Japan has significantly tightened the requirements for foreigners applying for citizenship through naturalization. The updated guidelines from the Ministry of Justice, which took effect in April 2026, cover both the length of residence and financial documentation. Learn more about the new naturalization rules in Japan and what they mean for foreign residents

Japan has significantly changed its approach to granting citizenship to foreigners effective April 1, 2026. The Ministry of Justice has updated its naturalization guidelines, effectively doubling the required length of residence in the country and introducing additional requirements for financial documentation.

Who exactly is subject to the new rules, what documents are now required, and how this will affect foreigners who have already submitted applications—we explain further in this article.

Are you planning to move to Japan and want to understand the requirements for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in advance?

Visit World’s immigration guide provides step-by-step instructions, a complete list of documents, processing fees, and application review timelines.

Residence period for obtaining Japanese citizenship in 2026

The main change concerns the length of continuous residence that the authorities require from naturalization applicants. Previously, most applicants could submit their documents after five years of residence in Japan. Now, the Ministry of Justice is aiming for 10 years of continuous residence.

It is worth noting that the legal requirement enshrined in Japan’s Citizenship Act remains formally unchanged—five years. However, the ministry’s updated guidelines effectively double the practical threshold. This change was a response to comments from Japanese lawmakers: parliamentarians emphasized that the citizenship application process should not be simpler than the process for obtaining permanent residency, since citizenship grants additional rights, particularly voting rights.

Which countries topped the 2026 happiness ranking — we covered this in a previous article.

New financial document requirements for naturalization in Japan

In addition to extending the residency period, the updated guidelines require a more extensive set of documents confirming the applicant’s financial and social integration. Now, citizenship applicants must provide tax payment records for five years, as well as social insurance payment records for two years. Previously, the volume of required supporting documentation was significantly smaller.

Authorities have also gained the ability to verify an applicant’s financial history over a longer period than was customary prior to April 2026. The tightening of financial reporting requirements indicates that Japan seeks clear evidence of applicants’ systematic contributions to the country’s tax and social security systems. The stability of payments is becoming one of the key criteria for assessing a foreigner’s readiness for naturalization.

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Transitional Rules: What Will Happen to Applications Submitted Before April 1, 2026?

Foreign nationals who manage to submit naturalization applications by April 1, 2026, having resided in Japan for five years, will be considered under the previous rules. The final decision on each application, as before, remains at the discretion of the Minister of Justice.

Officials also note that in practice, the changes may affect fewer applicants than it seems at first glance. A significant portion of successful candidates had, in fact, been residing in Japan for about ten years prior to submitting their documents even before the guidelines were updated. In other words, for many foreigners who have already been in the country for a long time, the new rules merely formalize existing practice.

Read more about visa changes starting in April 2026 in other countries here.

Statistics on the naturalization of foreigners in Japan

Despite relatively strict immigration procedures, Japan remains attractive to foreigners choosing the country for long-term residence. In 2025, over 9,200 foreigners obtained Japanese citizenship. As is traditional, the largest share of new citizens consists of people from China and South Korea.

As of June 2025, approximately 932,000 foreigners held permanent resident status in Japan. These figures demonstrate that even under a selective approach to naturalization, many foreign residents consciously choose Japan as the country to build a long-term future. The tightening of naturalization requirements likely only underscores the Japanese government’s commitment to deeper integration of applicants into the country’s social and economic life.

How to prepare for naturalization in Japan under the new rules?

The updated guidelines send a clear signal to foreigners planning to obtain Japanese citizenship: the authorities expect a longer-term commitment and a more transparent financial history. Regular tax payments, consistent contributions to the social insurance fund, and an uninterrupted residency history are becoming crucial in the application review process.

To reside legally in another country, an expat must obtain a residence permit, which eventually grants the right to apply for citizenship. Each country has its own procedure for processing these documents and specific requirements for applicants.

You can find up-to-date information and learn about the procedure for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in any country, including Japan, in the immigration guide from Visit World. The guide contains step-by-step instructions for applying for temporary and permanent residence permits, a complete list of required documents, processing costs, application review times, applicant requirements, and useful tips. All information is sent to your email address in PDF format in just a few minutes.

Order the immigration guide from Visit World and get ready for your move in advance!

Reminder! Starting in July 2026, Japan will triple the departure tax to 3,000 yen and is introducing new tourist fees, including the JESTA system.

Photo: Freepik

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