Naturalization for Permanent Residents｜Complete Guide to Requirements, Documents, and Processing Time

Among permanent residents who have lived in Japan for many years, more and more people are considering obtaining Japanese nationality through naturalization to secure their future. Questions unique to permanent residents are frequently asked, such as “How is naturalization different from permanent residency?”, “Do permanent residents have an advantage in naturalization?”, and “What documents and processing time are required?”

This page explains, from the perspective of experts at ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, the essential knowledge, required documents, review points, precautions, and refusal cases that permanent residents should understand when considering naturalization. It clearly illustrates how to make use of the advantages of being a permanent resident and how to prepare your application effectively.

Let’s begin by reviewing the difference between permanent residency and naturalization.

1. What Is the Difference Between Permanent Residency and Naturalization?

1. Fundamental Differences Between Permanent Residency and Naturalization

Although both permanent residency and naturalization allow long-term stability in Japan, their legal meaning and rights are significantly different. A permanent resident remains a foreign national residing in Japan indefinitely, whereas naturalization means acquiring full Japanese nationality.

In daily life, permanent residents and Japanese nationals may appear similar, but legally, there are many differences in treatment.

2. Practical Lifestyle Differences

• Banking and Housing Loan Approval
  Japanese citizens tend to receive easier approval and may benefit from longer repayment periods.
• Freedom of Overseas Travel
  The Japanese passport ranks among the strongest globally, offering extensive visa-free access.
• Access to Government Careers and National Qualifications
  Some positions or licenses unavailable to permanent residents become accessible after naturalization.
• Children’s Nationality Treatment
  When a parent naturalizes, minor children may acquire Japanese nationality upon notification.

3. Which Is Better: Permanent Residency or Naturalization?

The choice depends on life plans and family circumstances—there is no universal answer. Consider the following perspectives:

• Plan to live in Japan permanently → Many choose naturalization.
• Wish to retain original nationality → Permanent residency may be suitable.
• Prefer children to hold Japanese nationality → Naturalization is advantageous.
• Want broader career options → Naturalization expands opportunities.

Because permanent residency and naturalization differ significantly in legal status and future flexibility, it is important to compare them carefully before applying.

For more details, see the page below.

A Thorough Comparison of Permanent Residency and Naturalization

Expert commentary comparing requirements, advantages, and disadvantages, helping you determine which option best suits your situation.

2. Why Permanent Residents Have an Advantage in Naturalization

Although the seven statutory requirements of naturalization apply equally to permanent residents and other visa holders, permanent residents already have established residence records and stability in Japan. This makes them more likely to satisfy requirements and be positively evaluated during review.

Below are key reasons why permanent residents are often considered to have an advantage.

Recognized Long-Term Residence in Japan

Permanent residency itself represents stable long-term residence. Thus, for address history and good conduct evaluation, applicants often begin from a favorable position.

Stable Income and Living Foundation

Most permanent residents have stable employment or business operations, contributing to the important “financial stability requirement” in naturalization.

Established Tax and Social Insurance History

Many permanent residents appropriately paid residence tax, income tax, pension, and national health insurance. These positively reflect good conduct and independent livelihood.

No Visa Renewal Requirement and Secure Future Residence

Unlike work visas or dependent visas, permanent residents do not need to renew their status or depend on specific activities. Their intention to remain in Japan is clearer, demonstrating a commitment to permanent settlement.

Document Preparation Often More Efficient

Because of stable residence and employment histories, collection of documents such as resident records, taxation certificates, and withholding slips tends to be easier, reducing errors and delays.

While permanent residency does not guarantee special preferential treatment, it often works to an applicant’s advantage. Conversely, failure to manage taxes, insurance, or traffic violations can be viewed negatively, so self-checking is crucial before applying.

3. Naturalization Requirements for Permanent Residents (General Requirements and Relaxed Points)

1. The Seven General Requirements for Naturalization

Even when a permanent resident applies for naturalization, the immigration office will basically examine whether the applicant satisfies the “seven general requirements” stipulated under the Nationality Act. Being a permanent resident does not mean that a completely different set of legal standards is applied.

