Nationality of Japan: all obtaining pathways
Japanese naturalization requires five years of continuous residence, financial self-sufficiency, sufficient command of Japanese and the renunciation of the previous nationality: Japan does not accept dual citizenship. Marriage to a Japanese national reduces the required residence to three years, and nationality by descent follows ius sanguinis with automatic transmission through parentage.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Continuous residence in Japan for a minimum of 5 years
- Minimum age of 20
- Good conduct and upright behaviour
- Financial self-sufficiency, own or through the spouse
- Renouncing the previous nationality (Japan does not in principle permit dual citizenship)
- Sufficient command of Japanese for daily life
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Passport and residence card
- Employment and income certificate
- Tax returns (kakutei shinkoku) for the last 3-5 years
- Criminal record certificate
- Motivation statements in Japanese
- Spouse's identity documents if applicable
2Naturalization by marriage to a Japanese national
Naturalization by marriage to a Japanese national
Requirements
- Being married to a Japanese national
- Continuous residence in Japan for a minimum of 3 years (or 1 year if the Japanese spouse has lived in Japan for over 3 years)
- Good conduct
- Financial self-sufficiency
- Renouncing the previous nationality
Documentation
- Marriage certificate (konin todoke no kisai jiko shomeisho)
- Passport and residence card
- Japanese spouse's family register extract (koseki tohon)
- Spouse's tax returns
- Employment certificate
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Japanese national at the time of birth
- Prenatal recognition by the Japanese father if the parents are not married
- Before turning 22, a choice of a single nationality is required if dual nationality was acquired at birth
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Koseki tohon (family register extract) of the Japanese father/mother
- Passport of the Japanese father/mother
4Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in Japan to unknown or stateless parents
- Applicable only in very exceptional statelessness cases
- Pure ius soli, as in American countries, does not apply
Documentation
- Birth certificate issued in Japan
- Proof of statelessness or unknown parents
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Japan
How many years of residence does Japan require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Japan (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Japan allow dual nationality?
Renouncing the previous nationality (Japan does not in principle permit dual citizenship)
Can the nationality of Japan be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage to a Japanese national pathway (3 years (or 1 year in exceptional cases)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Japan require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Passport and residence card; Employment and income certificate; Tax returns (kakutei shinkoku) for the last 3-5 years; Criminal record certificate; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Japan?
Japan provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by marriage to a Japanese national, Nationality by descent, Nationality by birth in the territory.
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Anything to correct or add about Japan?
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