Expert Explanation: What You Need to Do for a Smooth Application

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1. Introduction

Proper preparation is essential for a successful naturalization application. Collecting the required documents can take a long time, so it’s important to plan ahead.

In this article, we will explain the preliminary preparation process, the list of required documents, and tips for gathering them efficiently.

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2. The Naturalization Process (Preliminary Preparation Stage)

The naturalization application follows these steps:

✅ General Steps for Naturalization Application

1. Preliminary consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau (appointment required)
2. Gathering required documents (both domestic and foreign)
3. Preparing application forms (including the Statement of Purpose)
4. Submitting the official application to the Legal Affairs Bureau
5. Interview at the Legal Affairs Bureau (within 1–3 months after submission)
6. Screening period (It takes one to one and a half years)
7. Receiving the naturalization approval notice

Among these steps, preliminary consultation and document collection are particularly important.

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3. What Is a Preliminary Consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau?

✅ Purpose of the Preliminary Consultation

• To confirm the application process and required documents
• To determine whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria
• To receive guidance on missing documents or special conditions

You cannot submit your application right away!
First, you must schedule a consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau that has jurisdiction over your residence.

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✅ How to Schedule a Preliminary Consultation

1. Find the Legal Affairs Bureau for your area
→ Search for “[Your city] Legal Affairs Bureau Naturalization Application”

2. Call the bureau to schedule a consultation appointment
→ Appointments can be fully booked, requiring a 1–2 month wait.

3. Provide basic information during the consultation
→ The officer will check your visa status, residency history, job, and income.

At the consultation, you will receive a list of required documents, so be sure to take notes!

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4. List of Required Documents for Naturalization Application

The required documents are divided into domestic documents (to be obtained in Japan) and foreign documents (to be obtained from your home country).

✅ Documents to Obtain in Japan

✅ Personal Documents

• Resident certificate (住民票)
• Copy of residence card (在留カード)
• Copy of passport
• Copy of driver’s license (if applicable)

✅ Family Documents (if living together)

• Spouse’s resident certificate
• Copy of residence cards for family members (if they are foreign nationals)

✅ Financial & Tax Documents

• Tax payment certificates for the past three years
• Proof of income (salary certificate for employees, tax return for self-employed individuals)
• Copy of health insurance card

✅ Employment Documents

• Certificate of employment
• Company registration certificate (if self-employed)

✅ Criminal Record & Legal Documents

• Criminal record certificate (if required)

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✅ Documents to Obtain from Your Home Country

✅ Birth Documents

• Birth certificate (issued by the authorities in your home country)
• Parents’ marriage certificate (if required)

✅ Nationality Documents

• Copy of passport from your home country
• Nationality certificate from your home country

✅ Marriage & Divorce Documents (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce certificate

✅ Family Relationship Documents

• Family registry (for South Korean applicants)
• Family relationship certificate (for Chinese applicants)

⚠️ Foreign documents must be translated into Japanese!
→ You need to attach a translation or use a translation service.

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5. Tips for Efficiently Collecting Documents

✅ Start obtaining foreign documents early
→ Processing times at overseas government offices can be long, so apply as early as possible.

✅ Check requirements before visiting government offices
→ Before going to the city hall, make a checklist of required documents to avoid multiple trips.

✅ Follow the instructions given at the Legal Affairs Bureau
→ If a specific document is requested at the preliminary consultation, you must submit it to proceed with the application.

✅ Prepare translations in advance
→ Translations take time, so arrange them as early as possible.

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6. Conclusion: Proper Preparation Is the Key to Success

Thorough preparation is essential for a smooth naturalization application.

📌 Schedule a preliminary consultation and confirm required documents
📌 List and collect documents from Japan and your home country
📌 Prepare translations early to avoid delays

By following these steps, you can avoid common mistakes and speed up the application process.

In Part 3, we will discuss "How to Prepare and Submit the Naturalization Application Forms."