The process of acquiring Japanese nationality and becoming a Japanese citizen is called naturalization (kika in Japanese).
This is entirely separate from your current residency status. Even if you submit a naturalization application, it does not automatically extend your period of stay in Japan.
In fact, if your residence status expires during the application process, it may negatively affect your chances of approval. That’s why it’s important to manage both processes independently and carefully.
Applications for residency status are submitted to the Immigration Services Agency, while naturalization applications must be filed with the Legal Affairs Bureau (Homukyoku). Specifically, you need to apply at a Regional Legal Affairs Bureau or one of its branch offices—applications cannot be submitted at local sub-offices (shucchōsho).
◆Process for Acquiring Japanese Citizenship
Becoming a Japanese citizen is a completely different process from obtaining or renewing a residency status.
Naturalization means being registered in the Japanese family registry (koseki) and gaining rights such as the ability to vote. At the same time, it also comes with the responsibility of living under Japanese law.
Because of this, Japanese language ability is essential. You must be able to hold everyday conversations, and your ability to read and write basic Japanese will also be assessed.
You don’t need to know every difficult kanji, but you are expected to understand official notices from government offices and everyday information necessary for life in Japan.
1) Consulting the Legal Affairs Bureau
If you wish to apply for Japanese naturalization, the process begins by visiting your local Legal Affairs Bureau and speaking with a staff member.
During this initial consultation, your Japanese language comprehension will likely be assessed. If it’s determined that your ability to communicate in Japanese is insufficient, you may be advised to reconsider submitting your application.
While you are free to apply at any time, it’s important to understand that lacking Japanese language skills significantly increases the likelihood of your application being denied.
・Start Your Naturalization Journey with a Consultation
To apply for Japanese citizenship through naturalization, the first step is to visit the Legal Affairs Bureau for a preliminary consultation.
You cannot simply submit your application documents right away. Instead, you’ll meet with a staff member to review the eligibility requirements and confirm what preparations are necessary before proceeding.
・Language Skills May Be Checked Here
During the consultation, your ability to communicate in Japanese will naturally be observed.
Particular attention is paid to whether you can hold a smooth everyday conversation and understand the contents of official documents.
If there are concerns about your Japanese comprehension or expression, the staff may advise you to wait and prepare a bit more before submitting your application.
This is not meant as a rejection, but rather as a considerate way to help you avoid wasting time and effort on an application that may not yet meet the necessary standards.
・Submitting an Application Is Up to You—But It Doesn’t Guarantee Approval
Naturally, anyone is free to submit a naturalization application.
However, it’s important to understand that if your Japanese language ability is significantly lacking, there is a high likelihood that your application will be denied.
This is because the government must ensure that applicants will be able to live independently and without difficulty in Japanese society after naturalization.
2) Preparing Documents for Submission to the Legal Affairs Bureau
If there are no particular issues, the next step is preparing the documents for submission to the Legal Affairs Bureau.
In countries that permit multiple nationalities, acquiring citizenship can sometimes be relatively straightforward.
By comparison, obtaining Japanese nationality is undeniably a more demanding process.
Applicants must submit a detailed personal history covering their entire life from birth to the present. If they operate a business, they are also required to provide financial statements for each company they manage.
★Ask a Legal Expert Now!
We strongly recommend consulting with a certified administrative scrivener (gyōsei shoshi) when preparing your naturalization application.
An experienced scrivener will carefully assess your individual circumstances and accurately determine which additional documents may be required.
Thorough preparation is essential to ensure your application is complete and successful on the first attempt.
Please note that the process may involve sharing sensitive personal information, so we ask for your understanding in advance.
If you or your spouse serve as an executive officer of a company, you will also need to submit detailed corporate documents in addition to your personal application materials. These may include tax returns, financial statements, and other records.
In such cases, the volume of required documents tends to be significantly greater than for standard individual applications.
To navigate these complexities with confidence, we encourage you to reach out to Administrative Scrivener Lee for personalized guidance and support.
3) Submitting Documents to the Legal Affairs Bureau
The naturalization application must be submitted by the applicant themselves.
You will be required to provide a complete personal history from birth to the present, along with details of your financial status.
In addition, the written statement explaining your reasons for applying must be handwritten by you.
If your biological parents are still living, their signature will also be required.
4) Interview at the Legal Affairs Bureau
As part of the naturalization process, the applicant will have an interview with an official at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
If the applicant’s Japanese language ability is deemed insufficient during the interview, a brief reading and writing test in Japanese may be administered. In some cases, the applicant’s spouse may also be asked to attend an interview.
・Japanese Proficiency Needed for Naturalization
In general, applicants are expected to have Japanese language skills equivalent to that of a third-grade elementary school student.
Many people who apply for naturalization have no difficulty with spoken Japanese, but it’s not uncommon for applicants to struggle with reading and writing, which can lead to setbacks during the interview.
You should be able to read and write hiragana and katakana fluently, and it’s also important to recognize basic kanji characters.
5) Background Checks at Work, Home, and in the Community
Officials from the Legal Affairs Bureau may conduct visits to your neighborhood, workplace, or home as part of the naturalization review process.
6) Result Notification: Approval or Rejection
If your application is approved, your name will be published in the Official Gazette, formally announcing that you have acquired Japanese nationality.
It typically takes around one year for the final decision on your application to be issued.
→Click here for more information about the naturalization process.
◆When Naturalization Is Not Approved
In some cases, a naturalization application may be denied following the review process.
While this outcome can understandably be discouraging, it is important to carefully identify the reasons for the denial and prepare thoroughly for a future application.
Common reasons for rejection may include insufficient Japanese language proficiency, not meeting the required length of stay in Japan, or a history of legal violations.
These factors vary from person to person, so working with a qualified professional to review your situation and identify areas for improvement can be a valuable step toward moving forward.
★Ask a Legal Expert Now!
If a naturalization application is denied, the reasons can vary greatly from person to person.
Possible factors include insufficient Japanese language proficiency, not meeting the required period of residence, or a history of legal violations.
However, the official notice often does not specify the exact reason for the denial, making it difficult for applicants to identify the cause on their own.
In such cases, an administrative scrivener can carefully review your situation, help determine what may have led to the denial, and offer clear, practical advice for preparing a stronger application in the future.