Naturalization is the process of acquiring Japanese nationality, or becoming a Japanese citizen. The decision is made by the authority of the Minister of Justice, and if granted, is publicly announced in the Official Gazette.
Is naturalization difficult?
Permanent residents are only "foreigners," but once naturalized, they become "Japanese citizens" and are entitled to all social security and other benefits, so naturally, the level of difficulty in applying for naturalization is higher than that of applying for permanent residence.
Incidentally, the difficulty level of applying for naturalization in Japan is so high that it is introduced in foreign media. Japan is listed as one of the top five countries with the highest level of difficulty in applying for naturalization.
What are the requirements for naturalization?
Based on Article 5 of the Nationality Law, the minimum requirements are listed below.
- Address requirement (Nationality Law, Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 1)
The applicant must have continuously resided in Japan for at least 5 years at the time of application. - Capacity requirement (Nationality Law, Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 2)
The applicant must be at least 20 years of age and considered an adult according to the laws of his/her home country. - Good conduct (Nationality Law, Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 3)
The applicant must be of good conduct.
The presence or absence of a criminal record, the manner of the offense, the tax payment status, and the presence or absence of social nuisances are taken into consideration. Judgments will be made based on what is considered socially acceptable with reference to the general public. 4. - Livelihood status (Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 4 of the Nationality Law)
The applicant shall have no difficulty in making a living in Japan.
Judgment will be made based on relatives in the same household. Even if the applicant himself/herself has no income, if the assets and skills of his/her spouse or other relatives enable him/her to lead a stable life, it is acceptable. - Conditions to prevent dual nationality (Nationality Law, Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 5)
Statelessness or loss of previous nationality.
*As an exception, even if this condition is not met, naturalization may be permitted if the alien is unable to lose the nationality of the desired country (Nationality Law, Article 5, Paragraph 2). - Constitutional Conformity Condition (Nationality Law, Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 6)
A person must not be a person who plots or advocates the violent destruction of the Japanese government, or a person who forms or joins such an organization. - ability to speak Japanese (not stipulated in the Nationality Law)
Although not stipulated in the Nationality Law, applicants must have sufficient Japanese language ability to live in Japan.
Generally, it is said to be about the level of a lower elementary school student. The applicant must be able to speak and understand the Japanese language properly, as the application will be reviewed based on the applicant's written application and an interview at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
*Foreigners who have a special relationship with Japan (those born in Japan, spouses of Japanese nationals, children of Japanese nationals, former Japanese nationals, etc.) are partially exempt from the above naturalization requirements (Articles 6-8 of the Nationality Law).
What documents are required to apply for naturalization?
The following is a list of typical documents. Please note, however, that the required documents vary depending on the applicant's nationality, status, and occupation.
1.Application form for naturalization (applicant's photograph)
2.Documents outlining relatives
3.Statement of reasons for naturalization
4.Curriculum vitae
5.Documents outlining livelihood
6.Documents describing the outline of business
7.Copy of certificate of residence
8.Documents proving nationality
9. Documents proving kinship
10. Documents proving tax payment
11.Documents proving income
12.Documents certifying residency history
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