Naturalization and Citizenship
A naturalization application is a procedure by which a foreigner living in Japan can obtain Japanese nationality. If naturalization is approved, the applicant will lose their previous nationality and obtain Japanese nationality instead. After that, they will live as a Japanese person, so they will no longer need to go through the troublesome procedures of a foreigner, such as renewing their residence visa. If you plan to continue living in Japan in the future, it would be better for you to naturalize and receive the benefits of being a Japanese person.
Advantages of Naturalization
*You will be able to obtain a Japanese passport and travel to many countries without a visa *You will no longer need re-entry permission, so you will be able to enter and leave the country freely *You will be given the right to vote *You will no longer have to go through the troublesome procedures required of foreigners, such as reporting to the Immigration Bureau and government offices *It will be easier to obtain loans such as home loans and car loans *You will have better pay and working conditions *You will be more likely to be hired as a civil servant *If a parent is naturalized, it will be easier for their children to be granted naturalization, giving them the opportunity to receive an education and find employment in Japan *Foreigners who have a life base in Japan and plan to continue living in Japan in the future often apply for naturalization and obtain Japanese nationality.
Points to consider when applying for naturalization
1. Address requirements The requirement is that you have had an address in Japan for more than five years. However, as an exception, the required number of years may be relaxed in certain cases, such as if you are the spouse of a Japanese national. Note that if you have a student visa or pre-school visa, you will not be able to apply for naturalization even if you have an address for more than five years. During the five-year period, you must have changed from a student visa or pre-school visa to a working visa for three years.
2. Ability Requirements Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and of adulthood under the laws of their home country. However, as an exception, minors may apply if they are naturalizing together with their parents.
3. Conduct Requirements There is a requirement that you have no problems with your daily behavior. You will be screened for past criminal records, the number of traffic violations, unpaid taxes, and membership in organized crime groups.
4. Living Requirements: You must have enough income or assets to support your family members who live together in Japan. Even if you do not have your own income, this requirement is met if your spouse or family members have income or assets.
5. Nationality requirements When acquiring Japanese nationality, you will be required to lose the nationality of other countries. In the case of certain nationalities, you will need to go through the procedure to renounce your previous nationality after naturalization. However, if you are unable to renounce your nationality for some reason, this requirement will be relaxed, taking your circumstances into consideration.
6. Requirements for compliance with the Constitution Complying with the Japanese Constitution and not disrupting public order in Japan is a requirement. If you are a member of a criminal organization or a terrorist organization, your naturalization application will be rejected.
7. Japanese language proficiency requirements: Japanese language proficiency equivalent to that of a lower elementary school student is required. There is a Japanese language proficiency test during the naturalization application screening process, so if you are not good at Japanese, you will need to study a little.
Points to note when applying for naturalization
It is best to have the whole family apply as much as possible. If only one spouse applies, or if only one parent applies for naturalization, the screening process for the ability to continue living in Japan will be stricter. (However, if you are a special permanent resident or have family reasons, your circumstances will be taken into consideration.)
If you have any overdue taxes, pensions, etc., please pay them in advance. If you do not comply with your tax obligations, your application will be rejected without exception.
Even during the naturalization application process, you should renew your residence visa. Even if you apply for naturalization, you will remain in Japan on a residence visa until your application is approved, so do not forget to renew your visa.