Naturalisation　在留資格「帰化」

Questions and answers about naturalisation: requirements, how it works at the Legal Affairs Bureau, and how it differs from permanent residence.

• Under the naturalization practice change from April 2026 (2026年4月), "in principle at least 10 years of residence" is required; how are past periods of residence and periods of overseas assignment treated?

• When applying for naturalization from the 10th year of renewing the 経営管理 visa, how should I enter the accumulated amount of a personal pension that is expected to have a large surrender value in the future in the "outline of livelihood" (生計の概要) form?

• Changing jobs before a naturalisation application: when should I submit?

• My naturalisation was denied. What should I watch out for when I apply again?

• I receive a survivors' pension and file no tax return. Is 帰化 (naturalisation) still all right?

• The new naturalisation standards: what do 10 years in principle and 5 years of tax mean?

• The residence requirement for 帰化 (naturalisation): a shift to 10 years in practice?

• My husband went bankrupt before we married. Should I tell the Legal Affairs Bureau?

• Naturalisation screening: our forecast of stricter checks, and how to prepare

• 帰化 (naturalisation) is not a way out: what attitude is expected of you

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

• Do unpaid child support and a past overstay affect naturalisation?

• Can a 帰化 (naturalisation) application be accepted if the passport is not filed?

• Recent changes and points to watch in 帰化 (naturalisation) applications

• My parents have died and I have no contact with my brother. What about home-country documents?

• My family situation is complicated. How do I collect the documents from my home country?

• Can a full-time homemaker apply for naturalisation using inherited assets?

• The statement of motivation for naturalisation: how do you write one that moves the examiner?

• 20 years in Japan, but with a period back home: what happens to the continuous residence requirement?

• When should you think carefully before naturalising?

• How do I change my name to a Japanese one after naturalisation?

• How do I obtain the overseas documents needed for 帰化 (naturalisation)?

• What is asked at the 帰化 (naturalisation) interview, and how do you prepare?

• 国籍選択 (choice of nationality) and change of surname for a child with dual nationality

• What should a person with dual nationality watch for when applying for 帰化 (naturalisation)?

• 帰化 (naturalisation) with a foreign spouse: are documents from my spouse's side needed too?

• Can I use the document list of another Legal Affairs Bureau?

• The steps you need to take after 帰化 (naturalisation) is granted

• What happens to your 在留カード after naturalisation is approved?

• My child had an accident while my naturalisation application was pending. Does it affect the screening?

• If I hold 永住許可, what advantages do I have when I apply for naturalisation?

• My spouse may be transferred abroad. When should I apply for 帰化 (naturalisation)?

• What is naturalisation? The kinds, the conditions and how the procedure goes

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