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）
After naturalisation is granted, you file the 国籍取得届 (notification of acquisition of nationality) at the city or ward office for your address, in principle within 1 month. Your 戸籍 (family register) is then created. You also need to give up your former nationality, return your 在留カード (Residence Card), and apply for a Japanese passport. Take the steps one at a time, in order.
A guide for people who want to know what happens after naturalisation is granted.
There is a run of steps, from receiving the notice through filing the 国籍取得届, the creation of the 戸籍, and the passport application.
In principle within 1 month, at the city or ward office for your address.
Once naturalisation is granted, you must file the 国籍取得届 at the city or ward office for your address, in principle within 1 month. To file it you need the original of the notice that naturalisation is granted, your 在留カード, your seal (印鑑), and identification such as a driving licence or health insurance card.
If you miss the deadline, you may be asked to file a 理由書 (written explanation) or similar with the 法務局. Please keep to the deadline. Some city and ward offices ask for documents other than those above, so we suggest you check with them in advance.
The 戸籍 is created after the 国籍取得届 is accepted. A change of name follows if you need one.
Once the city or ward office accepts the 国籍取得届, a Japanese 戸籍 is created. It records your 本籍 (registered domicile), the head of the register, your name, your date of birth, the date you naturalised, and your parents' names and your relationship to them, as far as these are known. You may need a 戸籍謄本 (certificate of family register) for your passport application. It can take from a few days to about 1 week to be created, so get it early if you need it.
If, when you naturalised, you took a Japanese-style name different from the name you used as a foreign national, you may need to change the name on your bank accounts, the name and nationality on your driving licence, the name on your health insurance card and pension book, the name on real property registration, and the name on membership cards, credit cards and so on.
At your prefecture's passport counter, using your new 戸籍謄本 and other documents.
You apply at your prefecture's passport counter. The things you need include the passport application form, a 戸籍謄本 issued within the last 6 months, a copy of your 住民票 (certificate of residence) if required, identification, a photograph, and the passport you held before, if you have it. Other documents may be needed, so please check the website of your prefecture's passport counter in advance. It takes a few days from application to collection, so apply early if you plan to travel abroad.
Depending on your situation, you may also need to change the name and nationality on your マイナンバーカード (Individual Number Card), change your car registration, change the name on contracts for your mobile phone, internet line, life insurance and non-life insurance, and tell your employer or school.
In principle by the date written on the notice that naturalisation is granted, with 1 month as the guide. File it at the city or ward office for your address.
Within 14 days after your 帰化者の身分証明書 is issued. Return it at the counter of the 地方出入国在留管理局, or by post.
The passport application form, a 戸籍謄本 issued within the last 6 months, identification, a photograph and so on. If you are registered as a resident in the same prefecture, the copy of your 住民票 can sometimes be left out.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.