Where to Apply for Naturalization?
Foreign nationals residing in Japan who wish to acquire Japanese nationality must apply for naturalization. Since this process involves relinquishing their previous foreign nationality to obtain Japanese nationality, the requirements are strict and the screening process is thorough. Where exactly should one apply for naturalization?
What is a Naturalization Application？
A naturalization application is when a foreign national holding a Japanese residence status wishes to acquire Japanese nationality and submits an application with the required documents. Since Japan does not recognize dual nationality, acquiring Japanese nationality means losing your current foreign nationality.
The following documents are required for a naturalization application:
・Application for Naturalization (requires the applicant’s photo)
・Document outlining family relationships
・Statement of Motivation for Naturalization
・Curriculum Vitae
・Document outlining livelihood
・Document outlining business activities
・Copy of Resident Certificate
・Document proving nationality
・Document proving family relationships
・Document proving tax payment
・Document proving income
・Document proving residence history
What are the requirements for naturalization?
The main requirements for a naturalization application to be approved are the following six:
First, the applicant must have continuously maintained a residence in Japan up to the time of application (Residence Requirement). However, even if the applicant has a residence in Japan, they may not meet this requirement if they stayed overseas for an extended period during the five years prior to application.
Second, the applicant must be an adult, meaning 18 years of age or older (Capacity Requirement). Furthermore, they must also have reached the age of majority under the laws of their country of origin.
Third, the applicant must not have tax delinquencies, criminal convictions, or serious traffic violations (conduct requirement).
Fourth, the applicant must demonstrate the ability to sustain a livelihood in Japan based on their own assets and skills, or those of their spouse or other relatives sharing the same household (livelihood requirement). In other words, having assets and the skills or qualifications necessary to support oneself is advantageous.
Fifth, the applicant must either be stateless at the time of application or agree to renounce their current nationality upon acquiring Japanese nationality (prevention of dual nationality requirement).
Sixth, the applicant must not have plotted or advocated the violent overthrow of the Japanese Constitution or the government established under it, nor formed or joined political parties or other organizations with such aims (constitutional compliance requirement).
Where to Apply?
Consultation and application locations for naturalization applications and matters related to acquiring or losing Japanese nationality are as follows:
Notification of Acquisition or Renunciation of Nationality
If residing in Japan
The Legal Affairs Bureau or Regional Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over your address
If residing abroad
Japanese embassies or consulates abroad
Naturalization Application
The Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence
Summary
Foreign nationals applying for naturalization should be residing in Japan. Therefore, when applying, the Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over the address where your current residence certificate is registered will be the point of contact for consultation and review. For example, a person residing in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, would use the “Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau” located in Kudan Minami, Chiyoda Ward.
