How to get Japanese citizenship: Conditions, procedures, and processing time

Each year, thousands of Vietnamese people search for information on how to obtain Japanese citizenship, especially those who have lived and worked in Japan for a long time. According to statistics from the Japanese Ministry of Justice, about 90% of naturalization applications are approved if the conditions are met. However, this process is not quick – you need to reside legally in Japan for at least 5 years before applying, and the processing time can take 1 year or more.

So, what are the conditions for Japanese naturalization? Is the procedure complicated? Which cases allow for a shorter processing time? If you are interested in the Japanese naturalization procedure, this article will help you understand each step, save time preparing documents, and increase your chances of approval on the first try.

Part 1: Conditions for Japanese Naturalization for Foreigners

Condition 1: Legal Residency for Japanese Naturalization

1. Must reside legally in Japan for at least 5 consecutive years

This is a fundamental condition for most Japanese naturalization applications. You need to:

• Have a legal place of residence in Japan for at least 5 consecutive years

• Not have prolonged interruptions in residency outside of Japan

• Possess a valid status of residence (work visa, permanent residency visa, family visa, etc.)

• Fulfill all tax and social insurance obligations

In the actual review of Japanese naturalization procedure applications, the Ministry of Justice is particularly interested in the "continuity" of the residency period. Leaving Japan for too long or too many times without a valid reason can affect the application assessment.

2. Cases eligible for a shortened residency period

Some cases may apply for Japanese naturalization without needing a full 5 years, including:

• Resided in Japan for 3 years or more and are a child of a Japanese citizen

• Born in Japan, have lived continuously for 3 years, and either parent was born in Japan

• Have resided in Japan for 10 consecutive years or more

These categories are often searched with keywords like "Japanese naturalization for mixed-race children," "Japanese naturalization for those born in Japan," or "can I naturalize after 10 years in Japan." However, each case will be carefully reviewed based on personal records and residency history.

3. Must clearly prove residency and entry/exit history

When applying for Japanese naturalization, you must not only declare your time living in Japan but also fully prove:

• Start and end dates of each residency period

• All periods of leaving and re-entering Japan within 5 years (or 3 years / 10 years, depending on the case)

• Copies of old and new passports

• Visas, residence cards, and related entry/exit documents

In actual consultations, many applications are delayed due to missing documents proving residency time or incomplete declaration of all exit dates. Therefore, before submitting your Japanese naturalization procedure application, you should carefully review your entire residency history to avoid multiple requests for additional documents.

Condition 2: Age for Japanese Naturalization

1. Must be 20 years or older under Japanese law

To submit a Japanese naturalization application, you need to be:

• At least 20 years old at the time of application

• Possess full legal capacity as stipulated by law

This is a basic condition in the Japanese naturalization procedure, ensuring that the applicant is capable of taking legal and financial responsibility.

2. Must be of legal age according to the laws of your country of origin

In addition to Japanese legal requirements, you must also:

• Be recognized as a legal adult in your current country of citizenship

• Provide documents proving your legal status (birth certificate, passport, personal status certificate, etc.)

For example, some countries define the age of majority as 18, 20, or 21. If your country's law differs from Japan's regulations, your application may require additional legal verification documents.

3. It is advisable to thoroughly check your legal status before applying

In the actual processing of Japanese naturalization applications, many cases are delayed because the legal capacity status in the country of origin has not been clearly verified. Therefore, you should:

• Check the age of majority laws in your country

• Prepare certified translations of necessary documents

• Consult an immigration lawyer if there are complex legal factors

Ensuring you meet the age requirements from the outset will help the Japanese naturalization application process proceed smoothly and avoid multiple requests for additional documents.

Condition 3: Moral Character Requirements for Japanese Naturalization

1. Must demonstrate a clean criminal record

When applying for Japanese naturalization, you are required to:

• Submit a criminal record certificate from Japan and/or Vietnam

• Prove no serious criminal convictions

• Not have seriously violated laws during your residency in Japan

This is a very important condition in the Japanese naturalization procedure, as the Japanese Ministry of Justice highly values legal compliance and civic awareness.

2. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis

Not every violation will lead to denial. Actual review shows that:

• Minor administrative violations (e.g., small traffic offenses) usually do not have a major impact

• Repeated violations may reduce the credibility of the application

• Serious criminal records may lead to the rejection of the application

The reviewing authority will assess the overall situation: the severity of the violation, the time elapsed, remedial actions taken, and the period of residence in Japan.

