Individual • Japanese Citizenship

Naturalization Application (Japanese Citizenship)

NATURALIZATION APPLICATION (JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP)

Naturalization is a Legal Affairs Bureau process to acquire Japanese nationality. You generally lose your current nationality. We check residence, livelihood, conduct, and Japanese ability, prepare the motivation statement and civil documents, and attend the pre-consultation. Preparation often takes months; permission may take another 8 months to 1.5 years.

Target Applicants

Foreign nationals wishing to acquire Japanese nationality and hold a Japanese passport

Individuals seeking voting rights, eligibility for public office, or citizenship for their entire family in Japan

Special Permanent Residents born in Japan or general foreign nationals who have lived in Japan for 5+ years

Applicants who feel overwhelmed by the hundreds of pages of required paperwork and Legal Affairs Bureau consultations

Our Support Services

Accompanying and representing applicants during pre-consultations at the Legal Affairs Bureau (Kumamoto District Legal Affairs Bureau, etc.)
Drafting and polishing the Statement of Motivation for Naturalization (帰化の動機書)
Guidance on retrieving civil certificates from your home country (birth, marriage, family records) and Japanese translation
Compiling exhaustive dossiers including family charts, resumes, livelihood financial summaries, and business financials
Corporate compliance review for business owners and self-employed applicants (taxation, social insurance)
Interview coaching and preparation for the official examination by the Legal Affairs Bureau

Application Process

Eligibility & Condition Audit

Reviewing 5-year residency, age capacity, good conduct, independent financial stability, and basic Japanese proficiency.

Legal Affairs Bureau Consultation

Our specialist accompanies you to the Legal Affairs Bureau to confirm specific document requirements from the official in charge.

Document Gathering & Translation

Collecting certificates from your home country and Japan, translating them into Japanese, and compiling financial records.

Formal Filing at Legal Affairs Bureau

Submitting the complete hundreds-page application package to the Legal Affairs Bureau.

Official Interview & Citizenship Grant

Following the applicant interview and screening, the Minister of Justice approves naturalization via official gazette announcement.

Key Required Documents

Required documents vary by nationality, current status, employment, and family situation. We provide a tailored checklist at the first meeting.

Application for Naturalization (with official photo)

Family Background Overview & Family Tree Charts

Statement of Motivation for Naturalization (Handwritten with guidance)

Curriculum Vitae (Education, employment, immigration, address history)

Livelihood & Financial Overview (Bank balances, salaries, property)

Home Country Civil Status Certificates (with certified Japanese translations)

Driving Record Certificate (past 5 years), Residency Certificates

Tax Payment Certificates, Tax Returns, Withholding Tax Slips

Fees are quoted in writing before you instruct us. See How to Instruct Us for our fee policy. Fee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat is the main difference between Naturalization and Permanent Residence?

Permanent Residence grants you the right to live indefinitely in Japan while retaining your original nationality (under Immigration Bureau jurisdiction). Naturalization means acquiring Japanese citizenship and becoming a Japanese national (under the Ministry of Justice / Legal Affairs Bureau), which requires relinquishing your previous nationality in principle.

QHow long does the naturalization process take?

Document gathering and preparation typically takes 2 to 4 months. After formal submission to the Legal Affairs Bureau, the examination takes approximately 8 months to 1.5 years. It is a long-term procedure requiring structured planning.

QCan I apply for naturalization alone without my family?

Yes, individual applications are permitted. However, if you have a spouse and children residing in Japan, applying as a whole family often provides clearer proof of unified living stability. We will advise you on the most suitable strategy for your situation.