What they don’t teach you anywhere else! How much is Japanese nationality worth?
Even foreign nationals can become Japanese citizens if they meet several requirements. This procedure or system is called “naturalization. So, how valuable is Japanese nationality to a foreigner? Let us explain in detail.
How to acquire Japanese nationality
The most common way for a foreign national to acquire Japanese nationality is to apply for naturalization and pass the examination.
However, in order to acquire Japanese citizenship through naturalization, several requirements must be met. For example, you must have lived in Japan for at least five years, be of good conduct (i.e., not in arrears with taxes, never been convicted of a crime, etc.), and have a job or assets in Japan that will allow you to continue to live in Japan.
What is the value of Japanese citizenship?
The most important value of Japanese citizenship is the ability to possess a passport issued by the Japanese government. Put this way, you may say, “Isn’t that obvious?
However, it is no exaggeration to say that the Japanese passport is the most trusted “certificate” in the world. That is, with a Japanese passport, you are exempt from visa requirements in about 190 countries when you travel abroad. This shows how much the world trusts the Japanese nation.
In addition, by acquiring Japanese citizenship, one can enjoy many benefits such as national health insurance and social security. Since Japan has a “universal health insurance system,” you will be obliged to pay health insurance premiums, but you will be able to receive medical examinations and prescriptions for medicines at a low cost.
In addition, foreigners who had been living in Japan under the status of residence until now had to go through the procedures every time their period of stay expired. However, by acquiring Japanese citizenship, such hassles will be eliminated. This is a great advantage for those who are prepared to make a permanent home in Japan.
Unlike naturalization, this status allows foreign nationals to continue to live in Japan. Unlike other residence statuses, there will be no restrictions on the period of stay or employment, but there are certain restrictions on the right to vote, to be elected, and to work in public organizations.
Disadvantages of acquiring Japanese nationality
However, by acquiring Japanese nationality, you will lose the foreign nationality you had before. This is because Japan does not recognize having multiple nationalities, or “dual nationality.
Also, once you acquire Japanese nationality and lose your foreign nationality, it is impossible to return to your foreign nationality again.
Therefore, unless you are prepared to never return to your home country again and spend the rest of your life in Japan, you will not feel the benefits of acquiring Japanese nationality.
Conclusion
For foreigners living in Japan, having Japanese citizenship has great meaning and value. However, it comes with a caveat: you must plan to continue to live in Japan and be prepared to bury your bones in Japan.
