2025-10-08

Foreign nationals residing in Japan can acquire Japanese nationality if they meet certain requirements. One of these requirements is that the applicant must be an adult. Does this mean minors cannot acquire Japanese nationality?

Acquiring Japanese Nationality

To acquire Japanese nationality, one must undergo the “naturalization application” process.

Some countries permit dual nationality. However, Japan recognizes only one nationality. Therefore, when acquiring Japanese nationality, one must renounce their previous foreign nationality.

What are the Requirements for Naturalization?

To naturalize, the following six requirements must be met.

First, the applicant must have maintained a continuous residence in Japan prior to applying (Residence Requirement). However, even with a Japanese address, this requirement may not be met if the applicant resided overseas for an extended period during the five years preceding the application.

Second, the applicant must be an adult under Japanese law, meaning 18 years of age or older (Capacity Requirement). Furthermore, the applicant must also have reached the age of majority under the laws of their current country of nationality.

Third, the applicant must have no issues with their conduct, such as tax delinquency, criminal penalties, or serious traffic violations (conduct requirement).

Fourth, the applicant must be able to sustain their livelihood in Japan based on their own assets and skills, or those of a spouse or other person sharing their livelihood (livelihood requirement).

Fifth, the applicant must either currently hold no nationality or agree to renounce their current nationality upon acquiring Japanese nationality (condition preventing dual nationality).

Finally, sixth, the applicant must never have plotted to destroy the government established under the Constitution of Japan by force, advocated such actions, or formed or joined a political party or organization with that purpose (condition of constitutional compliance).

Can minors naturalize?

Earlier, it was stated that “the applicant must be an adult.” However, minors can apply for naturalization in the following three cases:

First, when the applicant applies for naturalization simultaneously with both parents or one parent. If the child applicant is under 15 years old, the parent, as the legal representative, will file the application. If the child applicant is aged 15 or older but under 18, the child themselves handles the naturalization application procedures, including document preparation and interviews.

Second, if either of the applicant’s parents holds Japanese nationality. In this case, the previously explained “capacity requirement,” “residence requirement,” and “livelihood requirement” are relaxed.

The third exception applies when the child applicant is an adopted child of a Japanese national. However, this case requires the additional condition that the child has resided continuously in Japan for at least one year.

Summary

Generally, naturalization applicants must be adults (18 years or older) and must also have reached the age of majority under the laws of their current country of nationality. However, exceptions exist, such as when applying for naturalization simultaneously with a parent.