What are the conditions for 帰化 (naturalisation)? Can I keep my original nationality?

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）

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from the spouse of a Japanese national, who has lived in Japan for 10 years or more.

What are the conditions for an application for naturalisation?

There are 6: address, capacity, good conduct, making a living, the ban on dual nationality, and Japanese ability.

1. The address requirement
   You must have had an address in Japan for at least 5 years, without a break.
2. The capacity requirement
   You must be 18 years old or over, and also an adult under the law of your own country.
3. The good conduct requirement
   You must be of good conduct. Tax payments, pension contributions, traffic offences and any criminal record are the main things looked at.
4. The requirement to be able to make a living
   You must have enough income to live a stable life.
5. The ban on dual nationality
   In principle, you must give up your foreign nationality.
6. Japanese ability
   You must have Japanese ability.

This enquirer has lived in Japan for 10 years or more, and her income from part-time work is stable. So she is likely to meet the address requirement, the capacity requirement, the requirement to be able to make a living and the Japanese ability requirement as they normally apply.

Are the requirements eased for the spouse of a Japanese national?

Yes. Naturalisation is said to be possible even if you do not meet the address requirement and the capacity requirement.

If you are the spouse of a Japanese national, have lived in Japan for at least 3 years without a break, and still have an address in Japan, naturalisation is said to be possible even when you do not meet the address requirement and the capacity requirement.

The same applies if 3 years have passed since the date of your marriage and you have lived in Japan for at least 1 year without a break.

Can I obtain Japanese nationality and keep my original nationality?

In principle, no. You have to give up your foreign nationality.

South Korea, like Japan, does not allow dual nationality. So in principle you cannot obtain Japanese nationality while keeping your South Korean nationality. To apply for naturalisation, you have to give up your South Korean nationality.

There are exceptions, however. For example, if the law of your own country does not allow you to give up its nationality, or if special circumstances are recognised, you may be able to obtain Japanese nationality while keeping your foreign nationality.

An application for naturalisation is a complex procedure and needs specialist knowledge. Please talk to us, including about which requirements apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

• What is naturalisation? The kinds, the conditions and how the procedure goes
• What should a person with dual nationality watch for when applying for 帰化 (naturalisation)?
• If I hold 永住許可, what advantages do I have when I apply for naturalisation?
• My naturalisation was denied. What should I watch out for when I apply again?

This 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.