Will Naturalization Screening Become Stricter from April 2026? The Gap Between Media Reports and Reality
[Important] This article is based on information as of April 2026. Naturalization screening standards may vary by Legal Affairs Bureau. Please confirm the latest operational status directly with your jurisdictional Legal Affairs Bureau.
Introduction
From late 2025 through 2026, there have been numerous reports that “naturalization screening will become stricter.” Major changes reported include extending the residence requirement from 5 to 10 years and expanding the tax verification period from 1 to 5 years.
However, when we verified with the Legal Affairs Bureau in practice, we found a significant gap between media reports and the actual situation on the ground. This article organizes the reported changes and the reality at Legal Affairs Bureaus, and provides guidance for those considering naturalization applications.
Main Changes Reported by Media
From late 2025 to April 2026, numerous experts and media outlets reported the following changes.
| Item | Previous Practice | Reported New Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Residence requirement | Continuous 5+ years | Extended to 10+ years |
| Tax verification period | Most recent 1 year | Most recent 5 years |
| Social insurance verification period | Most recent 1 year | Most recent 2 years |
| Implementation date | — | April 1, 2026 |
| Application to pending cases | — | Retroactive application (some reports) |
A key characteristic of these changes is that they are reported as “operational changes” rather than legal amendments. The text of Article 5 of the Nationality Act itself has not been changed.
The Reality at Legal Affairs Bureaus
No Official Notice Has Been Received
When our office confirmed with the jurisdictional Legal Affairs Bureau as of April 2026, we received the following response:
“We have not received any such notice.”
While media reports state “implementation from April 1, 2026,” the Legal Affairs Bureaus that actually process applications have not received any formal notice or administrative communication regarding the new standards.
Confusion on the Ground
Legal Affairs Bureau staff are aware of the media reports but have no choice but to follow previous practices since no official instructions have been issued. Inquiries from applicants and administrative scriveners are increasing, and the situation on the ground is quite confusing.
Why the Discrepancy Exists
Possible reasons include:
- Communication time lag between the Ministry of Justice headquarters and regional Legal Affairs Bureaus
- Media may have reported information still under consideration as confirmed
- Phased implementation may be planned rather than nationwide simultaneous rollout
- Revision of internal operational guidelines may still be in progress
Analysis of Each Reported Change
Residence Requirement: 5 Years → 10 Years
Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 1 of the Nationality Act stipulates “having continuously had a domicile in Japan for 5 or more years.” Whether the requirement can be extended to 10 years through operational changes alone without amending the statute is legally debatable.
This is believed to be intended to balance with the 10-year residence requirement for permanent residence permits, eliminating the paradox where “naturalization is easier than permanent residence.”
Tax Verification Period: 1 Year → 5 Years
Previously, tax certificates for just the most recent year were sufficient. If 5 years of verification becomes required, this will significantly affect those who had past periods of non-payment. Cases where there were temporary gaps during job changes or starting a business could become problematic.
Social Insurance Verification Period: 1 Year → 2 Years
The verification period for National Health Insurance and National Pension payments is reported to be extended to 2 years. This is equivalent to the standard already implemented for permanent residence applications.
Future Response Guidelines
For Those Considering Naturalization
- Don’t rush to apply — Insufficiently prepared applications increase the risk of rejection
- Confirm directly with your jurisdictional Legal Affairs Bureau — Check the actual operational status, not media reports
- Prepare with a long-term perspective — Ensure tax and social insurance payments are in order for 5 years back
- Consult a specialist — To determine the optimal timing based on your individual situation
For Those Already in the Application Process
Regarding retroactive application to already-submitted cases, there is no need for excessive worry unless the Legal Affairs Bureau provides an official announcement. However, please respond promptly to any requests for additional documents.
Increase in Last-Minute Applications
According to Ministry of Justice statistics, the number of naturalization applications in 2025 was 14,103, an increase of approximately 15% from the previous year’s 12,248. This surge is considered to be the impact of last-minute applications prompted by media reports.
Note: Even applications submitted at the last minute will be rejected if documentation is incomplete or requirements are not met. The increase in applications is also likely to lead to longer screening periods.
Our Support
For consultations regarding naturalization applications, please rely on Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office.
- 98% approval rate track record
- Accurate advice based on the latest information from both media and practice
- Languages supported: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese
- Free initial consultation
- Nationwide support centered on Chiba and Tokyo (Online consultation available)