3. Tax and insurance payment history will also be considered

During the Japanese naturalization application process, in addition to your criminal record, you will also be checked for:

• Full payment of income tax and residential tax

• Participation in social insurance and health insurance as required

• No long-standing tax debts

Based on practical experience, many applications are delayed not due to criminal records but due to delayed tax payments or insurance debts. Therefore, if you are preparing to apply for Japanese naturalization, you should review all your financial obligations before submitting your application to increase your chances of approval.

Condition 4: Proof of Self-Sufficiency for Japanese Naturalization

1. Must demonstrate stable income in Japan

When applying for Japanese naturalization, you must prove your ability to "secure a livelihood" in Japan. This means:

• Having a legal job with a stable income

• Or having sufficient assets or other income sources to cover living expenses

• Not being dependent on long-term social welfare benefits

In the actual processing of Japanese naturalization procedure applications, the Ministry of Justice does not require an excessively high income, but they need to see that you have a stable and sustainable financial foundation.

2. Income may be assessed based on household income

If you are married, your financial condition may be assessed based on total household income:

• Income of spouse may be combined

• Must provide employment certificates, pay stubs, tax payment documents

• Must prove the family's ability to cover living expenses in Japan

This is a point many people search for with the question: "How much income is enough to qualify for Japanese naturalization?" In reality, there is no fixed figure; instead, the reviewing authority assesses based on family size and actual living expenses.

3. Authorities may directly verify the workplace

When submitting a Japanese naturalization application, you must clearly state:

• Company name

• Workplace address

• Employment period

• Job position

In some cases, officers may contact or visit the workplace directly to verify information. Therefore, all data declared in the application must be accurate and consistent with tax documents, insurance, and employment contracts.

Condition 5: Renunciation of Citizenship for Japanese Naturalization

1. Principle: Japan does not recognize dual nationality

When applying for Japanese naturalization, you must declare that you will renounce your current citizenship. By law, Japan does not accept dual nationality to avoid conflicts of legal obligations between two countries.

After your Japanese naturalization application is approved, you will:

• Submit a certificate of renunciation of your former citizenship
  or

• Complete a nationality selection form (国籍選択) at the local administrative office

This is a mandatory administrative procedure in the Japanese naturalization process.

2. Practical application may be flexible but not guaranteed

In practice, there are cases where naturalized individuals retain their former citizenship due to differing procedures between the two countries. However, it's important to understand:

• The choice of nationality is an internal procedure of the Japanese government

• Japan does not actively scrutinize whether you have completed the renunciation of foreign citizenship

• However, legally, the law still stipulates non-recognition of dual citizenship

Therefore, if you are considering whether to renounce Vietnamese citizenship when naturalizing in Japan, you need to carefully evaluate the rights, tax obligations, assets, and inheritance in both countries.

3. Special cases may be considered

In rare situations, you may be granted Japanese citizenship without renouncing another citizenship, if:

• There are special circumstances

• The country of origin does not allow or makes renunciation of citizenship extremely difficult.

• There are valid humanitarian or legal reasons.

However, these are not common cases and require a very strict explanatory dossier.

4. Individuals under 20 years old can temporarily hold dual citizenship

According to regulations:

• Individuals under 20 years old may hold dual citizenship.

• Before turning 20, they must make a choice of nationality (国籍選択).

• If Japanese nationality is chosen, the other nationality must be renounced.

This typically applies to cases where children are born to a Japanese parent.

Condition 6: Preliminary interview before submitting the application

1. Contact the Legal Affairs Bureau in your area of residence

Once you have met the basic conditions for Japanese naturalization, you should proactively contact the Legal Affairs Bureau in your area of residence.

In practice, the Japanese naturalization procedure does not allow direct submission of applications from the outset. You must:

• Call or schedule an appointment with the local Legal Affairs Bureau.

• State your desire to apply for Japanese citizenship.

• Receive guidance on the list of required documents.

Proactively contacting them early helps you determine if your application meets the requirements or if anything needs to be supplemented.

2. Participate in the preliminary interview (1st time)

The Legal Affairs Bureau will arrange an initial interview, which may be:

• Conducted by phone

• Or conducted in person at the office

The purpose of this session is to make a preliminary check to see if you meet the basic conditions such as: period of residence, income, criminal record, Japanese language proficiency, and current legal status.

