Complete Guide to Required Documents and Steps for a Smooth Naturalization Application
office-babaakiraThe naturalization process in Japan requires a large number of documents, and many applicants feel overwhelmed by the paperwork.
- What documents do I need to prepare?
- Which documents must be obtained from my home country?
- How long does it take to collect all the required paperwork?
In this article, we’ll explain the necessary documents for naturalization and the step-by-step process to prepare them efficiently.
1. List of Required Documents for Naturalization
The documents required for naturalization fall into three main categories:
Personal Documents (to verify identity and nationality)
Family & Relationship Documents (to confirm household and marital status)
Financial & Tax Documents (to demonstrate stable income and tax compliance)
① Personal Documents
| Document | Where to Obtain It | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalization Application Form | Legal Affairs Bureau | Filled out at the time of application |
| Resume (Rirekisho, 履歴書) | Self-prepared | Must detail educational background, employment history, and family |
| Declaration Form (Senmeisho, 宣誓書) | Legal Affairs Bureau | Signed during application |
| Nationality Certificate (Birth Certificate or Family Register from home country) | Government office in home country | Must prove your nationality |
| Passport Copy | Self-prepared | Submit copies of all pages |
Key Points:
- The Nationality Certificate (birth certificate, family register) must be obtained from your home country, which can take time.
- Passport copies should include all pages to avoid issues.
② Family & Relationship Documents
| Document | Where to Obtain It | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Record (Juminhyo, 住民票) of all household members | City/Ward Office | Must include information for all household members |
| Family Register (Koseki Tohon, 戸籍謄本) (if married to a Japanese citizen) | City/Ward Office | Required for those married to a Japanese citizen |
| Marriage Certificate | City/Ward Office | Required if married to a non-Japanese citizen |
Key Points:
- If you have a Japanese spouse, you must submit proof of your marriage.
- Ensure your resident record includes all household members.
③ Financial & Tax Documents
| Document | Where to Obtain It | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Certificate (for employees) | Employer | Proves current job and employment duration |
| Tax Return Documents (for self-employed individuals) | Tax Office | Critical for demonstrating financial stability |
| Withholding Tax Certificate (for employees, 源泉徴収票) | Employer | Past 1–2 years’ records are required |
| Tax Payment Certificates (Resident Tax, Income Tax) | City/Ward Office or Tax Office | Past 3–5 years’ records required |
| Bank Account Balance Certificate (if needed) | Bank | Can serve as proof of financial stability |
Key Points:
- Unpaid taxes can negatively impact your application, so check your records in advance.
- Self-employed individuals must submit tax return documents, while employees need a withholding tax certificate.
2. Step-by-Step Process for Preparing Naturalization Documents
To ensure a smooth application, follow these preparation steps:
Step 1: Consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau (Mandatory Before Applying)
Visit the nearest Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局) and inform them of your intention to apply Obtain a list of required documents based on your situation Confirm whether any additional documents are needed for your case
Key Points:
- Consultation is required before applying! You cannot submit an application without first speaking with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
- This meeting allows you to understand the process and potential challenges.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents (Can Take 1–3 Months)
Obtain documents from Japanese government offices (Resident Record, Family Register, Tax Certificates, etc.) Request documents from your home country (Nationality Certificate, Birth Certificate, etc.) Gather financial documents from employers and banks (Employment Certificate, Tax Returns, Bank Statements, etc.)
Key Points:
- Documents from your home country can take a long time, so start the process early!
- If a translation is required, prepare a Japanese version (some cases require an official translation).
Step 3: Check for Errors and Fix Any Issues
Ensure all required documents are complete and up-to-date Verify that names, addresses, and dates match across all documents Replace any documents older than three months with new versions
Key Points:
- Many applications are rejected due to missing or incorrect documents, so double-check before submission!
Step 4: Submit the Application to the Legal Affairs Bureau
Once all documents are ready, submit them at the Legal Affairs Bureau After submission, wait for the screening process (which takes 1–2 years)
Key Points:
- The Legal Affairs Bureau may request additional documents, so be prepared to provide them.
- Avoid any legal issues (tax delinquency, traffic violations) during the screening period.
3. Summary
Naturalization requires many documents, so thorough preparation is essential. Documents from your home country take time to obtain—start the process early. Consult the Legal Affairs Bureau to confirm which documents are necessary for your case. Double-check all documents for accuracy to avoid application rejection.
The naturalization process is long, but proper preparation can make it much smoother!
Questions or Concerns?
“It’s taking a long time to get my nationality certificate from my home country. What should I do?” “Do I need official translations for foreign documents? Where can I get them?”
If you have any questions about the naturalization process, feel free to ask! 
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