Expert Explanation! What to Do After Approval and How Life Changes

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1. Introduction

Once your naturalization is approved, you will need to complete the final procedures to officially obtain Japanese nationality.

Even after receiving your naturalization approval, there are several important steps, such as registering your family registry (koseki), applying for a Japanese passport, and renouncing your previous nationality.

In this article, we will explain the necessary steps after naturalization approval and how life changes after becoming a Japanese citizen.

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2. Receiving Your Naturalization Approval Notice

✅ ① Naturalization Announcement in the Official Gazette

Once your naturalization is approved, your name will be published in the Official Gazette (官報 / Kanpō), a government publication.

📌 When is the announcement made?
→ About 1 to 2 months after the final review at the Legal Affairs Bureau.

📌 How to check the Official Gazette?
→ It is available online for free (search for "官報 帰化").

📌 After your name appears in the Gazette, the Legal Affairs Bureau will send you an official notification.
→ This may take a few days to a few weeks to arrive.

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✅ ② Receiving the Naturalization Approval Notice (at the Legal Affairs Bureau)

Once you receive the notification, you must visit the Legal Affairs Bureau on the designated date to receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

📌 What to bring:
✅ Notification letter (from the Legal Affairs Bureau)
✅ Personal seal (hanko) with your new Japanese name

📌 Procedure at the Legal Affairs Bureau:

1. Receive the Naturalization Certificate
2. Get instructions on Japanese nationality procedures
3. Learn how to register your new family registry (koseki)

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3. Required Procedures After Obtaining Japanese Nationality

After receiving your naturalization approval, you must complete the following steps.

✅ ① Registering Your Family Registry (Koseki) at the City Office

Once naturalized, you must register your family registry, which records your legal identity as a Japanese citizen.

📌 Where to apply: City or ward office where you reside
📌 Required documents:
✅ Naturalization Certificate (received from the Legal Affairs Bureau)
✅ Hanko (personal seal with your new Japanese name)
✅ Update your resident registration (住民票 / jūminhyō)

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✅ ② Applying for a Japanese Passport

After completing your family registry, you can apply for a Japanese passport.

📌 Where to apply: Passport center in your prefecture
📌 Required documents:
✅ Copy of your family registry (戸籍謄本 / koseki tōhon) from the city office
✅ Updated resident certificate (住民票 / jūminhyō)
✅ Passport photo (45mm × 35mm)
✅ Application form (available at the passport center)

👉 The processing time is usually around 1 week to 10 days.

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✅ ③ Renouncing Your Previous Nationality (At Your Home Country’s Embassy)

Since Japan does not allow dual nationality, you must officially renounce your previous nationality after naturalization.

📌 The process varies by country.
→ Check with your home country’s embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

📌 Commonly required documents:
✅ Certificate of Naturalization from Japan
✅ Copy of your Japanese family registry
✅ Copy of your Japanese passport

👉 Some countries have a lengthy process, so start as soon as possible!

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4. Life Changes After Obtaining Japanese Nationality

After naturalization, you gain the rights and responsibilities of a Japanese citizen.

✅ ① Voting Rights (Participating in Elections)

As a Japanese citizen, you can now vote in elections.

📌 Eligible elections:
✅ National elections (House of Representatives & House of Councillors)
✅ Local elections (mayor, governor, city council, etc.)

👉 You can participate in elections based on your registered address!

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✅ ② Access to Government Jobs and National Licenses

Some jobs and professional licenses require Japanese nationality, which you can now apply for.

📌 Examples of jobs and licenses that require Japanese nationality:
✅ National & local government jobs (public servants)
✅ Legal professions (lawyer, judicial scrivener, administrative scrivener)
✅ Some medical professions (doctor, pharmacist, etc.)

👉 You now have access to more career opportunities!

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✅ ③ Easier Access to Financial Services (Loans & Credit)

Some banks and financial institutions have stricter requirements for foreign nationals when applying for loans or credit.

📌 After naturalization, your financial credibility increases, making it easier to get approved for home loans or other financial services.

👉 This makes long-term financial planning in Japan more stable!

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5. Conclusion: Complete the Necessary Procedures Smoothly!

Even after your naturalization is approved, you still need to complete several important procedures to finalize your status as a Japanese citizen.

📌 Receive your Naturalization Certificate from the Legal Affairs Bureau
📌 Register your new family registry at the city office
📌 Apply for a Japanese passport
📌 Complete the renunciation of your previous nationality
📌 Adjust to life as a Japanese citizen

By handling these steps properly, you can fully integrate into Japanese society and start your new life as a Japanese citizen!

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🌸 Final Message 🌸

Thank you for reading this 6-part series, “Expert Guide to the Naturalization Process and Success Tips.”

The naturalization process is long and detailed, but with the right preparation, you can successfully obtain Japanese nationality and start your new life as a Japanese citizen.

👉 If you are considering naturalization, consulting a professional (such as an administrative scrivener or lawyer) is highly recommended!

＼Wishing you a successful new life in Japan! 🎉／