Naturalization vs Permanent Residency – Approval Case for Chinese Spouse of Japanese National

Case Overview | From Uncertainty Between Permanent Residency and Naturalization to a Confident Choice

In this case, the client was a Chinese national holding the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”. They first contacted us while still unsure whether to apply for permanent residency or for naturalization. After comparing both options, including future life planning and key points to watch out for, they decided to pursue naturalization. Throughout the application process, we regularly shared progress updates, allowing them to proceed with peace of mind until Japanese nationality (naturalization approval) was successfully granted.

• Nationality: China
• Status of Residence: Spouse or Child of Japanese National (Japanese spouse visa)
• Timing of Consultation: 3 years of marriage, still undecided between permanent residency and naturalization
• Main Support: Comparative review of permanent residency vs naturalization (including lifestyle and cautions) / designing how to proceed with the application / sharing progress throughout
• Result: Chose naturalization with full understanding and successfully obtained Japanese nationality

Customer’s Story | Lifestyle-Based Explanations Helped Me Decide with Confidence

This is the experience of a client who requested support for naturalization as the spouse of a Japanese national. They came to us at a stage where they were still unsure which direction suited them better: “Should I apply for permanent residency or for naturalization?” We organized the options together with their long-term life plan in Japan and kept them informed throughout the process to minimize anxiety.

	Ms. S (Chinese National)
	Requested Service: Naturalization support from Japanese spouse visa (acquisition of Japanese nationality)

Three years had passed since I married my Japanese spouse, but I could not decide whether I should apply for permanent residency or for naturalization. Because of this, I hesitated for a long time and could not move forward to the next step.

Mr. Miyagawa did not just explain the procedures. He also talked about what life would be like after obtaining permanent residency or naturalization, and what I should be careful about in each case. He explained everything in a way that matched my own lifestyle, which made it possible for me to make a decision that I was truly satisfied with.

Even during the naturalization application, I was regularly informed about what was happening next, so there was almost never a moment when I felt anxious.

Being able to make up my mind to live as a Japanese national is something I could do because I asked for support from this office. I am truly grateful.

See more naturalization case examples

Who Will Find This Case Helpful

When choosing between permanent residency and naturalization, it is important not only to compare the legal requirements, but also to consider your overall life plan (work, family and future procedures) and the points you need to be aware of for each option. If you take the time to organize these factors while you are still unsure, you are more likely to make a choice you feel comfortable with, and you can proceed with the application with greater confidence and less stress.

• Spouses of Japanese nationals who are unsure whether to apply for permanent residency or naturalization
• Those who want to compare not only requirements but also everyday life and cautions after obtaining permanent residency or naturalization
• Those who value regular progress updates and want to proceed with peace of mind during the application
• Those who want to make a well-considered, convincing decision about “living as a Japanese national”

Related Services

For spouses of Japanese nationals, the current residence status is an important step toward future naturalization or permanent residency in Japan.
Depending on your current situation and your family’s life plan, we also introduce related services so that you can move toward the next step at a comfortable pace.

Naturalization for Spouses of Japanese Nationals / Permanent Residents

From organizing required documents to communicating with the Legal Affairs Bureau and preparing additional materials, we design a tailored schedule so that you can proceed without getting lost.

Permanent Residency from Japanese Spouse Visa

Explanation of requirements, necessary documents and common refusal patterns for those aiming for permanent residency from a Japanese spouse visa.

Guide to Renewing Japanese Spouse Visas

A service designed for those who aim for future naturalization or permanent residency and wish to obtain a 3-year period of stay at renewal of their spouse visa.