2025-10-19

The process for foreign nationals to acquire Japanese nationality is called a “naturalization application.” Since this procedure makes you a “Japanese national” in terms of nationality, factors like having no criminal record are important. What happens if an applicant has committed shoplifting in the past?

Naturalization Application

A naturalization application is the procedure for foreign nationals to acquire Japanese nationality. The application form and required documents are submitted to the Regional Immigration Bureau (Ministry of Justice) for review. Since Japan does not recognize dual nationality, acquiring Japanese nationality means losing any previous foreign nationality.

The following documents are required for a naturalization application. Additional documents may be needed depending on the circumstances.

・Application for Naturalization (with applicant’s photo attached)
・Document outlining family relationships
・Statement of reasons for seeking naturalization
・Curriculum vitae
・Document outlining means of livelihood
・Document outlining business activities
・Copy of residence certificate
・Document proving nationality
・Document proving family relationships

・Documents proving tax payment

・Documents proving income

・Documents proving residence history

Requirements for Naturalization

To be granted naturalization, the following six requirements must be met.

First, the applicant must have continuously maintained a residence in Japan up to the time of application (Residence Requirement). Note that even if the applicant has a residence in Japan, they may not meet this requirement if they stayed abroad for an extended period during the five years prior to application.

The second requirement is that the applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application (Capacity Requirement). Furthermore, the applicant must also be considered an adult under the laws of their current country of nationality.

The third requirement is good conduct, meaning the applicant has no tax delinquencies, has not received criminal penalties, has not committed serious traffic violations, etc. (Conduct Requirement).

Fourth, the applicant must be able to support themselves through their own assets or skills, or those of a spouse or other person sharing their livelihood (Livelihood Requirement). Having assets or possessing skills/qualifications enabling future livelihood in Japan is advantageous.

Fifth, the applicant must either currently hold no nationality, or consent to losing their current nationality upon acquiring Japanese nationality (Prevention of Multiple Nationality Requirement).

Sixth, the applicant must never have plotted or advocated the violent overthrow of the Constitution of Japan or the government established under it, nor formed or joined a political party or other organization with such aims (Constitutional Compliance Requirement).

Conduct Requirement and Shoplifting

If an applicant for naturalization has a prior conviction or criminal record for shoplifting, this may fall under the third requirement mentioned earlier: the Conduct Requirement.

The Conduct Requirement involves screening for prior convictions/criminal history, bankruptcy history, heavy surtaxes, driving history, traffic accidents, tax payment status, pension payment status, and family conduct.

Shoplifting falls under “Prior Convictions/Criminal History.” However, depending on the nature of the crime and the time elapsed, permission may still be granted.

The most critical mistake in a naturalization application is concealing past criminal history. Since the applicant’s criminal history will be discovered during the screening process, concealing it will be considered a “false statement” and will work against you in the screening.

Summary

If an applicant for naturalization has a prior conviction for shoplifting, it may fall under the conduct requirement and result in the naturalization application being denied. However, depending on the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the offense, and other factors, naturalization may still be granted. Therefore, it is crucial to apply honestly without concealing any information.