Common Concerns About Naturalization Applications
Many foreign nationals born and raised in Japan or those who have lived in Japan for many years may consider acquiring Japanese citizenship. Many people find the naturalization application process harder and more complicated than they expected. Because of this, some people give up halfway through when they try to apply by themselves. Naturalization is a crucial procedure for becoming Japanese, so the screening is rigorous and requires numerous documents. All procedures and document preparation must be done in Japanese, presenting a significant linguistic challenge.
Common inquiries we receive include:
- Uncertainty about required documents and how to obtain them
- Concerns about preparing documents in Japanese
- Worries about potential rejection due to past delays in pension payments
- Uncertainty about the validity of documents obtained from one’s home country
- Difficulty understanding specific criteria for the good conduct requirement
- Concerns about meeting income requirements
- Anxiety about the Japanese language test
- Uncertainty about interview questions and how to respond
While these concerns are crucial points in naturalization applications, they can be challenging to address alone. Our office carefully assesses each client’s situation and provides personalized support to meet individual needs.
Naturalization Application Process
- Initial consultation at the nearest Legal Affairs Bureau
- Collection and preparation of necessary documents
- Submission of naturalization application
- Interview and Japanese language test
- Notification of results
Our Success Stories
We have supported naturalization applications for clients from various nationalities, including former Japanese nationals seeking re-naturalization. We’ve provided personalized support for each client, considering their unique background and circumstances, which has helped many obtain approval.
- Case 1: Difficulty obtaining necessary documents
- Resolved by closely consulting with the Legal Affairs Bureau and preparing a petition letter.
- Case 2: Spouse with multiple part-time jobs
- Advised on the importance of proper tax filing and guided the client to consult with a tax professional. Assisted in organizing necessary documentation for the naturalization application, ensuring it could proceed smoothly once tax matters were properly addressed.
- Case 3: Delayed application preparation by a busy entrepreneur’s spouse
- Obtained possible documents by proxy and maintained close communication with the client to prepare all documents by the application deadline.
- Case 4: Concerns about Japanese language proficiency
- Provided advice on Japanese language study, regularly checked progress, and the application was successfully approved. We also focused on post-application interview preparation.
- Case 5: Past minor legal violations
- Supported the preparation of a detailed explanation and letter of apology, leading to successful approval.
Why Consult with Us?
Naturalization applications require significantly different documents depending on the applicant’s nationality and individual circumstances. For example:
- Required documents vary by country of origin
- Necessary documents differ for company employees, business owners, freelancers, etc.
- Requirements also vary based on residence status and background (e.g., Japanese spouse, permanent resident, former Japanese national)
Naturalization is not just a procedure but the beginning of a new life. Recognizing its importance, we utilize our legal expertise to support your acquisition of Japanese citizenship. We also respond promptly to unexpected issues that may arise during application preparation and find optimal solutions. We strive to maintain close communication with our clients, ensuring a worry-free application process.
Our Naturalization Application Support Services
Our services include:
- Consulting
- Accompaniment to initial Legal Affairs Bureau consultation
- Identification of necessary documents and advice on obtaining them
- Document preparation
- Document review
- Application submission assistance
- Post-application follow-up
Fees
- For company employees: 220,000 yen
- For business owners or freelancers (including spouses): Please contact us for a quote
Family application discounts are available upon request.
Payment Method
- Half of the fee as a retainer at contract signing
- Remaining half on the application date
Service Area
We offer services throughout Japan. Additional travel expenses may be quoted for areas outside Tokyo area.
Application Process
- Inquiry: Please contact us through our inquiry form
- Consultation: We’ll conduct an interview via Zoom or in person (Consultation fee applies but will be deducted from the application fee if you proceed with our services.)
- Contract signing + Retainer fee payment, then we begin work
- Application submission
- Post-application follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you offer free consultations?
- We do not offer free consultations. However, if you decide to proceed with our services, the consultation fee will be credited towards your application fee, making the consultation essentially free.
- Can you handle applications from outside of the Tokyo area?
- Naturalization applications must be submitted to the Legal Affairs Bureau that covers the applicant’s residence. While we primarily support clients residing in Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Kanagawa, we can also assist clients from other regions. For distant locations, we provide an estimate that includes travel expenses. Additionally, we can offer document preparation and review services, so feel free to inquire.
- How long does the naturalization process typically take?
- The process usually takes about 8 to 12 months from the submission of the application to the final decision.
- Do I need to be fluent in Japanese to apply for naturalization?
- Fluency is not required, but applicants must demonstrate sufficient Japanese proficiency for daily life and work in Japan. You should be able to read and write at an elementary school level (around 2nd or 3rd grade kanji).
- Can I keep my original nationality after acquiring Japanese citizenship?
- No, Japan does not allow dual citizenship. You will be required to renounce your original nationality upon acquiring Japanese citizenship.
- Is there an interview as part of the naturalization process?
- Yes, as part of the application process, there will be an interview at the local Legal Affairs Bureau.
- Is there a test as part of the naturalization process?
- There is no formal standardized test, but during the interview, you may be asked to take Japanese test to assess your Japanese language skills.