Will Naturalisation Soon Require 10 Years? Japan's New Policy and Its Impact on Foreign Residents

*This article is based on news reports as of November 2025. Immigration laws and requirements may change in the future.*

Japan's Proposed Change to Naturalisation Requirements

The Japanese government is currently reviewing its immigration policy, with particular attention on the naturalisation process (acquiring Japanese citizenship).

The current Prime Minister has instructed relevant ministers to compile a basic policy by January 2026, signalling a potential shift in the country’s approach to citizenship.

The Current Difference Between Naturalisation and Permanent Residency

For long-term foreign residents in Japan, the main two options are “permanent residency” and “naturalisation”.

In principle, permanent residency requires at least 10 years of residence in Japan, while naturalisation requires only 5 years under the current rules. This discrepancy has raised concerns for some time.

Permanent residency allows indefinite stay but does not confer citizenship or voting rights. Naturalisation, on the other hand, grants full Japanese citizenship with the right to vote and other civic rights, some in the government question why obtaining citizenship, with such privileges, is easier than acquiring permanent residency. This has led to calls for stricter alignment between the two.

Proposed Changes Under Consideration

According to reports, one proposal being discussed is to extend the required period of residence for naturalisation from 5 to 10 years.

If enacted, this would bring the criteria in line with permanent residency and signal a stricter approach to citizenship.

If the change is implemented, foreign nationals who have lived in Japan for fewer than 10 years would no longer be eligible to apply for citizenship.

This could affect many who were planning to apply under the current rules. Time may be limited for those aiming to apply under the existing requirements.

What You Should Do Now

Naturalisation involves more than just years of residence. Applicants must also meet other criteria such as stable income, good conduct, and sufficient Japanese language skills.

Anyone considering applying should begin reviewing the necessary documents and procedures as soon as possible.

Changes to immigration law often take time to be implemented, but early preparation is crucial. If you're unsure whether you still qualify or how to start the process, it's best to consult an immigration/Administrative lawyer (Gyoseishoshi) early.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Be Prepared

This potential change to naturalisation requirements could significantly impact the lives of foreign residents in Japan. Stay updated with official announcements and consider your options carefully.

If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. We can support you from the documentation phase all the way to submission and follow-up.