Immigration Have you ever tried applying for Japanese citizenship after living in Japan?

[LTDAN]

I mean, there are foreigners who are long term residents of Japan (永住権) but they've barely considered becoming "Japanese" via naturalization. Is it really that hard to obtain a Japanese passport even if a gaijin has been living in the country for like more than a decade and speaks Japanese pretty well. The thing is that, Japan doesn't allow dual citizenship meaning you have to renounce your current citizenship (from your country of birth) in order to be considered "Japanese".

 

[thomas]

It is not hard, but there are a few requirements:

The Ministry of Justice：Nationality Q&A

the homepage of the Ministry of Justice

www.moj.go.jp

Japan's naturalisation requirements require foreign nationals to have lived in Japan for over 5 consecutive years (increasing to 10 years in 2026/2027), demonstrate good conduct, possess financial stability, and have basic Japanese language skills. The process involves extensive document gathering, interviews with the Legal Affairs Bureau, and approval by the Minister of Justice.

They used to say it was easier to become a Japanese citizen than to acquire permanent residence in Japan.

I asked ChatGPT:

Key Naturalisation Requirements (as of 2026)

• Residence: Generally 5+ years consecutive residency with a valid visa (often at least 3 years working). Note: This is shifting toward a 10-year requirement for some applicants.
• Age:18 years or older and legally capable.
  • Conduct: No serious criminal record, proper tax/social insurance payments, and good moral behaviour.
  • Livelihood: Stable income sufficient to live independently in Japan.
  • Language: Basic Japanese ability (reading/writing roughly equivalent to 3rd-grade elementary school).
  • Nationality: Renunciation of previous nationality is required, as Japan does not allow dual citizenship.

Application Process

1. Initial Consultation: Meet with the Citizenship Division at your local Legal Affairs Bureau.
2. Document Collection: Prepare a comprehensive set of documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, income records, etc.).
3. Application Filing: Submit documents in person at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
4. Interview: Attend an interview with immigration officials.
5. Screening & Approval: The Minister of Justice reviews the application, a process that often takes 1.5 to 2 years.

Important Notes

• Cost: No application fee, but costs for gathering certificates (family registers, income tax) apply.
• Stricter Rules: In 2026, the government is moving to tighten requirements, including potentially doubling the residence period to 10 years to ensure better societal integration.
• Long Absence: Excessive time outside Japan (e.g., over 100+ days in a year or 3+ months in a single trip) can disrupt the "consecutive" requirement

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[Lothor]

I mean, there are foreigners who are long term residents of Japan (永住権) but they've barely considered becoming "Japanese" via naturalization. Is it really that hard to obtain a Japanese passport even if a gaijin has been living in the country for like more than a decade and speaks Japanese pretty well. The thing is that, Japan doesn't allow dual citizenship meaning you have to renounce your current citizenship (from your country of birth) in order to be considered "Japanese".

Becoming Japanese and being considered Japanese are two different things, the latter being pretty much impossible with the preoccupation that most Japanese people have about looks, behaviour and blood. But you're right about becoming Japanese: for many people, losing the nationality of their original country is a deal breaker.

 

[mdchachi]

I mean, there are foreigners who are long term residents of Japan (永住権) but they've barely considered becoming "Japanese" via naturalization. Is it really that hard to obtain a Japanese passport even if a gaijin has been living in the country for like more than a decade and speaks Japanese pretty well. The thing is that, Japan doesn't allow dual citizenship meaning you have to renounce your current citizenship (from your country of birth) in order to be considered "Japanese".

I only know one person that did this. It was many years ago but he said it was easier to become a citizen than to get permanent residency. He was Hong Kong Chinese before it was returned to China so giving up his Chinese citizenship was not a great concern for him.

 

[salyavin]

I am aquanted with about a dozen who did it. Within the year I know a German and Amercan who did it after living in Japan 30 years. This is not something I would rush. RetireJapan Ben posted on his site he applied and will be giving up UK citizenship.

Amercans have to file taxes, FBAR, have high taxes on ETFs so a few do it for that but unless you are high income that is not a big concern. One ex Brit who runs mimusubi also did it as he wants the right to stay in Japan forever. For almost all I recommend just permanent residence. For example as an Amercan if you qualify for social security there are less countries you can receve it than if you are not an American and you lose any servces from any US embassy includiNlng help with social security. Most I kniw who did it waited decades and most do not.