I am Teruyoshi Yoneda, the representative of Yoneda Legal Services and a certified immigration procedures specialist. My practice is dedicated to international services such as visa and naturalization applications. Based primarily in Hiroshima Prefecture, I support foreign residents in Japan with various immigration procedures, including work visas, spouse visas, permanent residency applications, and naturalization. In this article, I will explain the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining permanent residency versus naturalization for those who are unsure which option is best for their situation.
1. Overview of the Differences Between Permanent Residency and Naturalization
Permanent residency allows you to remain in Japan without restrictions while retaining your foreign nationality. You continue to use the passport of your home country, and under Japanese law, you are still treated as a foreign national. In contrast, naturalization means acquiring Japanese nationality and becoming a Japanese citizen. You are no longer considered a foreign national; instead, you obtain the full legal status of a Japanese citizen.
| Permanent Residency | Naturalization | |
| Nationality | Retain your nationality | Japanese citizenship |
| Right to vote,Eligibility to be elected | No | Yes |
| Passport | Continue to use your home-country passport | Eligible to obtain a Japanese passport |
| Departure and re-entry | A re-entry permit is required, and if you exceed the permitted period, you risk losing your permanent residency. | Freely enter and leave Japan |
| Deportation order | Yes | No |
The greatest advantage of permanent residency is that you can continue living in Japan while retaining the nationality of your home country. Being able to keep your original nationality is beneficial if you may need to return to your home country in the future—for example, to care for your parents—because it makes administrative procedures and asset management in your home country much easier.On the other hand, one of the risks of being a permanent resident is that the possibility of deportation is not completely eliminated. If you commit a serious crime, your permanent residency may be revoked, and you may be forcibly removed from Japan. In recent years, stricter criteria for revoking permanent residency due to unpaid taxes or social insurance premiums have also become a topic of discussion. For these reasons, in terms of long‑term stability, permanent residency is considered less secure than naturalization.
The greatest advantage of naturalization is that you are no longer subject to the possibility of deportation, ensuring the right to live in Japan with complete security and stability. Since you become eligible to obtain a Japanese passport, you gain visa‑free access to a larger number of countries, making international business trips and travel much smoother. There are also no employment restrictions, and by acquiring Japanese nationality, you gain both the right to vote and the right to run for public office, allowing you to work in positions that require Japanese citizenship.The biggest disadvantage is that you must renounce or lose your original nationality. This may involve the risk of losing certain rights or legal connections with your home country, which can be a significant concern depending on your personal circumstances.
2. Key Factors in Deciding Between Permanent Residency and Naturalization
There is no single “correct” answer, as each person’s circumstances are different. However, the key factors for deciding between permanent residency and naturalization are as follows.
(1) Individuals for Whom Permanent Residency Is the Better Option
① Individuals Who May Return to Their Home Country in the Future
② Individuals Who Do Not Wish to Change Their Nationality and Want to Maintain Ties with Their Home Country
③ Individuals Who Have Assets in Their Home Country and May Face Difficulties With Inheritance or Asset Management if They Acquire Japanese Nationality
(2) Individuals for Whom Naturalization Is the Better Option
① Individuals Whose Work, Family, or Educational Life Is Primarily Based in Japan
For individuals who plan to continue working in Japan or who have a Japanese spouse, naturalization can be particularly advantageous. As a Japanese citizen, you can more easily access various forms of support related to education, healthcare, and the social security system. You may also benefit from partial subsidies for educational expenses, and the scope of available medical insurance coverage becomes broader. Over the long term, these factors can provide meaningful economic benefits.
② Individuals Who Want to Secure Better Educational and Future Opportunities for Their Children
If children grow up in Japan and speak only Japanese, they may face difficulties adapting to society should they return to their home country in the future. By naturalizing, they can continue their education and pursue further studies smoothly in the country they are most familiar with—Japan.
③ Individuals Who Aim to Work in Public-Sector Positions That Require Japanese Citizenship
By naturalizing, employment restrictions are removed. You become eligible for positions that require Japanese citizenship—such as police officers, firefighters, and national government employees—allowing you to pursue a wider range of career opportunities.
At our office, we take the time to conduct thorough interviews to accurately understand each applicant’s individual circumstances, allowing us to provide support tailored to their specific needs. If you are considering applying for permanent residency or naturalization in the Chugoku region (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori) or in other areas of Japan, we offer free consultations and would be pleased to assist you. We are committed to providing full support so that you and your family can live in Japan with confidence and peace of mind.
