How to Apply for Japanese Naturalisation in Shiga and Kyoto: A Step-by-Step Guide

More and more long-term foreign residents in Japan are expressing a desire to become Japanese nationals. In places like Shiga Prefecture and Kyoto City, where many foreign residents have become part of the local community, interest in naturalisation is particularly high.

This article explains the process of applying for Japanese nationality in Shiga and Kyoto, highlighting key requirements and common pitfalls.

Basic Steps to Naturalisation in Shiga and Kyoto

What Are the Legal Requirements?

To apply for naturalisation in Japan, you must meet several conditions set by the Ministry of Justice. This guide focuses on the general criteria for ordinary naturalisation (futsu kika 普通帰化):

1. Residency:

You must have lived in Japan continuously for at least 5 years. Brief travel abroad is acceptable as long as your main base of life remains in Japan. Frequent or long absences may be problematic.

2. Legal Capacity:

You must be an adult under both Japanese law (18 or older) and your home country’s laws. If the age of adulthood in your home country is 21, you must wait until that age.

3. Good Conduct:

Your record will be reviewed for any past criminal offences, unpaid taxes or insurance, or repeated traffic violations. Even if you have a record, approval may still be possible depending on the details and your current lifestyle.

4. Livelihood:

You must be financially stable, either individually or as a household. Employment, self-employment, or financial support from a spouse will all be considered.

5. Renunciation of Original Nationality:

You must generally be able to renounce your original citizenship after approval. If this is difficult due to your country’s laws, exceptions may apply.

6. Respect for the Japanese Constitution:

You must be willing to abide by Japanese law and must not be part of anti-social groups or movements.

🗒️Tip: Collecting accurate documents to prove that you meet these conditions is crucial—especially for proving your good conduct and financial stability.

Legal Affairs Bureaus and Local Procedures

Although the basic steps are the same across Japan, the application process is handled by regional Legal Affairs Bureaus.

📍 For Shiga Prefecture

• Office: Otsu District Legal Affairs Bureau

• Address: 3-1-1 Kyomachi, Otsu City, Shiga

• Nearest Station: JR Otsu Station (5 mins walk)

• Note: Handles all applications from within Shiga. Appointments are relatively easy to book compared to larger cities.

  
  

📍 For Kyoto City

• Office: Kyoto District Legal Affairs Bureau

• Address: 7 Toganoo-cho, Nishinokyo, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

• Nearest Station: JR Nijo Station (7 mins walk)

• Note: Covers Kyoto City and nearby areas. Appointments may be harder to get due to higher demand.

Application Process (Shiga & Kyoto)

Step 1: Book an initial consultation

You cannot apply without a prior appointment. Contact the Nationality Division by phone to book.

Step 2: First interview at the bureau　

You’ll be asked about your income, family, legal record, and personal history. You will also receive a list of required documents.

Step 3: Collect the required documents

These include documents from Japan (residence certificate, tax documents) and from your home country (birth, marriage certificates), with certified Japanese translations.

Step 4: Submit the documents

Once everything is prepared, book another appointment to have your documents reviewed by the bureau. Multiple appointments may be required depending on the situation. If your documents are accepted, your application moves forward. 🗒️Note: Submitting all documents does not automatically mean your application is formally accepted. The official application date is when the Legal Affairs Bureau confirms that your documents are complete and accepts your application.

Step 5: Screening and Interview

The screening process takes 12 to 18 months. Additional documents or interviews may be requested.

Step 6: Notification of result

If approved, your name is published in the Official Gazette, and you become a Japanese national. If not, you can review the reasons and reapply.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Missing Documents

Many people fail to collect everything. Over 50 documents may be required depending on your case.

Example Issues:

• No birth/marriage certificates from home country

• Japanese residence certificate missing family details

• Outdated tax certificates

  
  

✅ Solution: Start with the official checklist, but have an administrative lawyer tailor it to your case. Begin collecting foreign documents early.

2. Inconsistent or Incorrect Information

Example Issues:

• Name spelled differently on each document

• Birth/marriage dates don’t match

• Income/employment data not consistent with tax forms

  
  

✅ Solution: Have a legal professional cross-check everything. If inconsistencies exist, attach a written explanation.

3. Poor Translations

Example Issues:

• Machine translations with unnatural phrasing

• Missing sections

• No translator’s name or contact details

  
  

✅ Solution: Use a qualified translator or administrative lawyer. Always submit the original, translation, and translator’s information together.

4. Expired Documents

Documents like residence records and tax certificates must usually be issued within the last 3 months.

✅ Solution: Track all document dates and reissue if needed before submission.

5. Disorganised Filing

Submitting papers in the wrong order creates delays or bad impressions.

✅ Solution: Have an administrative lawyer prepare a fully ordered and checked “Naturalisation File Set.”

What to Expect at the Interview

After submitting your documents, you’ll be asked to attend an in-person interview at the Legal Affairs Bureau.

This is a key part of the application, where the officer will evaluate your communication skills, lifestyle, and reasons for wanting Japanese nationality.

🔎 Purpose of the Interview

• Confirm that you are integrated into Japanese society

• Confirm the truthfulness of your documents

• Check your Japanese language ability

• Understand your motivation for naturalisation

💬 Typical Interview Questions

• Why do you want Japanese nationality?

• Why did you come to Japan?

• What is your family’s lifestyle like?

• Describe your work history in Japan.

• Have you paid your taxes and social insurance?

• Can you read and write Japanese? (You may be asked to write your address)

✅ Interview Tips

1. Practise your Japanese

You’ll need to answer in Japanese and write your name/address in kanji.

2. Be honest

Don’t try to hide anything or give false answers—this will only harm your application.

3. Give specific reasons for applying

Link your motivation to your real life, e.g. "for my child’s education" or "to settle here long-term."

4. Don’t panic

Even if you’re nervous, focus on being sincere. Officers take this into account.

5. Consider a mock interview

An administrative lawyer can help you prepare with realistic practice sessions.

Why Consult an Administrative Lawyer? (Support in Shiga & Kyoto)

The naturalisation process can be complex and highly individual. A qualified administrative lawyer can support you from start to finish—including:

• Document review

• Translation support

• Filing assistance

• Interview preparation

  
  

If you live in Shiga or Kyoto, it’s helpful to work with a local professional who understands regional expectations and procedures.

💬 Initial consultations are free. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch!