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Japanese Permanent Residency and Naturalization Process! From difficulty and countermeasures to success points

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Obtaining permanent residency or naturalization in Japan is certainly a challenge and is often thought of as a daunting challenge. However, no matter how difficult the path may be, it is not worthless to pursue your passion for building a deep connection with the beautiful country of Japan.

In this article, we will explain in detail the difficulty level, application requirements, and specific application process for permanent residence and naturalization in Japan. It is full of useful information for foreign nationals seeking permanent residence and naturalization, so please read it through to the end.

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Difficulty in obtaining permanent residence in Japan, conditions, and application procedures

In order to obtain permanent residence in Japan, one must meet several requirements and apply to the Immigration Bureau. However, the screening criteria are very strict, requiring a high level of Japanese language proficiency, a stable income, and a level of contribution to Japanese society. Here, we will explain in detail the difficulty level, conditions, and specific application procedures for acquiring permanent resident status in Japan.

(1) It is difficult to obtain permanent residence in Japan!

Obtaining permanent residence in Japan is considered very difficult for foreigners. In order to obtain a permanent residence visa, a number of conditions must be met, and the screening process is very strict. In fact, it is not unusual for more than half of all permanent residence applicants to be denied.

In order to obtain permanent resident status, a number of requirements must be met. These requirements are the criteria for determining whether a person is capable of living in Japanese society for a long time and adapting to Japanese culture and customs.

The applicant's Japanese language ability is also considered important in the permanent residence examination. A daily conversational level of language proficiency is not enough; the applicant must have comprehensive Japanese language skills, including reading and writing. In addition, the applicant's financial stability is also subject to examination.

Thus, it is widely known that obtaining permanent residence in Japan is a difficult process, with high hurdles set in terms of both language and economics. However, there is no need to give up. If you steadily clear the requirements, you will surely be able to obtain a permanent residence visa.

(2) Reasons why it is difficult to obtain permanent residence in Japan

So why is it so difficult to obtain permanent residence in Japan? There are two main reasons.

(1) Difficulty in meeting the conditions and requirements for permanent residence

The main reason why it is difficult to obtain permanent residence in Japan is the difficulty in meeting the conditions and requirements for obtaining the right. The requirements for acquiring permanent residence are as follows

  1. Good conduct
  2. Have sufficient assets or skills to earn an independent living
  3. That the applicant's permanent residence is deemed to be in the best interests of Japan.

For example, the "must have sufficient assets or skills to earn an independent living" requirement requires that the applicant have a stable source of income and sufficient savings. In addition, the condition that "the applicant's permanent residence is deemed to be in the best interest of Japan" requires that the applicant's contribution to Japanese society and the depth of his or her involvement with Japan be assessed.

Thus, the conditions and requirements for obtaining permanent residence are very high hurdles, and it is not easy to meet them. In many cases, even if you think you have fulfilled the requirements, the Immigration Bureau may deem you inadequate.

(2) Difficulty in preparing complete applications and documents necessary to obtain permanent residence.

Another reason why obtaining permanent residence is difficult is the complexity of the documentation required for the application. In an application for permanent residence, you need to collect and prepare 18 to 26 or more documents, including an application for permanent residence permit and a statement of reasons for application. Moreover, all of these documents must be prepared in Japanese, and if any of the attached documents are in a foreign language, a Japanese translation must also be provided.

In addition, the application documents must be consistent and must not contain any missing explanations or inconsistencies. In addition, it is necessary to prepare other documents that would be advantageous to submit, in addition to the required documents, based on your own judgment. As you can see, it is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive process to prepare all the necessary documents for a permanent residence application. 

In particular, preparing a statement of reasons, which is submitted together with the application for permanent residence, is a difficult task for many applicants because it requires a logical and convincing explanation of the reasons for wanting to reside permanently in Japan. If you would like to learn more about the letter of reasons for permanent residence, please refer to the following article.
▶︎ What is a Letter of Reason required to apply for a Permanent Resident or Permanent Resident Visa? Tips and cautions on how to write it.