This is an important step because if you do not yet meet the requirements, the officer will guide you on how to complete them before officially accepting your application.

3. Second interview when eligible to proceed

If the officer confirms you are eligible to proceed with your Japanese naturalization application, you will:

• Be scheduled for an official interview.

• Receive a detailed list of documents to submit.

• Be guided on how to complete the required forms.

The subsequent interview is usually more thorough and serves as a prerequisite before submitting the complete application.

Condition 7: Second interview when applying for naturalization

1. The interview that determines the application

After passing the preliminary step, you will participate in the second interview in the Japanese naturalization process.

In this interview, the Legal Affairs Bureau officer will:

• Assess your personal situation in detail

• Determine which specific documents you need to supplement

• Guide you on preparing the application according to your specific case

There is no fixed list that applies to everyone. Each Japanese citizenship application is reviewed independently, based on family circumstances, occupation, period of residence, and personal history.

2. Commonly requested documents

Although there is no absolute general checklist, in practice during the Japanese naturalization procedure, you often need to prepare:

• Birth certificate

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

• Current and old passports

• Documents proving entry and exit history

• Employment certificate, employment contract

• Documents proving assets or income

• Certificate of residence in Japan

• Diplomas, transcripts

• Health certificate or health status confirmation

• Criminal record certificate

All foreign documents must be translated into Japanese and notarized as required.

3. How to prepare to avoid multiple requests for additional documents

Based on practical experience, many Japanese naturalization applications are prolonged due to:

• Inconsistent information in documents (names, dates of birth, addresses)

• Lack of accurate translations

• Failure to clearly explain periods of job changes or changes of residence

To increase the likelihood of a quick approval, you should:

• Review all personal information before submission

• Prepare the application in a logical order

• Be ready to clearly explain your educational, work, and residency history

The second interview is not meant to pressure you, but to ensure you fully meet the legal requirements. If you prepare thoroughly and honestly, the Japanese naturalization process will be smoother and have fewer issues.

Condition 8: Watch the naturalization guidance video

1. Mandatory viewing of the naturalization process video

During the second interview of the Japanese naturalization process, you will be required to watch an official guidance video provided by the Legal Affairs Bureau.

This video usually lasts about 60 minutes and is part of the standard Japanese naturalization procedure.

2. Main content of the video

The video focuses on clearly explaining:

• The entire application review process

• Rights and obligations upon becoming a Japanese citizen

• Legal responsibilities after acquiring citizenship

• Important notes on renouncing former citizenship

The purpose is not to test you, but to ensure you fully understand the legal consequences and long-term responsibilities when applying for Japanese citizenship.

3. Why this step is important

Based on practical experience, many people only focus on "getting approved" without fully understanding their obligations after naturalization. Japan views nationality as a long-term commitment, not merely a right of residence.

Watching the video helps you:

• Understand civic responsibilities

• Avoid misunderstanding dual citizenship

• Prepare psychologically and plan long-term for your family

Consider this a step to reconfirm your decision, rather than just a mandatory administrative procedure.

Condition 9: Prepare documents according to the Legal Affairs Bureau's instructions

1. Receive the list of documents and the naturalization guide handbook

After the second interview in the Japanese naturalization process, you will be:

• Provided with a specific list of documents to submit

• Given a detailed guide on naturalization requirements

• Informed of the name of the officer in charge of your application

• Assigned a case number

From this point, your application will be officially tracked in the system. This is the most crucial stage of the Japanese naturalization procedure.

2. Take time to carefully review and thoroughly prepare

You need to carefully read the guide and start gathering documents according to the requirements. This process often takes several months because:

• Documents must be obtained from Vietnam or the country of origin

• They need to be translated and notarized into Japanese

• Tax, insurance, and residency confirmation documents must be supplemented

Those who prepare thoroughly from the beginning will significantly shorten the review time.

3. Proactively contact the assigned officer when ready

Once all documents on the list are complete, you need to:

• Contact the assigned officer directly

• Provide your case number to schedule an official submission appointment

• Reconfirm the list of documents before the submission appointment

Do not submit if you do not have all the required documents, as repeated requests for supplements can prolong the Japanese naturalization application process by several months.

Condition 10: Submit application and attend the official reception session

1. Schedule an application submission when fully prepared

After completing all documents as instructed, you need to contact the assigned officer to schedule an appointment for submitting your Japanese naturalization application.

Important note: All previous steps were just preparation. This session is the official step in the Japanese naturalization procedure.

