For foreign nationals who have lived in Japan for a long period, the options to consider are naturalization (acquiring Japanese nationality) and permanent residence (obtaining permanent residency). Both achieve a stable life in Japan, but their legal effects differ greatly.
This article compares the two from seven perspectives, providing information to help you decide which one suits you.
Governing laws:
- Naturalization: Nationality Act (Act No. 147 of 1950)
- Permanent residence: Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Cabinet Order No. 319 of 1951), Article 22
7 Points of Comparison
| Item | Naturalization (Acquiring Japanese Nationality) | Permanent Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Acquire Japanese nationality (original nationality is lost in principle) | Retain foreign nationality |
| Voting rights | Yes (right to vote and to stand for election) | No |
| Passport | Obtain a Japanese passport | Continue to use your home country’s passport |
| Residence card | Not required | Required (renewed every 7 years) |
| Deportation | None (as a Japanese national) | Possible deportation in cases such as serious crimes |
| Re-entry permit | Not required (free entry and exit as a Japanese national) | Special re-entry permit (re-entry within 2 years of departure) |
| Inheritance tax | Taxed on worldwide assets | May be taxed on worldwide assets depending on residency status |
Detailed Explanation of Each Point
1. Change of Nationality
If you choose naturalization, you acquire Japanese nationality and, in principle, lose your original nationality. Because Japan does not, in principle, permit dual nationality (Article 5, paragraph (1), item (v) of the Nationality Act), you must relinquish the nationality of your home country.
Permanent residence, on the other hand, is a status allowing you to reside in Japan while retaining foreign nationality, so you can maintain your home country’s nationality as it is.
2. Voting Rights
Upon acquiring Japanese nationality through naturalization, you obtain the right to vote and the right to stand for election. You can participate in both national and local elections.
Permanent residents are not granted voting rights.
3. Passport
After naturalization, a Japanese passport is issued. The Japanese passport enjoys high international credibility and allows visa-free travel to many countries.
Permanent residents continue to use their home country’s passport. Renewal of the home country’s passport is done at the embassy or consulate in Japan.
4. Residence Card and Residence Management
| Item | Naturalization | Permanent Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Residence card | Not required | Required |
| Card renewal | None | Every 7 years |
| Notification of change of address | Municipality only | Municipality + Regional Immigration Services Bureau |
| Revocation of residence status | None | Possible (in cases such as false applications) |
5. Risk of Deportation
If you naturalize and become a Japanese national, you cannot be deported.
Permanent residents may become subject to deportation if they fall under Article 24 of the Immigration Control Act (serious crimes, drug offenses, etc.). However, permanent residence is the most stable status among residence statuses, and deportation for minor reasons does not normally occur.
6. Freedom of Entry and Exit
After naturalization, as a Japanese national you can enter and leave the country freely. Even if you stay overseas for a long period, you do not lose the right to return to Japan.
When a permanent resident departs Japan, the special re-entry permit system can be used, but if you do not re-enter Japan within 2 years of departure, your permanent residence permission lapses. If the period will exceed 2 years, you must obtain a re-entry permit in advance.
7. Taxes and Inheritance
| Item | Naturalization | Permanent Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | Taxed on worldwide income | Taxed on worldwide income (in the case of residents) |
| Inheritance tax | Taxed on worldwide assets | May be taxed on worldwide assets depending on residency status |
| Gift tax | Same as above | Same as above |
Note: For details regarding taxes, please consult a certified tax accountant.
Comparison of Application Requirements
| Requirement | Naturalization | Permanent Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Years of residence | In principle 5 years or more | In principle 10 years or more (including 5 years or more of employment) |
| Examination period | Approx. 8 months to 1.5 years | Approx. 4 months to 1 year |
| Where to apply | Legal Affairs Bureau | Regional Immigration Services Bureau |
| Interview | Yes (at the Legal Affairs Bureau) | In principle none |
| Japanese ability | Required (around 3rd grade elementary school level) | No clear requirement |
| Guarantor | Not required | Required (a Japanese national or permanent resident) |
Which Should You Choose? Advice by Case
Naturalization Suits Those Who
- Are determined to live in Japan for their entire life
- Wish for political participation such as voting rights
- Want to obtain a Japanese passport
- Want to be freed from residence card renewal procedures
- Place importance on situations where Japanese nationality is advantageous for employment or financing
Permanent Residence Suits Those Who
- Want to maintain their home country’s nationality
- May return to their home country in the future
- Need their nationality for inheritance or property ownership in their home country
- Are reluctant about the naturalization procedures (such as writing the statement of motivation by hand)
- Want to first obtain permanent residence and consider naturalization again in the future
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply for naturalization after obtaining permanent residence?
Yes, this is possible. When a permanent resident applies for naturalization, they often already meet requirements such as years of residence, so the procedure tends to proceed smoothly.
Q. Can I return to my original nationality after naturalizing?
Whether you can return to your original nationality after acquiring Japanese nationality through naturalization depends on the law of your home country. On the Japanese side, it may be possible to reacquire a foreign nationality by renouncing Japanese nationality, but the procedures differ from country to country.
Q. Does the whole family need to make the same choice?
No, there is no problem if some family members naturalize while others choose permanent residence. However, please consider your children’s nationality carefully.
Our Support
For consultations regarding naturalization applications, please entrust them to Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office.
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