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）
A stay abroad of about 9 months is, in principle, likely to be judged as breaking continuous residence. If so, the period from your return to Japan is counted afresh as the continuous residence period.
An enquiry from a person who has been in Japan a long time, but who went home for a while after losing their job.
It is the requirement to have lived in Japan for at least 5 years without a break.
One of the general requirements for an application for naturalisation is the continuous residence requirement: you must have had an address in Japan for at least 5 years without a break. The words "without a break" matter. In principle, if you leave Japan and stay abroad for a long time, this continuity may be judged to have been broken.
A stay abroad of roughly 3 months or more tends to be treated as breaking continuity.
A stay abroad of about 9 months is, in principle, likely to be judged as breaking continuous residence. In practice, a stay abroad of roughly 3 months or more tends to be treated as breaking continuity. This is because the base of your life in Japan is judged to have been lost for a time while you were abroad.
So in this case, the period from your return to Japan is counted afresh as the continuous residence period. In other words, once 5 years have passed since you came back to Japan, you meet this requirement.
It is important to show a stable record of life since you came back to Japan, and your intention to settle here.
A stay abroad of about 9 months is, in principle, likely to be judged as breaking continuous residence. But a record of living steadily for 5 years or more since you came back to Japan is a favourable factor when seeking permission for naturalisation. What matters is showing convincingly that your life in Japan is stable, and that you have a strong intention to settle here. If you are worried, it is recommended to talk to a specialist (a certified administrative procedures legal specialist, or gyoseishoshi).
In practice, a stay abroad of roughly 3 months or more tends to be treated as breaking continuity.
The period from your return to Japan is counted afresh as the continuous residence period.
A record of living steadily since you came back to Japan, and showing a strong intention to settle in Japan, can be favourable factors.
Tell us your situation and we will answer it directly. Available in Japanese and English.
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.