(3) Specific reasons for denial of permanent residence

Let us now look at the specific cases in which an application for permanent residence is denied. The three main reasons are as follows

(1) Application is made when the conditions and matters required for acquisition have not been met.

As mentioned earlier, there are strict conditions and requirements for obtaining permanent residence. If an application is filed before these conditions are met, it will naturally be denied. If your application is denied, you will need to reapply after meeting the conditions.

(2) Insufficient explanation or inconsistent with previous applications

Insufficient substance in the application documents or discrepancies with previous applications are also likely to result in denial. Immigration inspectors carefully check applicants' submitted documents and past application history. Please be aware that they will not overlook any lack of explanation or discrepancies.

(iii) Change in the person's circumstances after application

A denial may also occur if the applicant's circumstances change significantly after the application for permanent residence is filed. For example, the applicant may have left the company and become unemployed, or become unable to work due to illness or injury. Even if you met the requirements for permanent residence at the time of application, you may not be approved depending on your circumstances during the examination period.

(4) Advantages of obtaining a Japanese permanent resident visa

Now that we have looked at the difficulties of obtaining permanent residence, what are the advantages of obtaining permanent residence? There are four main advantages

  • The period of stay is indefinite.
  • No need to change or renew your status of residence
  • No more restrictions on work and greater freedom of occupational choice
  • Easier access to various types of financing, including mortgages

Obtaining permanent resident status is a great advantage as it allows you to live in Japan without any restrictions on your status of residence. On the other hand, it is also true that there are strict conditions imposed for acquiring permanent resident status. If you would like to know more about the conditions for acquiring permanent resident status and its advantages and disadvantages, please refer to the following article.
▶︎ Conditions for obtaining a permanent residence visa in Japan (Permanent Resident Visa) and advantages and disadvantages of obtaining a Permanent Resident Visa

(5) What is the difference between naturalization and permanent residence?

One thing that is often confused with permanent residence is "naturalization". However, the two are completely different concepts. Naturalization refers to the acquisition of Japanese nationality by a foreigner. Permanent residence, on the other hand, is the right to stay in Japan without expiration of one's foreign nationality.

Naturalization gives you the same rights as Japanese nationals, such as the right to vote. On the other hand, you will lose your home country's citizenship, so you need to think carefully before making a decision. With permanent residence, you will not acquire Japanese nationality, but you will be able to live permanently in Japan with your foreign nationality.

(6) Application procedure and process for obtaining permanent residence in Japan

Finally, let's look at the specific application process for permanent residency. The application for permanent residency follows the process below.

  1. Prepare necessary documents
  2. Submit application documents to the regional immigration office
  3. Wait for the results of the review (the review period is about 6 months to 1 year)
  4. Receive a new resident card once permission is granted.

It takes time to prepare the necessary documents, and it is important to prepare them carefully before applying. You will also need to wait patiently during the examination period. If the examination is successful, you will be able to obtain a new, different residence card.

Difficulty, conditions, and application procedures for naturalization in Japan

Naturalization is one of the major goals for foreigners who wish to live permanently in Japan. However, Japan's naturalization system is very strict and places high hurdles on applicants. Here, we will explain in detail the difficulty level and conditions of applying for naturalization in Japan, as well as the specific application process.

(1) Difficulties in naturalization to Japan

There are many reasons why naturalization to Japan is difficult, but the two main reasons are the qualifications of the applicant and the complexity of the process. Here we will look at the background of why naturalization to Japan is so difficult.

1) Why naturalization to Japan is considered difficult

Naturalization into Japan, or the acquisition of Japanese nationality, is said to be highly difficult even by global standards, and the main reason for this is that the requirements for naturalization are extremely strict.

There are seven requirements for naturalization: address requirement, ability requirement, conduct requirement, livelihood requirement, loss requirement, ideology requirement, and Japanese language ability. Of these, particular emphasis is placed on the "conduct requirement" and "Japanese language proficiency.

In the "background requirements," applicants are examined to determine whether they are law-abiding and behave in a socially acceptable manner. Japanese language proficiency is not sufficient; applicants are required to have comprehensive Japanese language skills, including reading and writing.

