Applying for Japanese Naturalization with Less Than 3 Years of Employment｜Requirements & Latest Review Points

When applying for Japanese naturalization, one of the basic conditions is the so-called “residence requirement,” which generally requires that the applicant has continuously resided in Japan for at least five years. Importantly, periods spent in Japan under a student visa are usually counted toward this five-year requirement.

Therefore, many applicants who studied in Japan for several years may already satisfy the residence requirement even if they have not yet worked for three full years after graduation.

However, naturalization screening does not focus solely on the length of residence. Immigration authorities place strong emphasis on whether the applicant can maintain a stable livelihood in Japan. This includes employment status, job stability, position and duties, income level, tax payment history, social insurance enrollment, and personal savings.

As a general internal guideline, Legal Affairs Bureaus are said to prefer applicants to have approximately three years of work experience after switching from a student visa to a work visa. This is because newly employed individuals often have unstable income, frequent job changes, and limited tax history.

That said, recent trends in 2024–2025 show that applications are not judged solely on whether the applicant has worked for three years. The following factors are closely examined:

• Outstanding or unpaid resident taxes (especially municipal taxes)
• Pension enrollment and payment status (National Pension / Employees’ Pension)
• Unpaid health insurance premiums
• Employment duration and income stability
• Frequency of job changes and their reasons
• Reasonableness of dependent support obligations

If these elements are well-organized, there are cases where applicants with only about two years of work experience have successfully obtained naturalization approval. At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we have supported clients with approximately two years of professional experience who were granted Japanese nationality.

Conversely, applicants with unemployment periods, frequent job changes, or unpaid pension or tax obligations face stricter scrutiny—especially when their work history is short. In recent years, pension non-payment has become a particularly serious negative factor.

For applicants without urgent reasons, waiting until around three years of employment have passed may be a safer strategy. Three full years of tax records and social insurance enrollment make it easier to demonstrate financial stability.

Nevertheless, naturalization outcomes vary greatly depending on individual circumstances such as occupation, income, employer size, family structure, savings, and overall residence history. Even with less than three years of employment, approval is entirely possible if all other conditions are properly met.

If you are unsure whether you should apply now or wait, confirming your current residence status, tax records, and pension enrollment is an important first step.

If you would like to know your chances of approval or the best timing for application, please feel free to contact us.

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

Google Reviews