2025-08-26

Foreign nationals residing in Japan can acquire Japanese nationality if they meet certain requirements. So, what are the benefits of acquiring Japanese nationality? Let’s take a closer look.

Acquiring Japanese Nationality

Foreign nationals residing in Japan who wish to acquire Japanese nationality generally submit a “naturalization application.” Specifically, the foreign national must submit the necessary documents to the Immigration Bureau and obtain permission to acquire nationality.

Once permission is granted, the foreign national loses their previous nationality and acquires Japanese nationality. In other words, they can live as a “Japanese citizen.” However, obtaining permission requires strict criteria.

Requirements for Acquiring Japanese Nationality

To be eligible for Japanese nationality, the following six requirements must be met.

The first requirement is that the applicant (foreign national) must have continuously resided in Japan up to the time of application (residence requirement). However, even if the applicant has resided in Japan, if they have been abroad for an extended period during the five years prior to application, this requirement may not be met.

The second requirement is that the applicant must be 18 years of age or older and have reached the age of majority under the laws of their current nationality (capacity requirement).

The third requirement is that the applicant must not have any outstanding tax debts, criminal convictions, or serious traffic violations (conduct requirement).

The fourth requirement is that the applicant, or their spouse or other relatives with whom they share a household, must have the assets and skills necessary to continue living in Japan (living requirement).

The fifth requirement is that the applicant does not have any other nationality, or will lose their current nationality by acquiring Japanese nationality (prevention of dual nationality requirement).

The sixth requirement is that the applicant does not plot or advocate the violent overthrow of the Constitution of Japan or the government established under it (constitutional compliance requirement).

Benefits of Acquiring Japanese Nationality

There are several benefits for foreign nationals residing in Japan to acquire Japanese nationality.

　• You can have a Japanese name, which reduces the likelihood of discriminatory treatment.

　• You can create a Japanese family register, so if your spouse is Japanese, you can be included in the same family register.

　• You can obtain a Japanese passport, which provides government endorsement when traveling abroad, enhancing credibility.

　• You can receive the same benefits as Japanese citizens regarding social security, such as pensions, social insurance, and welfare.

　• You can obtain the right to vote and stand for election (the right to run for office), allowing you to participate in Japanese politics.

　• You can obtain the right to vote and the right to stand for election, allowing you to participate in Japanese politics.

• You can take out loans for housing or vehicles, or receive financing from banks.

Summary

In Japan, dual nationality is not recognized, so if a foreign national obtains Japanese nationality, they will lose their previous nationality. Nevertheless, there are many people who have obtained Japanese nationality, are active in Japan, and contribute to Japanese society.