Naturalization in Japan: Requirements, Documents & Process [2026]

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national acquires Japanese nationality and becomes Japanese (your residence status ends and you generally lose your former nationality). It is different from permanent residence, where you keep your foreign nationality. This guide covers the requirements, simplified naturalization, documents, process and timeline.

① Naturalization vs permanent residence

• Naturalization: acquire Japanese nationality (become Japanese). You generally lose your former nationality and gain rights such as voting. No more residence card
• Permanent residence: keep your foreign nationality and live on the "Permanent Resident" status

② The six requirements (Nationality Act, Art. 5)

• Residence: 5+ continuous years of address in Japan
• Capacity: 18+ and legally competent under your home law
• Good conduct: tax, pension and even traffic records are reviewed
• Livelihood: you or your household can make a living from assets/skills
• Prevention of dual nationality: you must, in principle, lose your former nationality
• Constitution: no involvement with groups seeking to destroy the constitution/government by force

③ Simplified naturalization (relaxed requirements)

• Spouse of a Japanese national: 3+ years of marriage plus 1+ year of residence, or 3+ continuous years of residence and currently residing
• Child of a Japanese national, those born in Japan, those with 10+ continuous years of residence, etc.

④ Where and how to apply

Apply at the Legal Affairs Bureau for your area of residence. You must appear in person (no postal application). Start with a prior consultation (by appointment) to get document guidance, then submit once documents are ready.

⑤ Main documents

• Application form, a hand-written statement of motive, CV, family summary, livelihood summary, oath
• Employment/salary certificate, tax payment certificates
• Home-country nationality, birth and marriage certificates (with Japanese translation), juminhyo

* Documents vary widely by nationality, job and family. Follow the bureau's guidance.

⑥ Fee & timeline

• Fee: the naturalization application itself is free (costs to obtain/translate home-country documents are separate)
• Timeline: roughly 1 to 1.5 years at the earliest from consultation to approval (varies)

FAQ

Which is better, naturalization or permanent residence?Naturalization grants Japanese nationality and you generally lose your former nationality. Permanent residence keeps your foreign nationality. Choose PR to keep your nationality, naturalization for full citizen status including voting.

How many years of residence are needed?General naturalization needs 5+ continuous years of address in Japan. Spouses of Japanese nationals qualify sooner under simplified naturalization.

How much is the naturalization fee?The naturalization application itself is free. Obtaining and translating home-country documents costs extra.

How long does screening take?Roughly 1 to 1.5 years at the earliest from consultation to approval, depending on documents and family situation.