The general requirements for a standard naturalization application are usually summarized as the following seven points:

1. ① Residence Requirement
   Having a registered address in Japan for a certain period. As a rule of thumb, the applicant is expected to have resided continuously in Japan for five years or more.
2. ② Capacity Requirement
   Being 20 years of age or older (the practical operation may change in line with amendments to the age of majority) and having legal capacity under the laws of the home country. For minors, separate categories such as “naturalization of a child” may apply.
3. ③ Good Conduct Requirement
   Observing laws and social rules in daily life, and appropriately fulfilling obligations such as tax payment and social insurance contributions. Traffic violations, unpaid taxes, or lack of social insurance enrollment are negative factors.
4. ④ Financial / Livelihood Requirement (Independent Livelihood)
   Having a stable income as an individual or household, and being able to live in Japan without relying on public assistance. Salary income, business income, and spouse’s income are all considered on a household basis.
5. ⑤ Prevention of Dual Nationality
   In principle, being able to renounce the former nationality after acquiring Japanese nationality. However, in cases where renunciation is extremely difficult due to the laws or circumstances of the home country, individual decisions will be made.
6. ⑥ Constitutional Compliance Requirement
   Not currently belonging to any organization that engages in violent or subversive activities, and, if you have ever belonged to such an organization in the past, having left it and ceased such activities for a certain period of time.
7. ⑦ Japanese Language Ability (Important Practical Requirement)
   Although not explicitly stated in the Nationality Act, in practice the applicant is expected to have Japanese language ability sufficient for everyday life. The ability to communicate in Japanese is checked through document preparation and interviews.

These are general criteria; in actual practice, the legal affairs bureau may adjust its judgment and required documents depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances, such as family structure, residence history, work history, and nationality.

2. Relaxed Points Typically Applied to Permanent Residents

At the same time, permanent residents applying for naturalization often benefit from several practical advantages. Although they are formally subject to the same “seven requirements,” in practice there are relaxed points where they tend to be assessed more favorably or where confirmation proceeds more smoothly.

Residence Requirement Is Easier to Assess

By the time permanent residence has been granted, the applicant is already expected to have lived in Japan for a long period. Therefore, in most cases, the “continuous five years of residence” requirement is already satisfied. It is also easier to confirm residence history using resident records and information on the residence card.

Good Conduct Is More Stable to Evaluate

During the examination for permanent residency, tax payment status and traffic violation history have already been closely reviewed. If the applicant has continued to lead a similar lifestyle, it is easier for the authorities to evaluate that “social credibility has been maintained over a long period of time.”

Higher Reliability in the Financial Requirement

Many permanent residents have stable employment or long-standing business records, and maintain a certain income level. As a result, documents such as pay slips and tax returns can more easily demonstrate that the applicant is maintaining an independent livelihood.

Stronger Ties with Japan

In addition to long-term residence, many permanent residents can concretely show that “Japan is the center of their life” through factors such as a Japanese spouse, children born in Japan, home ownership, or long-term employment at the same company. These points are positive factors in naturalization examinations.

Required Documents Are Easier to Organize

Permanent residents often have fewer changes in employment or address, which can make the preparation of documents such as taxation certificates, withholding slips, and employer certificates relatively simple.

However, these relaxed points merely reflect “general tendencies expected of permanent residents”. They do not guarantee that permanent residents automatically meet all requirements or that their application will certainly be approved. In particular, recent tax delinquencies, lack of social insurance, frequent job changes, or periods of unemployment may still be strictly examined.

Therefore, when a permanent resident is considering naturalization, we recommend first reviewing their own tax status, social insurance enrollment, and employment history. If there are any points of concern, it is advisable to consult a specialist in advance.

4. Required Documents for Naturalization Applications by Permanent Residents

When a permanent resident applies for naturalization, the basic list of documents is similar to that required for any other naturalization applicant. However, because permanent residents have already lived in Japan for a long time, documents related to their residence status are often well-organized, which can make preparation smoother.

The following is a typical list of documents required when a permanent resident files a naturalization application (the exact details may differ slightly depending on the legal affairs bureau).

• Documents Related to the Applicant
  ・Naturalization application form (provided by the legal affairs bureau)
  ・Curriculum vitae (résumé)
  ・Family overview form
  ・Statement of reasons for applying (optional but highly recommended)
  ・Photograph (plain background, 5×5 cm)
• Documents Proving Nationality and Personal Status
  ・Home country passport
  ・Home country family register, birth certificate, etc. (varies by country)
  ・Translations (Japanese translations are required for foreign-language documents)
• Documents Regarding Address and Residence
  ・Resident record (jūminhyō)
  ・Certificate of registered foreign resident information (if necessary)
  ・Lease contract, or real estate registration certificate if you own property
• Documents Concerning Salary and Income
  ・Certificate of employment and an overview of the employer
  ・Withholding tax certificates (typically for the last three years)
  ・Recent salary slips (for the last few months)
  ・Tax returns (for business owners)
• Documents Confirming Tax Payment
  ・Taxation (or non-taxation) certificates
  ・Tax payment certificates
  ・Property tax certificates (if you own real estate)
• Documents Related to Social Insurance
  ・Copy of health insurance card
  ・Documents confirming pension enrollment records
  ・Documents clarifying dependents, if any
• Other Documents Individually Requested by the Legal Affairs Bureau
  ・Driving record certificate (for checking traffic violations)
  ・Copies of bank passbooks (for confirming living conditions and savings)
  ・Additional documents related to family relationships, etc.

