Japan citizenship
1 current source-backed citizenship pathway. Verify the responsible authority before applying.
This page contains 1 current route for this destination, with the available eligibility, requirements and duration details.
Source-backed legal route · Checked 2026-10-22
Current route records
| Route | Conditions | Effective or checked | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalization permission (Nationality Act, Articles 4 and 5) | For foreign nationals who have lived in Japan for five consecutive years with valid residence status, are 18 or older, of good conduct, able to support themselves, and give up other nationality in principle; it gives Japanese nationality with the Minister of Justice's permission. | 1950-07-01 | Official source |
Fees, processing times and requirements
Each value as the authority publishes it, in the currency it charges.
| Route | Fact | Value | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalization permission (Nationality Act, Articles 4 and 5) | Application fee | 0 JPY | Official source |
| Naturalization permission (Nationality Act, Articles 4 and 5) | Years of residence required (general) | 5 years | Official source |
| Naturalization permission (Nationality Act, Articles 4 and 5) | Years of residence required (spouse of citizen) | 3 years | Official source |
| Naturalization permission (Nationality Act, Articles 4 and 5) | Other citizenship may be kept | Conditional: in principle the applicant must have no other nationality or give it up on naturalising; permission may still be given where the other country's law makes loss impossible (Article 5(2)) | Official source |
| Naturalization permission (Nationality Act, Articles 4 and 5) | Where to apply | in the country | Official source |