Living Guidebook for Foreign Nationals in Iwate

Legal Issues

The Nationality of Children

Naturalisation

Naturalisation

Foreign nationals may acquire Japanese nationality through naturalisation, which requires application to the Legal Affairs Bureau. Some of the major conditions are as follows:
(1) That he or she has domiciled in Japan for 5 years or more consecutively.

(2) That he or she is 20 years of age or more and of full capacity according to the law of his or her home country. (Married minors are excluded.)

(3) That he or she is of upright conduct.

(4) That he or she is able to secure a livelihood by [his or her] own property or ability, or those of [his or her] spouse or other relatives with whom [he or she] lives on common living expenses.

(5) That he or she has no nationality, or the acquisition of Japanese nationality will result in the loss of foreign nationality.

Conditions are mitigated for persons born in Japan, and for spouses of Japanese nationals. Minors must apply accompanied by their parents.

The documentation required for a naturalisation application varies by case. For further details, please contact the Legal Affairs Bureau.

In Iwate, applications are received at the Morioka District Legal Affairs Bureau. Please call ahead to confirm both the necessary documentation and the date and time for an appointment.

Please be aware that naturalisation proceedings are carried out with great care, and therefore require a significant amount of time.