List of Documents Required for a Naturalization Application | Prepare Everything with a Checklist
A naturalization application involves a very large number of documents, and preparation takes time. Deficiencies in documents can cause delays in screening, so use this checklist organized by category to prepare everything without omissions.
Caution: The required documents differ depending on the applicant’s circumstances (nationality, occupation, family composition, etc.). Be sure to consult the Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction in advance and receive individual instructions.
Reference: Ministry of Justice, “Application for Permission to Naturalize” (https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji06.html)
1. Application Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Application for permission to naturalize | Form prescribed by the Legal Affairs Bureau. Attach a photograph (5 cm x 5 cm) |
| Statement of motivation for naturalization | Handwritten in Japanese. Word-processed documents not accepted. State the reasons for applying concretely |
| Résumé (Part 1) | Personal history from birth to the present |
| Résumé (Part 2) | State your recent entry and departure history |
| Outline of relatives | All relatives residing in Japan and in your home country |
| Outline of livelihood (Part 1) | The household’s income and expenditure situation |
| Outline of livelihood (Part 2) | Status of assets and liabilities |
| Outline of business | Self-employed persons and corporate managers only |
| Sketch map of the area around your residence | Map of the area around your home |
| Sketch map of the area around your workplace | Map of the area around your workplace |
2. Personal Status Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Certified copy of your home country’s family register (birth certificate) | Attach a translation. The translator’s signature and seal are required |
| Certificate of entries in the birth notification | If a birth notification was filed in Japan |
| Marriage certificate | For married persons. Issued by your home country |
| Certificate of entries in the marriage notification | If a marriage notification was filed in Japan |
| Divorce certificate | If there is a history of divorce |
| Parents’ marriage certificate | A document proving the marital relationship of your parents |
| Death certificate | If your spouse or a parent is deceased |
| Certificate of nationality | Obtained at your home country’s embassy or consulate |
Important: All documents in a foreign language must have a Japanese translation attached. State the translator’s name, address, and seal on the translation.
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Certificate of residence (all household members) | Without My Number, but showing registered domicile and relationship |
| Copy of the residence card | Both front and back. For all family members living together |
| Copy of the alien registration record | Request disclosure from the Ministry of Justice (to confirm past residence history) |
| Certificate of entries in the closed alien registration record | Same as above. Request from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan |
4. Personal History Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Graduation certificate for your highest level of education | For Japanese schools, in Japanese; for overseas schools, attach a translation |
| Certificate of enrollment | If currently enrolled |
| Certificates of skills and qualifications | Copy of driver’s license, etc. |
| Driving record certificate | Covering the past five years. Obtained at the Japan Safe Driving Center |
5. Income and Asset Documents
| Document | Applies To | Notes |
|---|
| Pay statements | Salaried workers | For the most recent several months |
| Withholding tax slips | Salaried workers | For the most recent 1-2 years |
| Copies of final tax returns | Those who file final tax returns | For the most recent 2-3 years. Bearing the tax office’s receipt stamp |
| Copies of savings account passbooks | Everyone | For approximately the most recent year |
| Certificate of registered matters for real estate | Real estate owners | Obtained at the Legal Affairs Bureau |
| Copy of the lease agreement | For rental housing | The current contract |
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Resident tax assessment certificate | For the most recent 1-2 years. Obtained at the municipal office |
| Resident tax payment certificate | For the most recent 1-2 years. Confirms there are no arrears |
| Income tax payment certificate | Obtained at the tax office |
| Copy of the withholding tax ledger | For corporate managers |
| Corporate tax payment certificate | For corporate managers |
| Consumption tax payment certificate | For taxable business operators |
| Business tax payment certificate | For sole proprietors |
Point: If you have tax arrears, it is important to pay them in full before applying. Arrears may lead to a determination that the good conduct requirement is not met.
7. Social Insurance Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Pension enrollment record | The “Nenkin Teiki-bin” (pension record notice) or obtained at a pension office |
| National Pension receipts | For the most recent year |
| Notice of determination of standard remuneration for employees’ pension insurance | For company employees |
| Copy of the health insurance card | National Health Insurance or social insurance |
8. Business Documents (Corporate Managers and Sole Proprietors)
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Certificate of registered matters of the corporation | Obtained at the Legal Affairs Bureau |
| Copy of the articles of incorporation | |
| Corporate tax final returns | For the most recent 2-3 fiscal terms |
| Financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss statement) | For the most recent 2-3 fiscal terms |
| Corporate tax payment certificates | Corporate tax, consumption tax, business tax, etc. |
| Status of enrollment in employees’ pension and social insurance | Confirms proper enrollment |
9. Additional Documents by Nationality
Chinese Nationals
| Document | Where to Obtain |
|---|
| Certificate of withdrawal from People’s Republic of China nationality (proof of renunciation of nationality) | Chinese embassy or consulate (after naturalization is approved) |
| Notarial certificates (birth notarial certificate, kinship notarial certificate, etc.) | Notary office in China |
| Overseas Chinese certificate | Applicable persons only |
Korean Nationals
| Document | Where to Obtain |
|---|
| Basic certificate | Korean embassy or consulate, or a government office in Korea |
| Family relationship certificate | Same as above |
| Marital relationship certificate | Same as above |
| Adoption relationship certificate | Same as above |
| Full adoption relationship certificate | Same as above |
| Certified copy of the removed family register | Same as above |
Vietnamese Nationals
| Document | Where to Obtain |
|---|
| Birth certificate | People’s Committee in Vietnam |
| Certificate of marital status | Same as above |
| Criminal record certificate | Ministry of Justice of Vietnam |
Key Points for Preparing Documents
- Note the validity period of documents: Official documents such as certificates of residence and tax assessment certificates must generally have been issued within 3 months
- Prepare translations: All documents in a foreign language require a Japanese translation
- Prior consultation with the Legal Affairs Bureau: Consult the Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction before applying and receive instructions on the required documents
- Prepare copies: Make copies of all documents to keep as your own record of what was submitted
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)
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