JAPAN

Japan to tighten requirements for naturalization starting April 1

The criteria for foreign nationals seeking citizenship will be brought to the level required for permanent residency.

By The Japan Times

• March 27, 2026 at 2:34 AM

Japan to tighten requirements for naturalization starting April 1 Photo: The Japan Times

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi speaks to reporters in Tokyo on Friday
Threads
Email
Print
Bookmark story
Copy link
Japan will double the residency requirement for foreign nationals seeking citizenship to 10 consecutive years and expand screening periods for tax and social insurance records starting April 1, bringing naturalization criteria to the level required for permanent residency.Under revised guidelines announced Friday, naturalization applicants must submit two years of tax and social insurance payment records and five years of tax payment certificates.The changes are intended to address concerns that obtaining Japanese nationality has been easier than securing permanent residency, according to the Justice Ministry.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

SUBSCRIBE NOW
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories
However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name
in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.

Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting
What to know about Japan’s new traffic rules for cyclists
The West should learn from Japan how to stand up to China
Japan calls GSDF officer’s break-in at Chinese Embassy ‘deeply regrettable’
Cabinet Office and Tokyo government prepare for Mount Fuji eruption risk
Japan’s change of China’s description is not a 'significant shift'
Tokyo earns seven spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list
Spring reawakens concerns over bear encounters in Japan
What you need to know about Japan’s new joint custody system
Beijing row highlights need for Japan to reduce cleantech dependence on China
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’
The human-made roots of Japan's hay fever crisis
Inaka no Taiho: Chinese restaurant offers experience of ‘receiving life’
Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.

Japan's tally of specified skilled workers hits record 390,296
5 hours ago
Japan's Ispace delays NASA-sponsored moon landing to 2030
5 hours ago
Shadow raises pitched as option for cash-strapped Japanese companies
5 hours ago
MSDF destroyer becomes Japan’s first ship capable of firing Tomahawk missiles
6 hours ago
Welcome to 'New Russia': How the Kremlin is remaking occupied Ukraine
6 hours ago