Naturalization Applications for Chinese Nationals | Loss of Nationality and Distinctive Required Documents
Introduction
Among applicants for naturalization in Japan, Chinese nationals have consistently accounted for a large proportion. Naturalization applications by Chinese nationals involve documents and procedures specific to China, and there are points that differ from applicants of other nationalities.
This article explains the procedures and points of caution that Chinese nationals should know when naturalizing in Japan.
The Relationship Between Chinese Nationality Law and Naturalization
Provisions of Article 9 of the Chinese Nationality Law
Article 9 of the Chinese Nationality Law Chinese citizens settled abroad who have joined or acquired foreign nationality of their own free will shall automatically lose Chinese nationality.
Chinese nationality law stipulates that Chinese nationality is automatically lost upon acquisition of foreign nationality. In other words, at the point when naturalization in Japan is approved, Chinese nationality is automatically lost.
This is treated as satisfying the “nationality requirement” in a naturalization application (Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 5 of the Nationality Act: that the person shall lose their original nationality upon acquisition of Japanese nationality).
Procedure for Loss of Chinese Nationality After Naturalization Is Approved
After naturalization in Japan is approved, the following procedures are carried out.
| Procedure | Where to File | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Submit notification of loss of nationality | Chinese embassy or consulate | Promptly after approval of naturalization |
| Return the Chinese passport | Chinese embassy or consulate | At the same time as the notification of loss of nationality |
Caution: Although Article 9 of the Chinese Nationality Law provides for automatic loss, in practice procedures at the Chinese embassy or consulate are required.
Documents That Must Be Obtained from China
For a naturalization application by a Chinese national, notarial certificates issued within China are required. The main notarial certificates are as follows.
List of Required Notarial Certificates
| Type of Notarial Certificate | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth notarial certificate | Proves the fact of birth | Mandatory |
| Kinship notarial certificate | Relationship with parents and siblings | Mandatory |
| Marriage notarial certificate | Proves the fact of marriage | Married persons only |
| Divorce notarial certificate | Proves the fact of divorce | If there is a history of divorce |
| Adoption notarial certificate | The fact of adoption | Applicable persons only |
How to Obtain Notarial Certificates
Notarial certificates are obtained at a notary office (公証処) within China. There are mainly two ways to obtain them.
- Temporarily returning to China to obtain them: Apply directly at the notary office in the locality of your household registration
- Asking a relative in China to obtain them on your behalf: Prepare a power of attorney and have a relative residing in China apply on your behalf
Point: Obtaining notarial certificates normally takes about two weeks to one month. We recommend making arrangements early, at the stage when you begin considering a naturalization application.
Obtaining Documents at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate
The following documents can be obtained at the Chinese embassy or consulate.
- Certificate of nationality: Proof that you currently hold Chinese nationality
- Authentication of the entries in your passport
The embassy or consulate with jurisdiction differs depending on your place of residence, so please check in advance.
Japanese Translation of Chinese-Language Documents
All documents obtained in China must have a Japanese translation attached.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Translator | State the translator’s signature, address, and contact details |
| Translation certification | A statement by the translator certifying that it is “identical to the original” |
| Format | Submit the original and the translation together as a set |
The translation does not necessarily have to be commissioned from a professional translation agency, but an accurate translation is required. At our office, staff proficient in Chinese handle translations.
Points of Caution Specific to Chinese Nationals
Checking the Household Register (Hukou)
The Chinese household register (hukou book) is an important document for confirming personal status relationships. It is not a document submitted directly with the naturalization application, but it may be required when obtaining notarial certificates or verifying identity. It is important to check in advance whether there are any inconsistencies between the entries in the household register (name, date of birth, family relationships, etc.) and the content of your application.
Chinese Names and Commonly Used Names
Chinese nationals sometimes use a commonly used name (Japanese name) in Japan. The naturalization application form must state your real name (Chinese name), but you may freely decide your name after naturalization.
Simplified Characters and Japanese Kanji
The simplified characters used in China and Japanese kanji differ in some cases. If there is a discrepancy between the kanji notation on a notarial certificate and the notation used in Japan, you need to confirm the handling with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
Returning Your Passport After Naturalization
After naturalization is approved, you must return your Chinese passport to the Chinese embassy or consulate. The following documents are required for the return procedure.
- Copy of the notice of approval of naturalization
- Original Chinese passport
- Certified copy of the Japanese family register (after submitting the naturalization notification)
Our Support
For consultations regarding naturalization applications, trust Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office.
- 98% approval rate
- Languages: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese
- Free initial consultation
- Serving Chiba, Tokyo, and nationwide (online consultation available)
Our office has Chinese-speaking staff on hand, and we have supported a great many naturalization applications by Chinese clients. From document translation to advice on obtaining Chinese notarial certificates, we assist you throughout.
Related articles
Will Naturalization Screening Become Stricter from April 2026? The Gap Between Media Reports and Reality
An administrative scrivener explains the discrepancy between media reports and the actual situation at Legal Affairs Bureaus regarding the tightening of naturalization screening from April 2026.
Good Conduct Requirement for Naturalization｜How Traffic Violations, Criminal Records, and Tax Arrears Affect Your Application
An administrative scrivener explains how traffic violations, criminal records, and tax/social insurance arrears specifically affect the good conduct requirement (Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 3 of the Nationality Act).
10 Procedures to Complete After Naturalization Is Approved | Where to File and Deadlines
A list of the notifications and change procedures required after naturalization is approved. Handle family register notification, passport, driver's license, bank accounts and more without omissions.
5 Reasons Naturalization Applications Are Denied and How to Address Them
Reasons for denial of naturalization applications classified into five patterns. Explains concrete measures for avoiding denial, covering traffic violations, unpaid taxes, false declarations and more.