2025-08-28

Permanent residency is a right granted to reside in Japan. Meanwhile, there is also a procedure for foreigners to change their nationality to Japanese. What exactly is the difference between these two? We will also explain in detail the process and requirements for changing from permanent residency to Japanese nationality.

Permanent Residency vs. Naturalization

Permanent residency, as the name suggests, is the “right for a foreign national to reside permanently in Japan.”

For example, suppose foreign national A is working in Japan on a work visa. If A meets certain requirements, such as having resided in Japan for over 10 years and held a valid residence status for at least 5 years, they can apply for “permanent residence permission.” If granted, they obtain what is commonly called “permanent residency.”

This removes any previous restrictions on the length of stay. It also essentially eliminates restrictions on occupation. In other words, it allows for a lifestyle similar to that of Japanese citizens.

However, obtaining permanent residency does not change one’s nationality. It does not grant the right to vote or stand for election in national elections, nor does it provide access to the social security system. It merely allows for permanent residence in Japan while retaining one’s original nationality.

Process for Changing Nationality from Permanent Residency

When a foreign national with permanent residency wishes to change their nationality (acquire Japanese nationality), the process generally follows these steps:

First, visit the Legal Affairs Bureau or Regional Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence to confirm the required documents. However, an appointment is necessary beforehand. Note that some Legal Affairs Bureaus may not have appointments available for up to two months, so booking early is advisable.

Next, gather the documents specified by the Legal Affairs Bureau. Depending on the applicant, over 100 documents may be required. Among these, documents from the applicant’s home country often take the longest to obtain. While some can be collected at the Japanese embassy, others require a trip back to the home country, necessitating careful planning.

Then, obtain the application forms and other necessary documents from the Legal Affairs Bureau where you will apply, and fill in the required information. You will need to prepare about 10 documents, including the application form and resume. However, if there are inconsistencies with other supporting documents, your application may not be approved, so careful attention is required.

Once the application form and required documents are complete, have them checked at the Legal Affairs Bureau (appointment required). If the documents are found to be complete and correct, your application will be accepted.

Approximately 3 to 5 months after acceptance, the Legal Affairs Bureau will contact you. You must visit the bureau to answer questions regarding the submitted documents, your past and current circumstances, etc. If you have family members residing in Japan, such as a spouse, they will be interviewed together with you.

Concurrently with the document review, Legal Affairs Bureau staff may call your employer or school to verify your employment or enrollment status. In some cases, they may also conduct an actual visit to your residence.

If the Ministry of Justice official determines the applicant meets the requirements for acquiring nationality, the documents are forwarded to the Ministry of Justice. The final decision to grant or deny the application is made by the Minister of Justice.

Requirements for Changing Nationality

The requirements for a foreign national holding permanent residency to change their nationality (acquire Japanese nationality) are as follows.

First, the applicant must have continuously resided in Japan for at least five years, including at least three years of employment experience. The applicant must also be at least 18 years old and have reached the age of majority under the laws of their home country, which governs their legal capacity.

Furthermore, good conduct is required. The applicant must also be able to support themselves in the future through their own assets and income, or those of their spouse or other relatives living with them.

Additionally, the applicant must not hold another nationality, or must agree to renounce their current nationality upon acquiring Japanese nationality.

The applicant must not have attempted or advocated the violent overthrow of the Constitution of Japan or the government established under it, nor have formed or joined a political party or other organization that attempts or advocates such overthrow.

Finally, basic Japanese language ability is also required.

Among the above requirements, foreign nationals holding permanent residency often meet the first condition. However, the others are largely similar to those for foreign nationals holding other residence statuses. In other words, holding permanent residency does not mean changing nationality is easier than for other foreigners.

Summary

Permanent residency and nationality change are fundamentally different. While the hurdles for obtaining permanent residency are higher than for other residency statuses, nationality change is incomparably stricter. It requires significant time and expense, necessitating careful planning.