Obtaining Japanese citizenship: legal support
Obtaining Japanese citizenship is a complex and multi-step process that requires careful compliance with the requirements established by Japanese law. Japan does not have a dual citizenship system, which means that individuals seeking to become citizens of this country must renounce their previous citizenship. In order to successfully go through this process, it is important to have professional legal assistance. Legal assistance will help you navigate the numerous legal requirements, minimize possible mistakes, and increase your chances of successfully obtaining citizenship.
Legal stages of acquiring Japanese citizenship
The main legal stages that a person goes through on the way to Japanese citizenship:
- Preparation of documents: This includes collecting all the necessary documents such as application for naturalization, identity documents, residence in Japan, police clearance certificates and others.
- Submitting an application: After preparing all the necessary documents, the application for naturalization is submitted to the Ministry of Justice of Japan or other relevant authorities depending on the specific region.
- Application review: Once your application for citizenship in Japan is submitted, it will be reviewed by the competent authorities. This stage includes checking all documents provided and may also require an interview to clarify information.
- Interviews and testing: Some applicants may be invited to an interview to provide additional explanations or answers to questions related to their application. You may also be required to take tests on your knowledge of the Japanese language and knowledge of Japanese culture and society.
- Decision on the application: After reviewing the application and all documents, a decision will be made on its approval or rejection. Naturalization Ceremony: If the application is approved, the applicant will be granted Japanese citizenship and he or she will be required to undergo a naturalization ceremony.
Each of these steps has its own requirements and procedures, and the specific details may vary slightly depending on the region and the individual circumstances of the applicant.
Under what conditions can the service of support for obtaining Japanese citizenship be provided?
The procedure is possible only if the applicant meets certain criteria established by Japanese law:
- Residence in Japan: The applicant must have resided in Japan full-time for a specified period of time, usually at least five years. This requirement may be modified depending on the circumstances, such as for persons married to a Japanese citizen.
- Ability to support oneself: The applicant must demonstrate the ability to support oneself in Japan without the need to receive government assistance.
- Clean criminal record: The applicant must have no criminal record or other legal issues that would interfere with citizenship.
- Language and culture knowledge: In some cases, demonstrated knowledge of the Japanese language and basic Japanese culture and society may be required.
- Health: The applicant must be in good health to successfully complete the naturalization process.
These conditions may vary depending on the law, as well as the individual circumstances of each individual applicant. Therefore, it is important to obtain up-to-date information on requirements directly from official sources or through consultation with an attorney or immigration specialist.
Under what conditions can the service of support for obtaining Japanese citizenship not be provided?
Despite the fact that naturalization is an important stage for many foreigners, there are certain conditions under which citizenship may be denied:
- Failure to meet residency requirements: If the applicant has not resided in Japan for a sufficient period of time, does not meet the residency requirements of the law, or is unable to provide proof of presence in the country.
- Legal issues: If the applicant has legal issues, such as having convictions for serious crimes or other violations of the law, this may prevent them from obtaining citizenship by not preparing the documents to obtain Japanese citizenship.
- Insufficient means to support oneself: If the applicant cannot demonstrate the ability to support oneself in Japan without government assistance or other forms of social support.
- Lack of knowledge of language and culture: In the event that an applicant fails the test of knowledge of the Japanese language or Japanese culture and society, this may be grounds for refusal.
- Inadequacy of health requirements: If the applicant has serious medical problems that may hinder his adaptation to Japanese society or interfere with his ability to support himself.
- Incorrect or inaccurate information in documents: Providing false information or inaccurate documents can also lead to denial of citizenship.
It is important to be prepared for these possible difficulties and take them into account at the preparation stage.
How to obtain Japanese citizenship on your own?
This process is complex, but with the right approach and studying the necessary information, you can successfully go through all the stages:
- Research requirements and procedures: Start by researching official information about naturalization requirements and procedures on the official websites of the Japanese government or the Ministry of Justice. This will help you understand what exactly you need to do and what documents you will need and all the general and detailed information about how to obtain Japanese citizenship.
- Get advice: If you are able, get advice from an immigration lawyer or a Japanese citizenship and immigration specialist. They can provide you with specific advice and help you understand complex aspects of the process.
- Learn the language and culture: If necessary, start studying the Japanese language and the basics of Japanese culture and society. This can not only be useful for passing language and culture tests, but also for your adaptation to Japanese society in the future.
- Prepare the necessary documents: Determine what documents you will need to apply for naturalization and begin preparing to obtain them. This usually includes documents proving your identity, residence in Japan, no criminal record, and others.
- Follow instructions and procedures: Follow the instructions on how to obtain Japanese citizenship and procedures provided by official sources or your advisor. This will help you submit your naturalization application as required.
- Be prepared for the process: Be prepared that the naturalization process can take a long time and require effort. Be patient and persistent in achieving your goal of obtaining citizenship in Japan.
Preparing for naturalization in Japan can be difficult, but with proper knowledge and advice, you will be able to collect all the necessary documents and go through all the stages of the process. Be patient and carefully follow all the requirements.
Nuances in the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship

Duration of the process: Typically, the naturalization procedure can last from several months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of applicants.

Financial costs: The naturalization process in Japan can be expensive for filing documents, consulting, and training.

Interview preparation: Since the interview is an important part of the process, it is recommended to work with professionals to prepare for possible questions about your stay in Japan, language skills, and culture.
Frequently asked questions about acquiring Japanese citizenship
Question
How long does the naturalization process take in Japan?
Answer
Time required to complete the naturalization process, may vary depending on various factors, including your individual circumstances and immigration workload. This usually takes several years.
Question
Can I keep my original citizenship while acquiring Japanese citizenship?
Answer
Japanese law does not generally allow dual citizenship for adults. Therefore, in most cases, you must renounce your current citizenship before you can become a Japanese citizen.
Question
Is citizenship in Japan granted through marriage to a Japanese man?
Answer
Yes, marrying a Japanese citizen may provide you with the opportunity to obtain Japanese citizenship, but the naturalization process will have its own unique requirements and procedures.
What determines the cost of support for obtaining Japanese citizenship?
The cost depends on several factors. First, it is the complexity of the specific situation, as each applicant may have different conditions that require additional actions or documents. Second, the cost can vary depending on the amount of assistance required, for example, whether support is needed at all stages of the process or only at certain stages. The level of experience and qualifications of the lawyer can also affect the cost, as more experienced professionals usually have higher rates. In addition, if additional checks, preparation of special documents, or translations are required to obtain citizenship, this can also increase the cost of services.
ConclusionNaturalization in Japan is a process that requires attention to detail and strict adherence to requirements. Studying the legal stages, requirements for applicants, and conditions under which a service may be granted or denied will help you prepare effectively for the process. Despite the complexity, it can be successfully completed through independent work, consultation with professionals, and preparation for Japanese language and culture proficiency tests.