2025-09-19

Naturalization applications are among the most challenging procedures within residency status applications. For this reason, the Ministry of Justice issues a “Guide.” Here, we explain this guide.

What is a Naturalization Application?

A naturalization application is the procedure for a foreign national residing in Japan to lose their current foreign nationality and acquire Japanese nationality. If the application is approved, the applicant becomes a Japanese citizen. Consequently, the screening process has strict requirements.

For example, the applicant must be of legal age in Japan, meaning 18 years or older. They must also be of legal age under the laws of their current nationality. This is called the “Capacity Requirement.”

Furthermore, during their period of residence in Japan, they must not have any unpaid taxes or have received any serious criminal penalties. This is called the “conduct requirement.”

What is the Guide?

The Ministry of Justice has published a “Guide” outlining important points regarding naturalization applications. Its official title is “Guide to Applying for Naturalization Permission,” and the URL is as follows: (https://houmukyoku.moj.go.jp/tokyo/content/001419667.pdf)

This “Guide” covers the following items:

・Section 1: Precautions Before Applying
・Section 2: General Precautions for Preparing Application Documents
・Section 3: Precautions Regarding Documents Prepared by the Naturalization Applicant Themselves

(1) Application for Naturalization

(2) Document Outlining Family Relationships

(3) Curriculum Vitae

(4) Statement of Motivation for Naturalization

(5) Affidavit

(6) Document Outlining Means of Livelihood

(7) Document Outlining Business Operations

(8) Sketch Map of Residence, Workplace, and Business Premises

・Section 4: Documents to be Obtained from Government Agencies as Supporting Evidence

(1) Certificate of Legal Capacity under the Laws of the Home Country

(2) Certificate of Nationality

(3) Documents Certifying Family Relationships

(4) Certificate of Statelessness or Certificate of Loss of Nationality upon Acquiring Japanese Nationality

(5) Documents Certifying Residence History

(6) Driving record certificate

(7) Various certificates regarding assets, income, and tax payments

(8) Social insurance premium payment certificate

(9) Other reference materials

・Section 5: Precautions When Applying

・Section 6: Precautions After Applying

・Nationality Act (Excerpt)

・Nationality Act Enforcement Regulations (Excerpt)

・Sample Form

・Appendix: List of Documents to Submit (e.g., Tax Payment Certificate)

Important Notes

This “Guide” explains how to prepare the necessary application forms and obtain required documents when applying for naturalization. However, if you encounter any uncertainties while preparing the application or gathering documents, you must confirm them with your local Legal Affairs Bureau (Immigration Services Agency). Failing to do so and instead filling out the application or obtaining documents based solely on your own judgment may result in additional complications after submission.

The applicant should generally complete the application form themselves. While someone else may write on their behalf, the applicant should fill in as many sections as possible personally. Use a black pen or ballpoint pen for writing; do not use pencils or so-called “erasable ballpoint pens.”

As a rule, submit two copies of each document. One copy should be the original, and the other may be a photocopy. However, for documents like passports or driver’s licenses where the original cannot be submitted, submit two copies.

Summary

The guide issued by the Ministry of Justice provides detailed explanations about naturalization applications over 27 pages (including the cover). However, if any uncertainties arise, it is necessary to inquire at your local Legal Affairs Bureau (Immigration Services Agency).