My name is Teruyoshi Yoneda, the representative of Yoneda Legal Services and a certified immigration procedures specialist. Our office specializes in international services such as visa and naturalization applications, primarily supporting foreign nationals living in Japan—especially in Hiroshima Prefecture—with procedures including work visas, spouse visas, permanent residency applications, and naturalization. In this article, I will explain the requirements for special permanent residents (such as Korean and Korean-descendant residents of Japan) who wish to apply for naturalization. When special permanent residents apply for naturalization, the residency requirement is more relaxed compared to ordinary naturalization applicants. However, it is important to note that although the residency requirement is eased, the number of documents required does not decrease, so careful preparation is still necessary.
1. About Special Permanent Residents
A Special Permanent Resident is a foreign national who holds the “Special Permanent Resident” status defined under the Special Act on the Immigration Control of, Inter Alia, Those Who Have Lost Japanese Nationality on the Basis of the Treaty of Peace with Japan, which came into effect on November 1, 1991.Historically, Koreans (including those from the former Joseon) and Taiwanese living in Japan were regarded as Japanese nationals due to Japan’s colonial rule. However, after Japan’s defeat in 1945 and the enforcement of the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1952, they were treated as having lost their Japanese nationality.The Special Permanent Resident status was established to grant permanent residence to these individuals—Koreans, Korean descendants, and Taiwanese who lost Japanese nationality under these circumstances—as well as their descendants. Those who hold this special permanent residency status are referred to as Special Permanent Residents.
2. Residency Requirement
Special permanent residents are subject to a relaxed version of the residency requirement for naturalization.If they meet either condition (1) or (2) below, they are considered to satisfy the residency requirement even if they have not lived in Japan continuously for five years, which is the standard requirement for ordinary naturalization applicants.
①A child of a Japanese national (excluding adopted children) who has had a domicile or residence in Japan for at least three consecutive years.
②A person who was born in Japan and has had a domicile or residence in Japan for at least three consecutive years, or a person whose father or mother (excluding adoptive parents) was born in Japan.
“Continuous residence” means that the applicant has not been outside Japan for any single period of 90 consecutive days or more, and has not spent a total of 100 days or more outside Japan within a year.For this reason, those who are considering applying for naturalization should avoid long-term stays abroad.
3. Capacity Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and considered an adult under the laws of their home country.However, there are exceptions to this capacity requirement. Even if the applicant is a minor, they may still apply for naturalization if they apply together with both parents, or if either the father or mother (excluding adoptive parents) is a Japanese national.In practical terms, a minor may naturalize if they apply at the same time as their special permanent resident parents, or if one of their parents has already naturalized as a Japanese citizen. In such cases, the minor may apply for naturalization independently.
4. Good Conduct Requirement
In simple terms, this requirement means that you must properly pay your taxes and pension contributions, and you must not have committed any legal violations, including traffic offenses such as parking violations or speeding.Even if you are a company employee, you need to be careful if you are enrolled in the National Pension system or if you pay your own resident tax.If there are any unpaid amounts, they must be fully settled before submitting your naturalization application.
5. Financial Stability Requirement
Applicants must be able to support themselves through their own assets or skills, or through the assets or income of a spouse or other family members with whom they share a household. As a general guideline, an annual household income of at least 3 million yen is required. If there are many dependents living in the same household, the income level required will be higher.
6.Renunciation Requirement
When applying for naturalization in Japan, applicants are required to renounce their previous nationality.At the time of application, you must submit documents indicating your intention to give up your original nationality.After naturalization is granted, you are then required to complete the actual procedures to renounce your former nationality.
7. Ideological Requirement
It is required that the applicant does not hold any beliefs or engage in any activities that could pose a threat to Japan.
8.Japanese‑language proficiency requirement
Although this requirement does not come directly from the Nationality Act, applicants are expected to have sufficient Japanese language ability, just as in the ordinary naturalization process. In terms of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), a level equivalent to N3–N4 is generally required.However, many special permanent residents were born and raised in Japan, so this requirement is usually met without difficulty.
At our office, we take the time to conduct thorough consultations so that we can accurately understand each applicant’s individual circumstances and provide support tailored to their specific needs.If you are considering applying for naturalization in the Chugoku region (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane, or Tottori) or in any other area, we offer free consultations. Please feel free to contact us at any time.We are committed to supporting you throughout the process so that you can obtain Japanese nationality and live in Japan with peace of mind.
