Japan — Citizenship Guide

Why Japan?

Japan holds one of the world’s most powerful passports, with broad visa-free access across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Citizenship is a serious, long-term commitment: Japan generally does not permit dual citizenship.

Citizenship by descent

Japan follows jus sanguinis:

• A child is a Japanese citizen at birth if either parent is a Japanese citizen at the time of birth.
• Children born abroad to a Japanese parent must generally notify the Japanese authorities within three months of birth to retain citizenship.

Naturalisation

The standard route requires 5 years of continuous residence in Japan. Additional requirements include being at least 18 years old, good conduct, and the ability to make an independent living (directly or through your household). Japan places significant weight on integration, including basic Japanese-language ability and proof you can support yourself.

Dual citizenship

Japan does not permit dual citizenship. A child who holds both Japanese and foreign citizenship must generally choose one nationality (by age 20, or within two years of acquiring a second nationality as an adult). Acquiring Japanese citizenship therefore usually means renouncing your existing citizenship.

Fees & timeline

There is no formal application fee for naturalisation, though incidental costs (documents, translations) apply. Processing typically takes 12–18 months or longer, depending on the regional Legal Affairs Bureau.