For permanent residents, examinations regarding “tax payment,” “social insurance,” and “stable income” often proceed relatively smoothly. However, the authorities still carefully examine records for the past several years, just as they do for general naturalization applications.

5. Estimated Examination Period and Timeline

1. Typical Examination Period When a Permanent Resident Applies for Naturalization

When a permanent resident files a naturalization application, the examination period is generally said to be around 6 months to 1 year. However, this is only an estimate, and the actual period may be shorter or longer depending on factors such as the following:

• The jurisdiction of the legal affairs bureau (whether it is in a region with many applications)
• Family composition (single applicant, or applying together with spouse and/or children)
• The number of matters to be examined, such as work history, frequency of job changes, and business content
• Whether there are issues to be checked in past tax payments and social insurance enrollment
• Presence and frequency of criminal records or traffic violations

For permanent residents, the process may move more smoothly than for holders of a typical work visa because they have already passed an examination for permanent residence by the immigration authorities. However, this does not necessarily mean that “permanent residents are always processed faster.” If there are deficiencies in the documents or if additional materials are requested, the examination period will be extended accordingly.

In actual practice, it is safer to plan your schedule with enough buffer, assuming that it may take “around one year from application to decision.”

2. Typical Timeline from Application to Approval

The following is a typical timeline when a permanent resident applies for naturalization.

The above is only an example, but even for permanent residents, it is advisable to plan with the understanding that “document preparation takes around 1–3 months and it takes around 6 months to 1 year from filing to approval.” Having this image in mind can help you proceed without unnecessary anxiety.

3. Important Points in Managing Your Timeline

Tax and Social Insurance Records in the “Last Several Years” Are Critical

Even for permanent residents, unpaid or overdue taxes or insurance premiums in recent years can delay the examination or lead to refusal. It is important to review your payment records before applying and settle any outstanding amounts in advance.

Consult in Advance If You Expect Job Changes, Resignation, or Moving

If your employer or address changes during the examination, additional documents may be required. If you are planning to change jobs, start a business, or travel overseas for an extended period, it is safer to discuss your schedule in advance with the legal affairs bureau or a specialist.

When Applying as a Family, Coordination of Documents and Schedules Is Even More Important

If you apply together with your spouse or children, you will need to manage the schedule with consideration for each person’s residence status, school, and workplace. It is especially important that all family members share the timing of interviews and the submission of additional documents.

Naturalization applications by permanent residents are advantageous in some respects compared with general applicants, but the core elements of the examination—tax, social insurance, conduct, and consistency of documents—are still carefully scrutinized. Planning with enough time and starting early on document preparation and organizing your living situation are key to a smooth approval process.

6. Cases Where Permanent Residents Are Still Likely to Be Refused

1. Important Risk Points Even for Permanent Residents

Although permanent residents have many advantages when applying for naturalization, this does not mean that approval is guaranteed just because they hold permanent residency. In recent years, examinations have tended to become more rigorous, and the number of refusal cases has increased in certain situations.

Below are typical practical cases where naturalization applications by permanent residents are likely to be refused.

1. Failure to Fulfill Tax Obligations (Most Common Reason for Refusal)

Even for permanent residents, whether they have consistently paid taxes correctly is strictly checked. In particular, tax payment records for the most recent three years are at the core of the examination, and any deficiencies significantly increase the risk of refusal.

2. Non-Enrollment or Non-Payment of Social Insurance

In recent years, checks on social insurance status by the legal affairs bureau have become much stricter. Gaps in social insurance enrollment are a very high risk for refusal, so it is essential to review and correct your situation before applying.

3. Inability to Demonstrate Stable Income (Deficiency in Livelihood Requirement)

Even for permanent residents, the authorities carefully evaluate whether you can maintain a stable life at the time of application. Extra caution is required if you have just changed jobs or experienced a recent drop in income.

