even qualify for naturalization…”
“There are so many documents—I don’t know where to begin.”
For individuals facing these concerns, our office offers a free, simplified eligibility check.
If you send us the following information via email or contact form, we will respond within two business days with a careful review of your naturalization eligibility and key points to watch out for.
📩 Information to Include for the Free Assessment (Example)
Your name, nationality, and date of birth
Your current residence status and its expiration date
Your first arrival in Japan and total years of stay
Family structure (spouse, children, etc.)
Current employment status and estimated annual income
Any past legal violations or departure history
※ The assessment is completely free. All personal information will be handled with strict confidentiality in accordance with our [Privacy Policy].
🎯 Take the First Step Toward Living as a Japanese Citizen — With Trusted Support
At Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, we are committed to providing accurate, thorough, and prompt assistance. We will fully support you in starting a new chapter of your life in Japan through naturalization.
No matter how small your concern may be, we welcome your inquiry.
💡 No Hidden Fees — Transparent Pricing Guaranteed
At Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, our fees are clearly stated on our website.
There are no additional charges, even in cases with:
Frequent overseas travel
Previous visa refusals
Unstable income
We provide all services under a fair and transparent pricing system, so you can proceed with peace of mind.
🔁 Free Reapplication Support If Your Case Is Denied
If an application submitted through Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office is unfortunately denied, we will offer free reapplication support until you receive approval, as long as success remains possible.
We deeply value every client who chooses our office from among the many available. Our goal is to help you achieve your naturalization or visa approval as quickly as possible and with full satisfaction. Even in the rare event of a denial, we’ll stand by you and provide complete support until you succeed.
If you are in a hurry, feel free to call us at 06-7777-3467 (9:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Monday to Friday)
Please note that we may be unable to answer immediately if we are assisting other clients. In that case, kindly leave a voicemail, and we will call you back as soon as possible.
About Our Privacy Policy
To learn about the privacy policy of “Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office,” please refer to the link below:
Representative Administrative Scrivener: Takanori Ishinagi Japan Federation of Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialists (Registration No.: 24260930) Osaka Administrative Scrivener Association (Membership No.: 008905) Certified Immigration Agent (Notification No.: Gyō-172025200093) Neo Heights Shin-Yodogawa Room 406, 1-20-18 Jūsōhigashi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0023, Japan
Feel free to contact us.
We will respond politely and clearly.
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Monday to Friday) Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays ※ Email and LINE inquiries are accepted 365 days a year.