You should only schedule an appointment when you are absolutely sure that:

• All documents on the required list are complete.

• Information across all documents is absolutely consistent.

• Translations and notarizations are complete.

2. The application will be checked in every small detail

During the application submission session, you may meet one or more legal affairs officers. They will:

• Check every page of the documents.

• Cross-reference information between documents.

• Verify the logic of residency periods, employment, and income.

• Ask questions if there are any unclear points.

In reality, the verification process is very thorough. Small discrepancies in dates, names, or residency history can all lead to requests for clarification.

3. Additional documents or new requirements may arise

If any deficiencies are found, you will be asked to:

• Submit missing documents.

• Correct inaccurate declarations

• Provide additional evidence if necessary

In some cases, authorities may request new documents based on the content of your application. This does not mean the application is rejected, but rather that it is a step towards ensuring absolute accuracy.

Condition 11: Waiting for naturalization application review

1. Review step after submitting the application

After completing the official reception, you will enter the waiting period for the review of your Japanese naturalization application.

At this stage, the Legal Affairs Bureau will:

• Re-check all declared information

• Cross-reference documents with administrative data

• Verify the truthfulness and consistency of the application

This is an important step in the Japanese naturalization process, directly affecting the final outcome.

2. On-site checks of residence and workplace may occur

The review may include:

• Verifying the residential address

• Contacting your employer

• Interviewing references (guarantors, superiors, colleagues, etc.)

Not all applications undergo on-site inspections, but you should be mentally prepared and ensure all declared information is accurate.

3. May be asked to provide additional information at any time

During the Japanese citizenship application review process, you may:

• Receive phone calls or letters requesting additional documents

• Be asked to explain certain issues in detail

• Have to update changes in employment, address, or marital status

A quick and honest response will help prevent the application process from being extended.

4. Waiting period can last several months

This stage usually takes several months, depending on:

• The complexity of the application

• The volume of applications being processed locally

• Whether additional documents are required

In practice, most of the time in the Japanese naturalization application process is spent on this review stage. Therefore, patience and a clear application from the start are factors that help shorten the waiting time and increase the likelihood of approval.

Condition 12: Final meeting and naturalization decision

1. Invited to attend the final meeting

When the review process is complete and your Japanese naturalization application is deemed satisfactory, the local Legal Affairs Bureau will contact you to arrange a final meeting.

This is a positive sign that the application has passed the detailed inspection stage in the Japanese naturalization process.

2. Signing commitments and completing legal procedures

At the final meeting, you will:

• Sign commitment documents as regulated

• Reconfirm personal information

• Officially have your complete application accepted by the Legal Affairs Bureau

After that, your application will be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice of Japan for final approval.

3. Citizenship becomes effective after Ministry of Justice approval

When the Ministry of Justice approves:

• A naturalization decision will be issued

• Your Japanese citizenship officially becomes effective

• Information will be published according to administrative regulations

From this point, you become a Japanese citizen with full rights and obligations under the law.

In practice, if the application has reached the final meeting stage, the chances of approval are very high. However, you still need to ensure there are no major changes in your legal status, employment, or violations of law while waiting for the decision.

Part 2: Acquiring Japanese citizenship through parental recognition

Step 1: Conditions for acquiring Japanese citizenship through a parent

1. Applicable to cases where parents are not married

You can still be recognized for Japanese citizenship if one of your parents is a Japanese citizen, even if your parents are not married, provided that all the legal requirements below are met.

This is an area often searched with questions such as: "Can a child born out of wedlock obtain Japanese citizenship?" or "Can I be naturalized if my father is Japanese?".

2. Must be under 20 years old at the time of application

• The applicant must be under 20 years old

• If already 20 years old, the regular Japanese naturalization procedure will apply

The age factor is a mandatory condition, not flexible.

3. Must not have had Japanese citizenship previously

• Must not have lost Japanese citizenship before

• Must not be in a situation where Japanese citizenship was renounced previously

This regulation aims to prevent attempts to restore citizenship under special circumstances when not eligible.

4. Must be legally recognized by the Japanese parent

• Must have a legal document confirming the father-child or mother-child relationship

• The recognition must be legally registered with the competent authority

A blood relationship alone is not sufficient. The "recognition of parentage" must be carried out through proper legal procedures.