4. Accumulation of Traffic Violations and Minor Offenses

People sometimes assume that “minor violations are acceptable,” but a large number of violations may be regarded as a failure to meet the good conduct requirement and can lead to refusal. Traffic violation history is always checked using a driving record certificate.

5. Problems Related to the Employer

Even for permanent residents, illegality or lack of transparency at the employer can significantly affect the examination.

6. Problems in Family Situation (Assessment on a Household Basis)

Because naturalization is evaluated on a household basis, the situations of your spouse and children can also influence the outcome.

7. Inconsistencies in Home-Country Documents

Home-country documents are very important materials in naturalization examinations. If there are inconsistencies in the content, you may be required to obtain new documents or provide additional materials, and in some cases, this can even lead to refusal.

2. Key Measures to Avoid Refusal

• Always Check “the Most Recent Three Years” of Tax and Social Insurance Records
  For permanent residents, who are expected to have a stable life base, recent deficiencies carry especially heavy negative weight.
• Number of Traffic Violations Matters
  Even minor violations, when repeated, can result in refusal.
• Confirm the Employer’s Social Insurance Enrollment Status
  Not only the individual, but also the company’s failure to enroll employees in social insurance can be a reason for refusal.
• Obtain Home-Country Documents Early and Check Their Contents
  Any inconsistencies may take time to correct, so early verification is essential.
• Align Tax and Insurance Records for the Entire Household
  Because applications are evaluated on a household basis, organizing family information and records is also critical.

Although permanent residents have many advantages in naturalization applications, the core aspects of the examination—tax payment, social insurance, conduct, and consistency of documents—are reviewed very strictly. By carefully organizing your life situation and documents before applying, and consulting a specialist early if you have concerns, you can significantly reduce the risk of refusal.

7. Q&A on Naturalization for Permanent Residents

In principle, you cannot. Under Japan’s Nationality Act, dual nationality is not generally allowed, so once naturalization is approved, you are basically expected to proceed with the procedures to renounce your original nationality. However, there are countries where it is extremely difficult to renounce nationality due to their domestic laws or practical reasons. In such cases, the authorities may respond based on the individual circumstances. For details, you should consult the legal affairs bureau or a specialist in advance.

In general, it takes around six months to one year from the time of application. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the workload of the legal affairs bureau in charge, your family composition, your tax, social insurance, and employment status, and how long it takes to verify your home-country documents. Even for permanent residents, the process does not necessarily finish quickly, so we recommend planning your schedule with at least about one year of buffer time.

If you have a spouse or minor children, it is very common to apply for naturalization together as a family, and it also has the advantage of making the overall examination more consistent. On the other hand, your family’s situation—such as your spouse’s employment, tax payment status, and social insurance enrollment—may also affect the examination.
　Taking into account everyone’s residence status and future plans (for example, whether they wish to keep their original nationality), you should consider whether to “apply all together as a family” or “apply first only for yourself.” If you are unsure, it is advisable to consult a specialist who can review your individual circumstances.

Changing jobs or moving house does not immediately result in refusal, but it can lead to requests for additional documents and a longer examination period. Particular care is needed if job changes cause significant fluctuations in your income or changes in your social insurance status.
　If you expect events such as changing jobs, starting your own business, a major change in income, or moving to another prefecture during the examination, you should consult the legal affairs bureau or a specialist in advance to confirm the best timing for filing and any additional documents that may be required.

Even if your application is refused, it does not mean that you can never apply again. However, if you reapply without resolving the reasons for refusal, you are highly likely to receive the same result. Common reasons include deficiencies in tax and social insurance records, unstable income, accumulation of traffic violations, and inconsistencies in documents.
　If your application is refused, it is important first to carefully listen to the reasons and points for improvement explained by the officer in charge at the legal affairs bureau, and then take one to several years to improve your living situation and documentation before considering reapplication. Where necessary, we recommend working with a specialist to develop a reapplication strategy tailored to the reasons for refusal.

9. Naturalization Support Services for Permanent Residents

1. Service Overview

When a permanent resident applies for naturalization, it is essential to organize accurate and internally consistent documents that reflect long-term living conditions, including tax payment records, social insurance enrollment, pension records, stability of income, family relationships, and home-country documents.

