This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Naturalisation means that a foreign national acquires Japanese nationality with the permission of the Minister of Justice. There are 3 kinds: 普通帰化, 簡易帰化 and 大帰化. The procedure starts with a consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau, then goes through preparing documents, applying, an interview and screening, before permission is given. The screening can take 1 year or more.
It means acquiring Japanese nationality with the permission of the Minister of Justice.
When naturalisation is granted, that person becomes a Japanese national and carries the same rights and duties as any other Japanese person. For someone who loves life in Japan and wishes to live as a Japanese person, this is a major decision in life.
There are 3: 普通帰化, 簡易帰化 and 大帰化.
This is naturalisation for foreign nationals in general. When people say naturalisation, they usually mean 普通帰化.
If you have a close connection with Japan, for example because you are married to a Japanese person or were born in Japan, some conditions are relaxed or waived. This covers 特別永住者 (special permanent residents), and foreign nationals married to a Japanese person.
This is for foreign nationals who have rendered special service to Japan, and it is done with the approval of the Diet. There are no clear requirements, and it is said that no case has ever been granted.
As a Japanese national, you receive the full rights and the full social security of Japan.
It starts with a consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau, then goes through an interview and screening before permission is given.
The screening is strict, and preparing the documents takes time.
The conditions for naturalisation are explained in detail in What are the conditions for a naturalisation application? Can I keep my original nationality?
Naturalisation means acquiring Japanese nationality, so you become a Japanese national. Permanent residence is a status of residence that lets you go on living in Japan with no limit on your period of stay, while keeping your foreign nationality.
It can take 1 year or more.
Yes. If you have a close connection with Japan, it becomes 簡易帰化, and some conditions are relaxed or waived.
Please talk to the Legal Affairs Bureau first. They will explain the required documents and the procedure. You can also talk to the gyoseishoshi on this site.
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Get a free consultationThis article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.