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Naturalisation Support

Considering Japanese citizenship? I’m here to support you.

Naturalisation is the process of becoming a Japanese citizen - a major life decision that comes with new rights and responsibilities. Unlike permanent residency, naturalisation grants you a Japanese passport and full legal status as a national of Japan.

 

The procedure can be time-consuming and document-heavy, but with professional support, it is entirely manageable. I provide friendly, personalised assistance in English to help make your journey smoother.

What Is Naturalisation?

Naturalisation means giving up your current nationality and becoming a Japanese citizen.
It allows you to:

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  • Vote in Japanese elections

  • Receive a Japanese passport

  • Enjoy full legal protection as a member of Japanese society

 

However, it also involves detailed paperwork in Japanese and a personal interview at the Legal Affairs Bureau. This can feel intimidating - but you won’t have to face it alone.

Common Requirements

Every case is different, but typical requirements include:

 

  • 5 or more years of residence in Japan (or 3 years if married to a Japanese national)

  • Age 18 or older

  • Good conduct (no major legal or immigration issues)

  • Stable income

  • Basic Japanese language skills (enough to read, write, and answer interview questions)

  • Willingness to renounce your current nationality

 

I will help you confirm whether you currently meet the requirements - and if not, what steps you can take to become eligible.

My Support Process

01.

Free Initial Consultation

I begin with a friendly, no-obligation consultation to understand your background and goals. I will explain the naturalisation requirements, assess your current situation, and answer any questions you may have. Consultations are available online or in person, in English or Japanese.

02.

Contract & Initial Payment

If you choose to proceed, I will prepare a formal service agreement and request an initial payment before beginning work. This allows me to fully commit to preparing your documents and coordinating with the Legal Affairs Bureau.

03.

Document Checklist & Application Preparation

You will receive a customised checklist tailored to your case, covering all documents required from both Japan and your home country.

  

I will assist you with:

  • Translating foreign documents into Japanese

  • Drafting your Letter of Motivation in polished Japanese

  • Completing all required forms in the correct format

  • Preparing any additional explanations based on your background

 

You don’t need to worry about the language or formalities - I’ll handle the paperwork for you.

04.

Coordination with the Legal Affairs Bureau

Before submitting your application, you will need to attend  pre-application interviews at the Legal Affairs Bureau.

I will:

  

  • Help you prepare for the interview (including practice questions)

  • Accompany you to the Bureau as your adviser and interpreter

  • Liaise with officials to ensure smooth communication and follow-up

05.

Application Submission & Final Payment

Once your documents are cleared by the Bureau, I will submit your full application.

  

At this point, the final balance will be requested.
I will continue to support you throughout the 12 to 18 month review period, including any additional document requests.

06.

Result & Re-application Support

If your application is approved, I will guide you through the next steps:

 

  • Renouncing your current nationality (as required under Japanese law)

  • Registering your new koseki (family registry)

  • Applying for a Japanese passport

  • Updating your legal and administrative records

 

If your application is not approved, I will help you carefully review your documents and circumstances to identify possible reasons based on available information. If appropriate, I will support you in preparing one re-application at no additional charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need to speak perfect Japanese to apply for naturalisation?

No - perfect Japanese is not required.
However, you need basic reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, enough to:

  

  • Fill out simple forms in Japanese

  • Understand and answer basic interview questions

  • Read and write simple kanji (such as your name and address)

 

As a general guideline, your ability should be equivalent to JLPT N4 level or higher. If you can manage daily conversations and understand basic documents, you may already be ready.

Q2:  What happens to my family if I become Japanese?

Your change of nationality only affects you - your spouse and children will keep their nationality unless they also apply for naturalisation.

  

That said, if your children are minors and living in Japan, it may be possible (and beneficial) for them to apply together with you. I can advise you based on your family’s situation.

Q3:  How long does the naturalisation process take?

It typically takes 12 to 18 months after submission of the full application.
However, pre-application preparation - including gathering documents and the initial interview - may take an additional 1 to 3 months.

I will support you from start to finish, including all follow-up throughout the waiting period.

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