5. The recognizing parent must be a Japanese citizen at two important times

• Was a Japanese citizen at the time of your birth

• Remains a Japanese citizen at the time of recognition

If the parent had lost Japanese citizenship before either of these times, the application may not be eligible.

Step 2: Submitting the citizenship application in person

1. Must submit the application in person

If you are eligible for Japanese naturalization through a Japanese parent, you must go in person to the competent authority to complete the procedure.

This regulation is mandatory in the citizenship recognition process; proxies are not permitted (except for special cases mentioned below).

2. Submit the application at the correct agency based on your place of residence

Depending on where you live, the location for completing the procedure will vary:

• If residing in Japan: go to the Legal Affairs Bureau where you live

• If residing abroad: go to the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate

This is an important step in the process of confirming Japanese citizenship through a parent, different from the regular Japanese naturalization procedure.

3. Sole exception: individuals under 15 years old

• Individuals under 15 years old are not required to be present in person

• Parents or legal guardians may represent them in the procedure

After turning 15, the applicant must carry out the legal steps themselves.

Step 3: Submitting the notification of citizenship acquisition

1. Must submit written notification

To complete the procedure for acquiring Japanese citizenship through a Japanese parent, you must submit a written notification to the competent authority.

This is not an automatic recognition step. If the notification is not submitted according to regulations, your citizenship will not be legally established.

2. Use the correct form issued by the Ministry of Justice

At the Legal Affairs Bureau (or Japanese Embassy/Consulate if abroad), you will be:

• Provided with the citizenship notification form

• Instructed on how to accurately fill in the information

• Required to submit supporting documents proving the relationship and citizenship of the parent(s)

When applying for Japanese citizenship through a parent, the information must exactly match the birth certificate, family register, and citizenship records of the recognizing parent.

3. Complete and submit directly to the receiving agency

After filling out completely:

• Recheck all personal information

• Sign as instructed

• Submit directly to the receiving officer

The authorities will review the application and confirm the acquisition of citizenship if all legal conditions are met.

Japanese citizenship by descent and place of birth

1. Automatic citizenship if a parent is Japanese

You may automatically acquire Japanese citizenship if, at the time of your birth:

• Your father or mother was a Japanese citizen

• Or your biological father was Japanese and passed away before your birth

In these cases, you do not need to follow the Japanese naturalization procedure for 5 years of residency. However, you must still complete family registration and provide proper notification to be officially recognized.

2. Children born in Japan under special circumstances

Some children born in Japan are still recognized for Japanese citizenship, for example:

• Children abandoned with unknown parents

• Children handed over to medical facilities or authorities

However, it is important to understand: Japan does not widely apply the principle of "citizenship by birth on territory." This rule only applies in special situations where other citizenship cannot be determined for the child.

3. Prepare mentally and for long-term planning

If you are considering applying for Japanese citizenship, please note:

• The minimum residency period is usually 5 years

• The review period can extend for about 1 additional year

• The decision of nationality has long-term effects on residency rights, taxes, and assets

Therefore, make sure this is the choice you truly desire.

4. Absolute honesty in your application

Throughout the entire process of Japanese naturalization, you must:

• Declare all information accurately

• Do not conceal criminal records, tax debts, or residency history

• Provide truthful documents

Intentional misrepresentation can lead to fines, criminal prosecution, or annulment of naturalization results.

5. Obligation to choose nationality when over 20 years old

If you are over 20 years old and hold multiple nationalities, you will be required to choose a nationality when applying for Japanese nationality.

Signing the nationality selection form (国籍選択) is an internal procedure under Japanese law. However, you should carefully consider your rights and obligations in both countries before making a decision.

6. Practical advice when pursuing Japanese nationality

• Learn Japanese during your residency to improve integration

• Build a stable tax and work record

• Maintain a clean record and comply with the law

The process of applying for Japanese nationality can be lengthy and requires patience. But if you are committed to a long-term future in Japan, thorough preparation from the start will make this journey clearer and more feasible.

References

1. Ministry of Justice of Japan. (n.d.). Nationality and Naturalization Procedures. Retrieved from: http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/tnl-01.html
2. Ministry of Justice of Japan. (n.d.). The Nationality Law of Japan (English Translation). Retrieved from: http://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji163-e1.pdf
3. Just Landed. (n.d.). Japanese Citizenship: Visas & Permits Guide. Retrieved from: https://www.justlanded.com/english/Japan/Japan-Guide/Visas-Permits/Japanese-citizenship

Translated by: Rene Lee Nguyen.