Applicants for naturalization must meet all of these requirements, and if it is determined that even one of the applicable requirements is not met, naturalization will not be granted.

(2) Strictness of Japanese naturalization

The naturalization examination process in Japan is said to be particularly rigorous compared to other countries. The screening process involves a wide range of factors, including the applicant's living situation, financial ability, and ideological beliefs.

Particular emphasis is placed on the degree of adaptation to Japanese society. The degree to which you understand and accept Japanese culture and customs will be tested. If you are judged to be unable to integrate into Japanese society, your naturalization will not be approved.

In addition, past words and deeds will also be strictly checked. Even if it is in the distant past, any conduct unbecoming of a Japanese citizen will make naturalization difficult.

(2) Conditions and requirements for application for naturalization in Japan

To become a naturalized citizen of Japan, a person must meet various requirements set forth by law. These requirements serve as the basis for determining whether a person is a suitable Japanese citizen.

(1) General requirements for naturalization application

When applying for naturalization to Japan, the following seven requirements must be met

  1. Must continuously reside in Japan for at least 5 years.
  2. Must be at least 20 years old and have the ability to apply for naturalization in person.
  3. Good conduct
  4. Have the assets or skills to live independently
  5. Have never had Japanese nationality since the date of loss of Japanese nationality under the Law Concerning Loss of Japanese Nationality, etc.
  6. Have not lost Japanese nationality on or after the date of enforcement of the Constitution of Japan.
  7. Have a sense of being a Japanese citizen

These requirements are intended to verify that the applicant for naturalization is willing and able to adapt to Japanese society and fulfill his/her obligations as a Japanese citizen. The applicant must prove that he/she meets all of these requirements at the time of application.

However, these requirements may be relaxed for special permanent residents (zainichi koreans/zainichi koreans) and those married to Japanese nationals. 

(2) Address Requirements and Competency Requirements

Two of the most important requirements for naturalization are the "address requirement" and the "capacity requirement.

The "address requirement" requires that the applicant have lived in Japan continuously for five years prior to applying for naturalization. This requirement is designed to ensure that the applicant has fully adapted to Japanese society and has acquired a Japanese way of life.

However, there are exceptions to this requirement. For example, the address requirement may be relaxed in the case of a Japanese spouse or a person who has made a special contribution to Japan.

The "capacity requirement," on the other hand, requires that the applicant be an adult (20 years of age or older) and have the ability to voluntarily complete the naturalization application process.

This requirement is to ensure that the application for naturalization is made of the applicant's free will. Minors and persons of unsound mind are not allowed to apply alone.

(3) Application Process for Naturalization in Japan

When applying for naturalization in Japan, it is necessary to understand the entire process from preparation of the application documents to examination and approval, which can be time-consuming due to the complexity of the documents and procedures required at each stage. Here we will look at the specific process of applying for naturalization, step by step.

Steps to apply for naturalization

The steps involved in applying for naturalization in Japan are as follows

  1. Preparation of documents for naturalization application (collection and filling out of required documents)
  2. Preliminary consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau (preferably before submitting the application documents)
  3. Submit application documents to the Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction
  4. Examination by the Legal Affairs Bureau (review of submitted documents, interview with staff, etc.)
  5. Notification of examination results (decision of approval or disapproval)
  6. If approved, issuance of a certificate of permission for naturalization
  7. Creation of a family register as a naturalized citizen

In applying for naturalization, you must first prepare the necessary documents. The type of documents varies depending on the applicant's situation, but there are many documents that must be ordered from government offices, such as a copy of the family register and certificate of residence.

During the preliminary consultation, you can have your application checked for any deficiencies in the application documents. If there are no problems with the documents, a formal application is filed with the competent Legal Affairs Bureau. The Legal Affairs Bureau will then review the application and notify you of the results.

The time required for examination varies depending on the applicant's situation, but usually takes from 6 months to 1 year. If permission is granted, a certificate of permission for naturalization is issued and a new family register is created.

