Applying for 帰化 (naturalisation) as a whole family: does everyone need Japanese ability?

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?

A person with the 経営管理 status of residence asks about applying for naturalisation as a whole family, including a spouse who cannot speak Japanese.

What kind of Japanese ability does an application for naturalisation need?

Enough ability for daily life without difficulty. The guide figure is reading and writing at about the level of 3 years of primary school.

The Japanese ability (capacity) requirement for an application for naturalisation is enough ability to live daily life as a Japanese national without difficulty. As a guide, this is said to be reading and writing at about the level of 3 years of primary school. Behind this requirement is the fact that the 法務局 (Legal Affairs Bureau) screens whether you have the intention and the ability to live independently as a member of Japanese society.

Why is Japanese ability asked of the spouse as well?

Because naturalisation is not screened household by household. Each applicant is screened separately against the requirements.

• Fitting into Japanese society: when a husband and wife both obtain Japanese nationality, both are expected to fit into life in Japanese society, understand the law and everyday customs, and communicate with the people around them.
• Screening is individual: an application for naturalisation is not screened for the household as a whole. Each applicant is screened separately against the requirements.
• Still essential under 簡易帰化: even where 簡易帰化, which eases the residence requirements, may apply, the capacity requirement (Japanese ability) and the good conduct requirement (paying tax, following the law) are not skipped or eased.

Children under 15 years old are treated as not having the capacity to judge, so Japanese ability is not asked of them. It is enough if one of the parents meets the requirement.

What can be done from here?

Starting Japanese study, keeping a record of it, and adjusting the timing of the application.

• Start intensive study: aim to reach simple reading and writing at lower primary school level, plus everyday conversation.
• Keep a record of the study: keep attendance records from a Japanese language school or a local Japanese class, and evidence of study such as notebooks and textbooks.
• Adjust the timing of the application: consider putting the application off until the level can be confirmed at the interview.
• Consider separate applications: if the study will not be ready in time, you can apply first with the parent and the children who meet the requirements, and have the spouse apply alone later, once the requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

• My child had an accident while my naturalisation application was pending. Does it affect the screening?
• How do I change my name to a Japanese one after naturalisation?
• The steps you need to take after 帰化 (naturalisation) is granted
• What should a person with dual nationality watch for when applying for 帰化 (naturalisation)?

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.