What is Naturalization? 帰化申請とは
Naturalization (帰化) is the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship. Unlike permanent residency, you become a full Japanese national — with a Japanese passport and the right to vote.
帰化申請とは日本国籍を取得する手続きです。永住とは異なり、パスポートの取得・選挙権など日本国民としての権利が与えられます。
Naturalization vs Permanent Residency 帰化と永住の比較
| Naturalization 帰化 | Permanent Residency 永住 |
|---|
| Japanese passport | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Keep foreign nationality | ✗ Generally no | ✓ Yes |
| Visa renewal required | ✗ Not required | ✗ Not required |
| Right to vote | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Typical residency requirement | 5+ years | 10+ years |
Key Requirements 主な要件
- 5+ years of continuous residence in Japan / 5年以上継続して日本に在留していること
- Age 20 or over / 20歳以上であること
- Good conduct / 素行が善良であること
- Ability to support oneself financially / 独立した生計を営む能力があること
- Willingness to renounce current nationality (in principle) / 日本国憲法を尊重し支持する意思があること
- Basic Japanese language ability (reading, writing, conversation) / 日常会話レベルの日本語能力
About dual nationality: Japan generally does not recognise dual nationality. You will typically need to renounce your current citizenship after naturalisation. We can discuss your specific situation in a consultation.
二重国籍について：日本は原則として二重国籍を認めていません。帰化後は元の国籍を離脱する必要があります。詳しくはご相談ください。
The Process 申請の流れ
1
Consultation & Eligibility Check 相談・資格確認
We review your situation and assess eligibility.
2
Document Preparation 書類準備
We prepare all forms and collect documents from Japanese government offices.
3
Home Country Documents 本国書類
You obtain documents from your home country. We can arrange Japanese translation if needed.
4
Submission to Legal Affairs Bureau 法務局への申請
We submit to the Nagano District Legal Affairs Bureau on your behalf.
5
Interview & Result 面接・結果
An interview at the Legal Affairs Bureau is typically required. We prepare you fully.
Fee 料金
See the fee schedule for details. / 詳細は料金案内をご参照ください。
- Salaried employee 会社員：¥252,000（税込）
- Director / Executive 社長・役員：¥296,000（税込）
- Japanese language test sample provided on request / 日本語テストサンプル提供（希望者）
