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Naturalization (帰化申請)

Support for foreign nationals applying for Japanese citizenship in Hakuba and Nagano.

Requirements Overview

Length of Stay

Generally 5 years of continuous residence in Japan. Shorter periods apply for spouses of Japanese nationals or those with Japanese ancestry.

Daily Life Conduct

No criminal record. Compliance with tax obligations, pension contributions, and health insurance payments is required.

Financial Independence

Stable income sufficient to support yourself and your household. Self-employed applicants must also demonstrate business viability.

Japan does not legally recognise dual nationality. Upon naturalisation, you are generally required to renounce your previous citizenship. The practical handling of this varies by country of origin — we can advise on the implications for your specific nationality.

Permanent Residency vs. Naturalization

Permanent Residency Naturalization
Japanese nationality No Yes
Passport Current passport Japanese passport
Visa renewal Not required Not applicable
Voting rights No Yes
Renounce current citizenship Not required Generally required
Eligibility period 10 years (general) 5 years (general)

Application Steps

1

Consultation

We assess your eligibility, review your residence history, and explain what documentation will be needed.

2

Document List & Collection

We prepare a personalised checklist and assist with obtaining certificates from local government offices, the tax office, and the Legal Affairs Bureau.

3

Application Preparation

We prepare the application forms, motivation letter (動機書), and all supporting documents.

4

Filing at the Legal Affairs Bureau

We submit your application to the Nagano Legal Affairs Bureau and handle any follow-up correspondence.

5

Result

Review typically takes 6 to 12 months. We monitor progress and notify you of the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Japan allow dual citizenship?
Japan does not legally recognise dual citizenship for adults. Upon naturalisation, you are generally expected to renounce your previous citizenship. The process and timeline for renunciation vary by country. Some countries do not require formal renunciation, and in practice enforcement varies. We advise discussing this with your home country's consulate before proceeding.
Is there a Japanese language test?
There is no formal standardised test, but the Legal Affairs Bureau may ask about your Japanese ability during the interview. We provide sample materials for those who want to prepare.
Can I include my spouse and children in the same application?
Spouses and children are filed separately but can be submitted together. Children born in Japan or who have lived here for an extended period often qualify under simplified criteria. We review each family member's situation individually.

Fees

Salaried employee ¥252,000 (incl. tax)
Business owner / company director ¥296,000 (incl. tax)
Additional co-resident family member (per person) Half of the above
Additional affiliated company (per company) +¥77,000 (incl. tax)
Translation of foreign documents (per A4 page) from ¥4,500

For a full breakdown of what is included in the fee, see the Fees page.

We offer a free initial consultation. Please get in touch.

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