A. Residency Requirements

• Applicants must have lived in Japan for at least 5 consecutive years under a valid visa.
  • Exceptions: This period may be reduced to 3 years for spouses of Japanese citizens or permanent residents.
• Applicants must have a valid status of residence (e.g., permanent resident, long-term resident, or spouse visa).

B. Age and Legal Capacity

• Applicants must be at least 20 years old (the age of majority in Japan) and legally competent under Japanese law.

C. Good Conduct

• Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and a clean criminal record.
• This includes compliance with Japanese laws, such as tax payments, traffic regulations, and visa conditions.

D. Financial Stability

• Applicants must prove they can support themselves financially, either through employment, savings, or family support.

E. Renunciation of Original Citizenship

• Japan requires applicants to renounce their original nationality after acquiring Japanese citizenship. Exceptions are rare and granted only under specific circumstances.

F. Willingness to Integrate

• Applicants must demonstrate a willingness to integrate into Japanese society, including proficiency in the Japanese language and an understanding of Japanese culture and customs.

---

3. Application Procedures

The process of applying for Japanese citizenship is known as Naturalization (帰化, Kika). It involves several steps and requires close coordination with the local Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局, Hōmukyoku).

Step 1: Initial Consultation

• Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Legal Affairs Bureau in their area.
• During the consultation, officials will assess the applicant’s eligibility and provide a list of required documents.

Step 2: Document Preparation

• Applicants must gather and prepare all required documents (see Section 4 below). This step can take several months, as some documents may need to be translated into Japanese or obtained from foreign authorities.

Step 3: Submission of Application

• Once all documents are ready, applicants submit their application to the Legal Affairs Bureau.
• The application includes a detailed questionnaire about the applicant’s background, family, employment, and reasons for seeking Japanese citizenship.

Step 4: Interviews and Home Visits

• Applicants may be required to attend interviews with Legal Affairs Bureau officials to verify their application details.
• In some cases, officials may visit the applicant’s home to confirm their living situation and integration into Japanese society.

Step 5: Decision by the Ministry of Justice

• The Ministry of Justice reviews the application and makes the final decision. If approved, the applicant will receive a certificate of naturalization.

Step 6: Renunciation of Original Citizenship

• After receiving Japanese citizenship, applicants must renounce their original nationality and provide proof of renunciation to Japanese authorities.

---

4. Required Documentation

The exact documents required may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances, but the following are typically needed:

A. Personal Identification

• Passport (current and expired)
• Residence card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo)
• Family register (戸籍謄本, Koseki Tōhon) for Japanese spouses (if applicable)

B. Proof of Residency

• Certificate of residence (住民票, Jūminhyō)
• Copies of past visas and entry/exit records

C. Financial Documents

• Tax certificates (納税証明書, Nōzei Shōmeisho) for the past 3–5 years
• Proof of income (e.g., salary slips, employment contracts)
• Bank statements

D. Criminal and Legal Records

• Police clearance certificate (if required)
• Proof of compliance with Japanese laws (e.g., traffic fines paid)

E. Other Documents

• Birth certificate (translated into Japanese if issued abroad)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)
• Statement of reasons for naturalization (written in Japanese)

---

5. Associated Costs

While there is no direct application fee for naturalization, applicants may incur the following costs:

• Document translation fees: Foreign documents must be translated into Japanese by a certified translator.
• Document issuance fees: Fees for obtaining official documents (e.g., birth certificates, tax records).
• Legal assistance fees: If hiring a lawyer or administrative scrivener (行政書士, Gyōsei Shoshi) to assist with the application.

---

6. Processing Times

The naturalization process in Japan is lengthy and can take 6 months to 1 year or longer, depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the Legal Affairs Bureau.

---

7. Cultural Considerations

A. Language Proficiency

• Applicants are expected to have a basic command of the Japanese language, including reading, writing, and speaking. This is assessed informally during interviews.

B. Integration into Society

• Demonstrating integration into Japanese society is crucial. This includes participating in community activities, understanding Japanese customs, and maintaining a stable lifestyle.

C. Renunciation of Dual Citizenship

• Japan’s strict stance on dual citizenship reflects its emphasis on loyalty and commitment to the country. Applicants must be prepared to give up their original nationality.

---

8. Key Points to Remember

• The process is highly detailed and bureaucratic, requiring patience and thorough preparation.
• Applicants should maintain a clean legal and financial record throughout the process.
• Assistance from a professional (e.g., an administrative scrivener) can be helpful, especially for non-native Japanese speakers.

---

9. Post-Naturalization Responsibilities

After acquiring Japanese citizenship, new citizens must:

• Register their new status at the local city hall.
• Obtain a Japanese passport.
• Notify their former country of their renunciation of citizenship (if required).

---

10. Additional Resources

• Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局): The primary authority for naturalization applications.
  • Website: https://www.moj.go.jp
• Immigration Services Agency of Japan: For information on residency and visas.
  • Website: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/
• Certified Administrative Scriveners (行政書士): Professionals who can assist with the application process.

---

By following this guide and preparing thoroughly, applicants can navigate the process of obtaining Japanese citizenship with confidence.