What Not to Do While Your Naturalization Application Is Pending: Moving, Changing Jobs, Travel, and Traffic Violations

Introduction

A naturalization application generally takes from six months to about one year from the time you submit the documents until permission is granted. Changes in your life during this review period can affect the outcome. Do not let your guard down by thinking the job is done once you have applied; there are several points that require attention.

This article explains the things to be careful about while your naturalization application is pending.

This article is based on the Nationality Act, publicly available information from the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Affairs Bureau, and general practice.

Report Changes During the Review to the Legal Affairs Bureau

The naturalization review is premised on your circumstances at the time of application. If a significant change occurs during the review period, it is important not to make your own judgment and leave it unattended, but to report and consult with the Legal Affairs Bureau in charge. Neglecting to report can create discrepancies with your documents and adversely affect the review.

Basic stance: If your circumstances change while your application is pending, do not hide it; tell the Legal Affairs Bureau. This is the safest approach.

Four Changes to Pay Special Attention To

1. Moving (change of address)

Relocating affects consistency with your residence record and submitted documents. The Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction may also change. If you plan to move, consult the Legal Affairs Bureau in advance.

2. Changing or leaving a job

Naturalization places importance on a stable livelihood. Changing or leaving a job during the review can affect the assessment of the stability of your income. If you must change jobs, be prepared to explain your new workplace and income situation, and report it to the Legal Affairs Bureau. For more on the livelihood requirement, please also see “The Livelihood Requirement for Naturalization.”

3. Extended travel abroad

Naturalization requires continuous residence in Japan. Extended travel abroad during the review can raise doubts about the continuity of your residence. For unavoidable travel, inform the Legal Affairs Bureau of the period and the reason. For more on the residence requirement, “The Residence Requirement for Naturalization” is also helpful.

4. Traffic violations and legal violations

Traffic violations or legal violations during the review affect the good conduct requirement. In particular, serious violations such as drunk driving can lead to denial or a prolonged review. While your application is pending, be all the more mindful of complying with the law. For more on the good conduct requirement, please see “The Good Conduct Requirement for Naturalization.”

Other Changes That Should Be Reported

Changes in marital status, such as marriage or divorce
Changes in family members’ residence status
Large increases or decreases in income
Circumstances with a major impact on daily life, such as illness or injury

Relationship to the 2026 Tightening

Under the operational review of April 2026, the verification of residence periods, tax payments, and social insurance is trending toward being conducted over a longer span. Even during the review, continuing to pay taxes, pension, and social insurance properly has become more important than ever. For details, please see “Will Naturalization Review Be Tightened from April 2026? Media Reports and the Reality on the Ground at the Legal Affairs Bureau.”

Checklist While Your Application Is Pending

Are you continuing to pay your taxes, pension, and social insurance?
Have you avoided traffic violations and legal violations?
If your address or workplace changed, did you report it to the Legal Affairs Bureau?
Did you consult in advance about any plans for extended travel abroad?
Are you in a state where you can respond promptly to contact (inquiries from the Legal Affairs Bureau)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. If I move while my application is pending, do I have to redo the application? A. It does not necessarily mean redoing it, but you need to report the change of address. Since jurisdiction may change, it is best to consult early.

Q. Will even a minor parking violation result in denial? A. A single minor violation does not necessarily lead to immediate denial, but repeated or serious violations have an impact. Special care is needed while your application is pending.

Q. Is it all right to go on an overseas business trip while my application is pending? A. A short business trip is unlikely to become a major problem, but if it becomes long-term, you can feel reassured by informing the Legal Affairs Bureau of the reason and the period in advance.

How Our Office Can Help

How you respond to changes during the review period can determine the outcome of permission. The Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office supports you with communication with the Legal Affairs Bureau and with responding to changes in circumstances even after the application is filed.

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