What is Simplified Naturalization?

Simplified naturalization refers to a type of naturalization where the requirements (naturalization conditions) are relaxed compared to regular naturalization for individuals who have a close relationship with Japan, such as spouses, children of Japanese nationals, or foreign nationals born in Japan, and who meet certain conditions.

While regular naturalization requires a continuous stay of “5 or more years in Japan,” an application for naturalization is possible with less than five years in the following cases:

[Relaxation of the Residence Requirement]

1. A child of a person who was previously a Japanese national (excluding adopted children) who has continuously resided in Japan for at least 3 years.
2. A person born in Japan who has continuously resided in Japan for at least 3 years.
3. A person born in Japan whose biological father or mother was also born in Japan.
4. A person who does not have a residence in Japan but has continuously had a domicile in Japan for at least 10 years.

[Relaxation of the Residence and Age Requirements]

In the following cases, an application for naturalization is possible even if you have not resided in Japan for five or more continuous years and are not yet 18 years old:

1. A spouse of a Japanese national who has been married for at least 3 years and has continuously had a residence in Japan for at least 1 year.
2. A spouse of a Japanese national who has continuously resided in Japan for at least 3 years and currently has a residence in Japan.

(If a foreign national lives in Japan for three or more years and then marries a Japanese national, they can apply for naturalization at that time.)

[Relaxation of the Residence, Age, and Livelihood Requirements]

In the following cases, the residence, age, and livelihood requirements are relaxed, making it possible to apply for naturalization even if you have not resided in Japan for five or more continuous years, are not yet 18 years old, and cannot support yourself or your family on your own:

1. A child of a Japanese national who has a residence in Japan (excluding adopted children).
2. An adopted child of a Japanese national who has continuously had a residence in Japan for at least 1 year and was a minor according to their home country’s law at the time of the adoption.
3. A person who has lost Japanese nationality and has a residence in Japan (excluding those who lost their Japanese nationality after naturalizing).
4. A person who was born in Japan, has been stateless since birth, and has continuously had a residence in Japan for at least 3 years.

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