Although permanent residents usually have an established life base in Japan, in reality many cases become complicated because of issues such as:

• Concerns about past tax payment status
• Periods without enrollment in the pension system
• Frequent job changes and unstable income
• Deficiencies in family members’ tax or insurance status
• Delays in obtaining and translating home-country documents

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office provides comprehensive support specifically tailored to permanent residents, including advice on collecting required documents, preparation of the full set of application forms, assistance in drafting the statement of reasons (motivation letter), and preparation for interviews at the legal affairs bureau.
This service is ideal for permanent residents who feel, “I’m worried about my tax and social insurance records,” “there are too many documents to handle,” or “I’m anxious about what I will be asked at the legal affairs bureau.”

Who This Service Is For

• Permanent residents who have been living in Japan for a long period and are considering acquiring Japanese nationality
• Those who are concerned about their tax, pension, or social insurance status and wish to整理 these issues in advance
• Those with frequent job changes or fluctuating income who want to confirm how this may affect the examination
• Those who are unsure how to obtain or translate home-country documents such as birth certificates or marriage certificates
• Those who wish to receive full professional support, from document preparation through interview coaching, for their naturalization application as a permanent resident

2. Three Service Plans

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office offers three types of naturalization support plans, depending on your situation and level of need:

① Document Preparation Support (Documents Only)

This is the simplest plan. We assist with整理 and preparation of the documents required for naturalization, including your statement of reasons. Attendance at the Legal Affairs Bureau and interview accompaniment are not included.

1. Preparation of a checklist of required documents and guidance on how to obtain them
2. Preparation of application documents
3. Support for drafting the statement of reasons for naturalization
4. Interview guidance

*You will attend the interview yourself, but we provide advice on possible questions and suggested answers.

② Document Preparation + Accompaniment to the Legal Affairs Bureau

In addition to document preparation, a certified immigration lawyer will accompany you to the Legal Affairs Bureau for the prior consultation and at the time of application, assisting with explanations as needed. This plan is ideal for those who feel uncertain about Japanese communication or the submission procedures.

1. All services included in Plan ①
2. Accompaniment to prior consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau
3. Accompaniment at application submission to the Legal Affairs Bureau

*You will attend the interview yourself, but we provide advice on possible questions and suggested answers.

③ Simplified Naturalization Support (Documents + Accompaniment)

This plan is designed for so-called “simplified naturalization” cases, where some requirements are relaxed (for example, children of Japanese nationals, children of permanent residents, etc.). In addition to document preparation, an immigration lawyer provides full support for procedures at the Legal Affairs Bureau.

1. All services included in Plans ① and ②
2. Organization of documents and explanation of requirements specific to simplified naturalization
3. Optimization and reinforcement of documents according to your individual circumstances

*You will attend the interview yourself, but we provide advice on possible questions and suggested answers.

Services Not Included

The following services are not included in our plans:

• Attendance at the interview with the Legal Affairs Bureau (interviews are in principle conducted only with the applicant)
• Free re-application after a refusal
• Direct obtaining of documents from your home country (we can, however, advise on how to obtain them)

3. Why choose ACROSEED

Why clients choose ACROSEED


• Founded in 1986; industry-leading 40,000+ visa filings
• 99.9% approval rate; trusted by many clients
• No travel expenses; flat fees nationwide
• Extensive track record in complex/re-application after refusal cases
• No add-on fees; transparent pricing
• Free re-application until approval if refused
• Support available in Japanese, English, and Chinese

Founded in 1986, with 40,000+ visa applications

ACROSEED was founded in 1986. Since 1990—the first year administrative scriveners were allowed to handle immigration under the law—we have specialized in immigration work. Our total filings exceed 40,000 (as of March 2025).

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa filings annually, visiting immigration twice a week to stay current on examinations and legal changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you get services based on the latest examination trends and the industry’s deepest practical experience.

99.9% approval rate—peace of mind backed by clients’ trust

Since opening in 1986, ACROSEED has always prioritized trustworthy services. At the free consultation stage, if approval seems unlikely, we explain this and decline the engagement.

As a result, we have maintained an approval rate of 99%+ (including re-applications) since opening.

However, for cases with a viable chance where clients wish to proceed, we will make a maximum effort together.

Our attentive, tailored service has earned broad support from clients.

No travel fees—flat rates nationwide

Our office is in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we handle immigration cases nationwide at flat rates with no travel expenses.

For distant clients, we offer online consultations via Skype or Zoom so you can speak face-to-face with your consultant just like an in-person visit.

Strong results in difficult and re-application cases

We have many approvals for cases repeatedly refused by clients on their own or by other law firms.

ACROSEED’s track record is unparalleled, and we are often referred the most difficult cases from around the country—operating like a “general hospital” for the industry.

