Obtain Japanese Citizenship

To get Japanese Citizenship (Naturalization), you need to meet the legal requirements set by Japan’s nationality laws. Meeting the requirements doesn’t guarantee approval.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) manages immigration applications and status changes. You’ll work with the ISA or a local legal affairs office as you go through the naturalization process.

At a minimum, you must:

• Meet all statutory conditions required for naturalization under Japanese law.
• Demonstrate eligibility at the time of application, not just in the past.
• Submit to review by the competent authority, which evaluates your case individually.

Approval remains discretionary. The authority reviews your full record and circumstances before granting Japanese nationality.

processing times depend on your application category and the office handling your case. You should confirm current timelines directly with the issuing authority before you apply.

Local processing speeds can differ, and timeframes may change without notice. Expect the authority to assess your eligibility based on the documents and information you provide.

Incomplete or inconsistent submissions can delay review. Naturalization is different from visa or residence status applications.

Citizenship grants a change in legal status, and the review reflects that significance. Here are some practical points:

• Eligibility is necessary but not sufficient. Meeting listed requirements does not ensure approval.
• Each case is reviewed individually. The authority does not rely solely on checklists.
• Location matters. Processing times and administrative handling can vary by office.

Before you proceed, verify current procedural details with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA). Requirements, internal review practices, and expected timelines can shift.

Approach the eligibility stage carefully. Confirm that you satisfy every listed condition before submitting your application for Japanese Citizenship (Naturalization).

When you obtain Japanese Citizenship (Naturalization), your previous nationality becomes a legal issue you need to address. Japan requires you to choose one nationality if you hold more than one.

If you are a dual national, you must make a formal declaration of choice of nationality before you turn. Failing to choose can result in the loss of Japanese nationality.

Your old passport represents your foreign nationality. What happens next depends on your situation.

If you are naturalizing as a foreign national, you must take formal steps to renounce your prior citizenship. This process involves two key actions:

Declare your choice of Japanese nationality.

You formally state that you elect Japanese nationality.

Renounce your foreign nationality.

You complete the renunciation process required by the other country and obtain proof that you no longer hold that nationality.

Submit documentation as required.

You provide documents showing your foreign nationality status when renouncing, as required by the authorities.

You must keep records that prove you completed the renunciation process. Japanese authorities require documentation confirming your foreign nationality when you give it up.

If you choose a foreign nationality and give up Japanese nationality, you must file a notification of renouncing Japanese nationality. In that case, your Japanese passport becomes invalid.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) handles immigration status matters. Nationality procedures and documentation requirements can change, and you need to confirm current rules directly with the ISA and the relevant municipal office handling nationality matters.

Pay close attention to deadlines. If you hold dual nationality and fail to choose before age 22, you risk losing Japanese nationality by operation of law.

Before you surrender or cancel any passport, confirm:

• Your nationality choice is properly declared.
• You understand the legal effect of renunciation.
• You have obtained required proof of foreign nationality or its loss.
• Your documents match your legal status.

Don’t assume your old passport remains valid after you complete nationality procedures. Once you renounce a nationality, the passport tied to it generally loses its legal effect.

Always verify current procedural details with the official Immigration Services Agency (ISA) sources before taking action.

You do not pay a government filing fee when you apply for Japanese Citizenship (Naturalization). The official application fee is JPY (¥) 0.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) accepts naturalization applications without charging a submission fee. This removes one financial barrier at the point of filing, but it doesn’t mean the process is free.

Government Application Fee

You do not submit payment when you file your naturalization paperwork with the ISA. If you see unofficial sources listing a fee, confirm details directly with the ISA.

Indirect and Administrative Costs

Even though the filing fee is ¥0, expect related expenses. These costs depend on your personal situation and the documents required in your case.

Common out-of-pocket costs may include:

• Obtaining official certificates and records
• Translating documents into Japanese
• Travel to and from the ISA office
• Professional legal or administrative assistance

The ISA does not control private translation or professional service fees. Providers set their own prices, and those amounts vary.

If your documents originate outside Japan, you may incur additional charges from foreign authorities before submission. You must pay those issuing bodies directly.

Planning Your Budget

Review the document checklist provided by the ISA and identify which records you must secure. Then confirm the cost of each document with the issuing authority.

If you choose to hire an immigration attorney or licensed professional, request a written fee agreement. Professional representation is optional, but many first-time applicants use it to manage complex documentation.

Because the official application fee is ¥0, your total cost depends almost entirely on document preparation and support services. Always verify current procedural requirements with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) before you submit your naturalization application.