Zagdim Reader Desk · Japan naturalisation
Japanese citizenship by naturalisationNationality conditions and document preparation
If you are considering Japanese nationality, first confirm the effect on your original nationality and which category of conditions applies to you. The Zagdim Reader Desk first establishes your history in Japan and family situation, then shortlists suitable Japanese professionals.
Whether you must give up your original nationality, the exceptions, and the status documents you need to obtain depend on the law and issuing authorities of your country of nationality. This page describes the general rule under Japanese law, written largely from the position of applicants from Taiwan and Hong Kong; passport holders of the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Australia, Canada and other countries should confirm the position for their own nationality.
Information checked: 29 October 2026
01 · ABOUT
What does naturalisation require? Start with your applicant category
Naturalisation (帰化) is the procedure for acquiring Japanese nationality. It is granted by the Minister of Justice and differs from permanent residence, which does not change your nationality. An assessment looks at your living conditions in Japan, the law of your original nationality and your family status documents together, and preparation follows the requirements of the Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
- Original nationalityIn principle you must lose your original nationality on naturalisation; first check the exceptions and consequences under the law of that nationality.
- A personal procedureA document service cannot replace attending and explaining in person.
- Case-by-case reviewThe review has no fixed number of days; do not tie travel plans to a completion date.
Handles naturalisation consultations and applications for the area where you live.
Logos belong to the respective bodies and are shown only to identify where a matter is handled. Zagdim is not affiliated with them.
Start with your applicant category
The documents differ for each person, and the checklist of the Legal Affairs Bureau for your place of residence is always final.
Start with the closest situation:
Long-term life in Japan
- ResidenceThe statutory condition is a lawful address in Japan for 5 consecutive years or more. The Ministry of Justice additionally refers to 10 years or more of residence and to integration, such as everyday Japanese, and the review is made as a whole.
- Other conditionsAged 18 or over and of full age under the law of your home country; conduct, livelihood, tax payment and original nationality are examined together.
- What to prepareResidence, employment, tax, family and original nationality records.
Next steps
- Book a consultation with the Legal Affairs Bureau for your place of residence and obtain your individual document checklist
Japanese family ties
- ConditionsSpecial conditions may apply; the general conditions cannot simply be assumed, and the competent Legal Affairs Bureau confirms which apply.
- What to prepareProof of marriage, birth, family relationships and life in Japan.
Next steps
- Have marriage, birth and other status documents ready and confirm the applicable conditions with the competent Legal Affairs Bureau
Records in several places
- DocumentsRecords of personal status, relatives, personal history and livelihood must be obtained from each place of issue. A family register (戸籍) is created after permission, so a passport and residence card alone are not enough.
- What to prepareFull personal history, records of name changes, and status documents from each place.
Next steps
- List the countries or regions where you have lived or worked, and any name changes
Sources: Ministry of Justice – “Nationality Q&A” / Ministry of Justice – “Application for permission for naturalisation” page. Checked 29 October 2026.
07 · EXPERTS & PROFESSIONALS
Which Japanese professionals are involved?
Depending on the case, different Japanese professionals are involved.
Administrative scrivener
行政書士 · gyōsei shoshiCan help with preparing naturalisation documents and with consultations; may not replace the application you are required by law to make in person.
Lawyer
弁護士 · bengoshiAssesses nationality, family and complex legal questions; the requirement to attend in person still follows the official procedure.
MATCHING
How Zagdim shortlists the right professionals
You do not have to work through documents from several issuing places and the Legal Affairs Bureau’s checklist in Japanese on your own. First establish which category applies and where each document comes from. Professionals work in English or Japanese; other languages on request.
What you need
Zagdim Reader Desk- Clarifying the need
- Matching providers
- Follow-up at key points
The right professionalZagdim Reader Desk
Free consultation · clarifying the need · matching · follow-up
No charge to readersProfessionals in Japan
Professional advice and handling
Quote · contract · payment · receiptWhether a professional can be arranged locally
- You tell the Reader DeskWhich prefecture you live in, and which category you fall into
- The Reader Desk checksWhether a suitable administrative scrivener can be arranged locally; a lawyer is found separately for questions of nationality law
- The Reader Desk repliesIf no suitable provider is available, we say so plainly
08 · CONSULTATION
What happens next?
Four steps after you get in touch
- Contact the Reader DeskSet out your nationality, history in Japan and family relationships.
- A written briefThe Reader Desk prepares it; once you confirm it, you agree to the introduction.
- Introduction to a local professionalMade by place of residence. Before the introduction, the written quote, out-of-pocket costs and conditions for extra charges are confirmed with the provider.
- Quote and engagementYou decide whether to engage, and contract with and pay the professional directly.
Have ready before you get in touch:
- Your nationality, years in Japan and current status of residence
- Whether you have a Japanese spouse or other Japanese family ties
- The countries or regions where you have lived or worked, and whether you have changed your name
The Zagdim Reader Desk handles contact and follow-up.
