1. Overview of the Main Requirements for Naturalization

In addition to the capacity requirement, several other important requirements must be met for naturalization in Japan.
Below is a summary of the main conditions necessary to acquire Japanese nationality.

✅ The 7 Key Requirements for Naturalization

1. Residence Requirement (Must have lived in Japan continuously for at least 5 years)
2. Capacity Requirement (Must have legal competence to act)
3. Good Conduct Requirement (No criminal record and compliance with tax obligations)
4. Financial Stability Requirement (Must have a stable income and be financially independent)
5. Nationality Requirement (Must renounce original nationality, in principle)
6. Ideological Requirement (Must not be involved in anti-social activities)
7. Japanese Language Requirement (Must have basic Japanese language proficiency, including reading and writing)

Among these, the Good Conduct Requirement, Financial Stability Requirement, and Japanese Language Requirement are particularly important in the screening process.

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2. Good Conduct Requirement: Beware of Criminal Records and Tax Obligations

The Good Conduct Requirement assesses whether an applicant's past and current behavior aligns with Japanese societal norms.

✅ Key Points Checked Under the Good Conduct Requirement

• Criminal records (even minor offenses may affect the application)
• Traffic violations (drunk driving and driving without a license are particularly problematic)
• Whether taxes and social insurance contributions are fully paid (delays or non-payment can negatively impact the application)
• A stable lifestyle (frequent job changes or personal conflicts may be scrutinized)

➡️ It is crucial to pay all taxes on time and avoid any legal violations for several years before applying for naturalization.

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3. Financial Stability Requirement: Ensuring a Stable Income

The Financial Stability Requirement assesses whether the applicant has a stable economic foundation in Japan.

✅ Key Considerations for the Financial Stability Requirement

• Must have a steady job (or be financially independent)
• Must earn enough income to maintain a basic standard of living
• If supporting family members, must have the financial capacity to do so
• Receiving public assistance (welfare) can be a disadvantage

➡️ If an applicant is unemployed or has an unstable income, their naturalization application is less likely to be approved. It is best to apply while in a stable job.

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4. Japanese Language Requirement: How Fluent Do You Need to Be?

To naturalize in Japan, applicants must be able to function in daily life using Japanese.
The required level of proficiency is approximately equivalent to a Japanese elementary school third-grade level in reading, writing, and speaking.

✅ Japanese Language Proficiency Requirements

• Ability to hold basic conversations (e.g., handling government procedures and shopping)
• Ability to read and write simple sentences (e.g., writing personal information such as address, occupation, and family details in Japanese)
• Kanji proficiency is not mandatory (Hiragana and Katakana are sufficient)

➡️ If an applicant is not confident in their Japanese ability, they should work on improving it before applying for naturalization.

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5. Important Considerations and Common Pitfalls in Naturalization Applications

Since the naturalization screening process is strict, applicants should be aware of the following common pitfalls to avoid application rejection or delays.

✅ Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Unpaid or overdue taxes and pension contributions → Ensure full payment before applying.
2. Frequent job changes or address changes → Apply when your job and residence are stable.
3. Multiple minor traffic violations → Avoid any violations for at least 1-3 years before applying.
4. Unclear family relationships → Ensure all application details are accurate and consistent.
5. Incomplete or missing documents → Missing paperwork can delay the process, so double-check requirements in advance.

➡️ Properly preparing all required documents and ensuring compliance with all requirements before applying is crucial for a successful application.

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6. Summary: Key Preparations for a Successful Naturalization Application

✅ Even if the capacity requirement is met, other requirements (good conduct, financial stability, and Japanese proficiency) are essential.
✅ Ensure all taxes and pensions are fully paid, and avoid legal violations.
✅ Apply when employment and income are stable for a higher chance of approval.
✅ If Japanese proficiency is a concern, study in advance to improve skills.
✅ Consult with the Legal Affairs Bureau and prepare thoroughly for the application.

➡️ This concludes the "Capacity Requirement for Naturalization" series. If you plan to apply for naturalization, make sure to prepare well in advance and approach the process strategically!