(2) Documents required for application for naturalization

The main documents required for naturalization application are as follows

  • application form for naturalization
  • statement of reasons
  • curriculum vitae
  • A copy or extract of family register
  • certified copy of certificate of residence
  • A copy of alien registration card or residence card
  • Document certifying Japanese language proficiency
  • health certificate
  • Documents evidencing occupation and income
  • certificate of tax payment

Of these, the application for naturalization and the statement of reasons must be filled out in Japanese by the applicant him/herself. In the Statement of Reasons, the applicant must provide specific and detailed reasons for wanting to naturalize in Japan.

The resume should list educational and employment history from birth to the present in chronological order. If you have family members of foreign nationality, their nationalities must also be listed.

Documents certifying Japanese language proficiency include certificates of passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and certificates of completion from Japanese language education institutions.

(4) Difficulty in applying for naturalization in Japan

In this section, we will consider why it is so difficult to apply for naturalization in Japan and the key points for a successful application.

(1) Is it difficult to apply for naturalization?

As we have seen, applying for naturalization in Japan is a very complicated and time-consuming process. Preparing the documents alone is a huge hassle, and the screening process is rigorous.

However, this does not mean that naturalization is impossible. It is just that the hurdles are high, but if you meet the requirements and apply appropriately, you will be able to obtain permission.

According to statistics for the year 2023, 8,800 foreigners have been naturalized in Japan out of 9,836 applicants for naturalization permits. The naturalization permit rate is approximately 89.5%, which means that approximately one in ten applicants for naturalization will not have their application approved.

The difficulty level of naturalization depends on the applicant's situation. For example, foreigners who are married to a Japanese national tend to have a more favorable naturalization process than those who are single. In addition, the longer an applicant has lived in Japan and the better his/her Japanese language ability and adaptation to society, the smoother the screening process is said to be.

Reference:Number of applicants for naturalization, granted naturalization, and denied naturalization

(2) Key Points for Successful Application for Naturalization

So, what are the key points to keep in mind in order to successfully apply for naturalization? There are four points to keep in mind.

  1. Be aware of the requirements for naturalization in your daily life
  2. Prepare application documents carefully to avoid omissions.
  3. Japanese language skills should be polished well in advance of application.
  4. Be sincere in your examination and show enthusiasm for naturalization.

Of these, it is especially important to be aware of the requirements for naturalization from your everyday life. Whether or not you meet the requirements is not only determined by the documents submitted at the time of application, but also by how you actually live your life.

For example, in order to satisfy the "conduct requirement," it is necessary not only to avoid committing crimes but also to keep good relations with neighbors. For the "Japanese language requirement," it is important to create an environment in which you can use Japanese on a regular basis.

In addition, it is of utmost importance that you fill out the application documents "without omission" and "accurately". If you receive any remarks during the examination, it will be judged that you are not enthusiastic enough about naturalization.

Applying for naturalization is not an easy process, but with careful preparation in advance, you are sure to succeed. If you are a foreigner seeking naturalization, please keep these points in mind and be well prepared. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

However, not only does it take a lot of time and effort to prepare an application for naturalization, but there are also various fees involved in the application process, and if you request an administrative scrivener to prepare the application documents, a separate fee will be charged. Please refer to the following article for a detailed explanation of the fees for naturalization applications.
▶︎ The cost of applying for naturalization in Japan! Breakdown of fees, agency fees to administrative scriveners, etc.

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summary

How about it? Obtaining permanent residency in Japan and naturalization are certainly hurdles to overcome. However, there is no need to give up.

The important thing is to understand the difficulties involved and steadily prepare for them. Make sure you understand the conditions and required documents, and go through the screening process. By repeating these efforts, a way will surely open up for you.

I want to live in Japan and have deep ties with Japan. I believe this is a sincere wish held by many foreigners. We sincerely support your courage to take the first step to make this wish come true.

We hope this article will help you in your quest for permanent residence or naturalization. Please keep looking forward and keep trying without giving up. We are rooting for you!

For those seeking to acquire Japanese citizenship, we also recommend the following article, which explains in more detail the benefits and specific procedures for naturalization.
▶︎ Advantages of acquiring Japanese citizenship through naturalization! Conditions, procedures, and permanent residency.

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