Cost of Applying for Naturalization in Japan
Many foreigners consider naturalization, but do not know how much it costs for a foreigner to apply for naturalization in Japan. It is not uncommon to consult an administrative official about the difficulties of obtaining documents and the naturalization process. This topic is about the naturalization application system and the cost of applying for naturalization.
What is a naturalization application?
A naturalization application is a procedure by which foreign nationals can acquire Japanese citizenship.
When you obtain Japanese citizenship, you can use the name you had before you applied for naturalization, but you can also use the Japanese name you chose for yourself.
You can apply for naturalization yourself.
The costs of the application for naturalization
With regard to the costs for the naturalization application, a distinction can be made between the case where you carry out the procedure yourself and the case where you hire an administrative scrivener.
If you apply for naturalization yourself
There are no fees for applying for naturalization at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
The fee for issuance is about 300 to 1,000 yen per copy.
However, there is also a fee for issuing the documents required for the naturalization application.
The issuance fee is usually between 300 and 1,000 yen per copy.
Thus, applying for naturalization is free, but there is a fee for obtaining the required documents.
If you hire an administrative scrivener
If you hire a registrar to apply for naturalization, you will have to pay a fee.
The cost varies depending on the office of the scrivener you hire, but the market price for a naturalization application is 100,000 to 200,000 yen.
If you are applying as a family or as a couple, you can reduce the cost by applying for naturalization at the same time.
Documents required for naturalization application
- Application form for naturalization permit
You can download it at the counter of the Legal Affairs Bureau or on the website.
There is no fee for issuing the naturalization application itself. However, a photograph taken within the last 6 months is required.
- Letter of motivation for naturalization
You can obtain the format for the letter of motivation from the Legal Affairs Bureau or from an administrative scrivener. In it, indicate your residence history, employment history, status relationship, immigration history, etc.
・Certificate of graduation/diploma
Graduation certificates and diplomas are issued by the school where you earned your most recent degree. The cost of issuance varies by school.
Generally, it is about 500 yen.
- ・Certificate of enrollment
If you are attending a Japanese school, you will need an enrollment certificate.
・Certificate of Competency / Proof of Qualification
A document that proves your qualifications. For example, it is necessary for those who work in professions that require licenses or national qualifications, such as nurses and cooks.
・Copy of driver’s license
If you have a Japanese driver’s license, you will need a copy of your driver’s license.
Summary
The cost of a naturalization application depends on whether you apply for the procedure yourself or hire an administrative scrivener.
If you apply for the procedure yourself, there is no cost for the naturalization application itself. However, you will have to pay for the issuance of the documents required for the naturalization application.
If you hire an administrative scrivener to process the naturalization application, you must also pay their fee. The market price for a naturalization application is 100,000 to 200,000 yen.