How to Apply for Japanese Citizenship
Changing your country of citizenship is a time-consuming, complicated process that requires dedication and patience. Once residency has been changed, it is very difficult to change it back, so serious consideration should be given to the process before beginning. Individuals wishing to apply for Japanese citizenship should be prepared to demonstrate their commitment to the Japanese government through a variety of actions.
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Things You'll Need
- Employment
- Bank accounts
- Residency of five years or more
- Residency renouncement
Instructions
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Live in Japan for at least five years in a row. This can be less if the individual applying for citizenship is married to a Japanese national.
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Hold assets in Japan that demonstrate a commitment to the country and to living there, such as bank accounts, property or other concrete signs of a desire to live as a member of the Japanese community.
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Keep a clean record, and avoid criminal behavior. Any behavior that may be interpreted as “plotting” against the Japanese government will reflect poorly and may result in a denied application.
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Be willing to renounce your current residency, whether it is American or from another country. Renouncement of current residency and avowed dedication to Japanese citizenship will be a necessary part of the application process.
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Demonstrate your ability to financially support yourself as a member of Japanese society through employment and/or the resources to live comfortably.
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Submit an application to the Japanese Ministry of Justice. Be prepared to provide any requested paperwork and to interview with the Ministry. It may help your application if you have learned to speak at least some Japanese to demonstrate your progress towards acclimating to the Japanese culture.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Japan doll image by Dmitry Sosenushkin from Fotolia.com
