Japanese Naturalization Quiz (Citizenship Requirements)
Check the requirements for Japanese naturalization (acquiring Japanese nationality) against the Nationality Act (Articles 5–8) and the Ministry of Justice "Nationality Q&A". Choose your category to see the required years of residence, how many remain, and the common requirements. If you only want to stay, compare with permanent residency.
Naturalization quiz
Naturalization requirements (Nationality Act Arts. 5–8)
A quick reference based on the Nationality Act and the MOJ "Nationality Q&A" (last checked: 2026-06-12). The final decision rests with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
Required years by category
| Category | Article | Required years (guide) |
|---|---|---|
| No special ties (ordinary naturalisation) | 国籍法5条 | 5+ continuous years of address in Japan on a lawful status (statutory minimum). |
| Spouse of a Japanese national | 国籍法7条 | Either (i) 3+ continuous years of address/residence in Japan with a current address, or (ii) 3 years since marriage plus 1+ continuous year of address in Japan. |
| Born in Japan / child of a former Japanese national | 国籍法6条 | People born in Japan, or children of former Japanese nationals, need 3+ continuous years of address/residence in Japan. |
| Child of a Japanese national (biological) | 国籍法8条 | A biological child of a Japanese national (excluding adopted) with a current address in Japan is, in practice, not subject to a residence-years requirement. |
The years above are the statutory minimum. The years actually required depend on Legal Affairs Bureau practice (see the note below).
Common requirements
- 18+ and of legal age under your home-country law (capacity)
- Good conduct (no serious issues with criminal record, taxes or traffic violations)
- Stable livelihood (assessed per household)
- Able to renounce your previous nationality, or stateless (prevention of dual nationality)
- Will uphold the Constitution of Japan
- Japanese ability sufficient for daily life (speaking, reading and writing)
About "5 years" and "social integration" (important)
Article 5 of the Nationality Act still requires "5+ continuous years" (it has not been amended). However, guidance from the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Affairs Bureau also mentions, as factors of integration into Japanese society, "everyday-level Japanese ability" and "having resided in Japan for 10+ years". So meeting the 5-year statutory minimum does not guarantee approval, and in practice a longer residence may be taken into account. Confirm the years actually needed with your local Legal Affairs Bureau.
Naturalization vs permanent residency
| Item | Naturalisation | Permanent residency |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Acquires Japanese nationality (usually loses the previous one) | Keeps foreign nationality |
| Residence years (guide) | 5+ by statute (shorter via simplified naturalisation; longer residence considered in practice) | 10+ in general (shorter for HSP, etc.) |
| Passport | Japanese passport | Passport of the home country |
| Voting rights | Yes | No |
| Application fee | None (document costs apart) | ¥10,000 (from April 2025) |
| Where to apply | Legal Affairs Bureau | Regional Immigration Services Bureau |
To keep your nationality and just stay in Japan, check the Permanent Residency Checker for the required years and conditions.
FAQ
How many years of residence do I need to naturalize in Japan?
Under Article 5 of the Nationality Act, ordinary naturalization requires 5+ continuous years of address in Japan. The spouse of a Japanese national needs 3 years of residence, or 3 years of marriage plus 1 year of residence; people born in Japan need 3 years (simplified naturalization). However, Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs Bureau guidance also mentions "having resided 10+ years" as a factor of social integration, so meeting the statutory 5 years does not guarantee approval. Confirm the actual years with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
Which is better, naturalization or permanent residency?
Naturalization means acquiring Japanese nationality and becoming Japanese — you normally lose your original nationality and gain a Japanese passport and voting rights. Permanent residency lets you live in Japan indefinitely while keeping your foreign nationality. Choose PR to keep your nationality, naturalization to live as a Japanese national.
Is there a Japanese-language test for naturalization?
There is no statutory JLPT level, but you need Japanese ability sufficient for daily life (speaking, reading and writing), which may be checked at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
Is there a fee for the naturalization application?
There is no fee for the naturalization application itself. However, you will have separate out-of-pocket costs for obtaining and translating various certificates from your home country and Japan.
Do I have to give up my original nationality?
In principle, naturalization requires that you be able to renounce your former nationality (prevention of dual nationality). Japan does not generally allow adults to hold dual nationality, though exceptions exist where you cannot renounce by your own will.
Can the spouse of a Japanese national naturalize immediately?
Not immediately. The spouse of a Japanese national can apply with 3+ years of residence, or after 3 years of marriage plus 1+ year of residence — shorter than ordinary naturalization (5 years) (Nationality Act Art. 7).
Related tools
Official sources
- Ministry of Justice: Nationality Q&A (conditions for naturalization)
- Ministry of Justice: Nationality Act (text)
- Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau: about naturalization (conditions)
Last updated: 2026-06-12 （国籍法（昭和25年法律第147号）第5条〜第8条／成年年齢18歳（令和4年4月1日施行））