Don’t give up—consult us even for seemingly difficult cases.

No add-on fees—transparent pricing

Our service fees are only those listed on our website.

We do not add fees due to client circumstances such as frequent travel or prior refusals.

We provide a transparent pricing system for your peace of mind.

Free re-application until approval if refused

If a case filed by ACROSEED is unfortunately refused, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there remains a possibility of approval.

While some competitors offer “full refunds if refused,” we believe refunds do not solve the client’s problem.

Accepting a case casually and leaving a refusal record in your filing history can make approval much harder later.

Clients who choose ACROSEED from among many firms deserve our stance of “getting the fastest approval possible—and if refused, supporting relentlessly until approval.”

4. Fees for Naturalization Support (excluding tax)

We also offer accompaniment to prior consultation for 20,000円 per visit (excluding tax). If you subsequently委任 ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office to handle your case, the same amount will be discounted from your contract fee.

・Payment by Visa card and MasterCard is also accepted.

1. Document Preparation Only

2. Document Preparation + Accompaniment to the Legal Affairs Bureau

Standard Naturalization

Simplified Naturalization

10.Related Pages Often Read Together with Naturalization Applications

[2025 Edition] Japan Naturalization Guide | Requirements, Documents & Application Process

A clear and comprehensive guide covering the latest 2025 requirements, required documents, key review points, application flow, and interview preparation. Also explains nationality renunciation considerations, FAQs, and three service plans.

Naturalization Guide for Spouses of Japanese Nationals

Naturalization through marriage generally requires 3+ years of marriage history and 1+ year of residence in Japan (as a rule). Learn key review points such as the “genuineness of marriage,” “financial stability,” and “Japanese language ability,” plus how cases with children are assessed and common refusal patterns.

Naturalization from a Work Visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)

Detailed explanation for foreign employees: requirements, required years, income standards, and how changing jobs affects screening. Covers differences based on employment style and tax status, the latest trends in review timelines, and practical strategies to avoid refusal.

Naturalization Guide for Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa Holders

For applicants considering naturalization from HSP (Type 1 / Type 2). Explains situations where screening may be relatively favorable, and factors that require extra caution (e.g., research-track roles, job stability, and continuity of activities).

Naturalization Guide for Business Manager Visa Holders

Experts explain common stumbling points for business owners: business stability, tax compliance, executive compensation design, and social insurance handling. Includes review tendencies reflected from 2025 onward.

Naturalization Guide for Permanent Residents

The final step for permanent residents to become Japanese nationals. Organizes required documents, review timelines, and how decisions differ by family structure, plus preparation to avoid refusal and a clear comparison of “Permanent Residence vs Naturalization.”

Naturalization Guide for Long-Term Resident Visa Holders

For Long-Term Residents (spouse-based long-term, child of a Japanese national, stepchild, Nikkei-related statuses, etc.). Explains key requirements, documents, what examiners focus on, and Japanese language expectations by typical case type.

Naturalization Guide for Special Permanent Residents

Covers background of the制度, screening characteristics, how to write the reason statement for naturalization, and important notes about nationality choices within the family—tailored for Special Permanent Residents.

More In-Depth Questions About Japan Naturalization

Naturalization vs Permanent Residence in Japan: A Complete Comparison (2025)
Can You Apply for Naturalization with Less Than 3 Years of Work? Latest Standards & Approval Points
Naturalization and Time Outside Japan: Guidelines for “5+ Continuous Years” and Key Cautions
Naturalization Required Documents List: 2025 Latest Checklist by Case Type
Naturalization Requirements (7 Conditions): Expert Guide to Obtaining Japanese Nationality
My child has dual nationality (Japan & the U.S.). Are any procedures required?
Should You Hire an Administrative Scrivener for Naturalization? Benefits, Fees, and How to Choose
Income Requirements for Naturalization: How Much Is Needed and How “Ability to Support a Living” Is Judged
Traffic Violations & Minor Offenses in Naturalization: Do Parking Tickets or Criminal Records Matter?
Required Japanese Level for Naturalization: Speaking, Reading/Writing, and Interview Benchmarks
Are Taxes, Insurance, and Pension Critical for Naturalization? Does Non-Payment Lead to Refusal?
Renunciation of Prior Nationality: Country-by-Country Guidance (China, Korea, U.S., and More)
Residence Years & Time Abroad for Naturalization: 5-Year / 3-Year Rules and Key Judgment Points
Reasons for Naturalization Refusal: Common “Rejected at Intake” Cases and Timing to Reapply