Obtaining Japanese citizenship offers significant benefits: freedom from employment restrictions, access to a Japanese passport, and the right to vote and run for public office. Naturalization opens the door to a more secure and promising future in Japan. As of April 2026, naturalization screening procedures have been revised and become more stringent. Therefore, to successfully obtain approval in Hiroshima, it is essential to prepare your application with a clear understanding of the latest examination trends and requirements. As an immigration and naturalization specialist based in Hiroshima, our office has extensive experience supporting naturalization applications under the newest standards. We provide comprehensive assistance to ensure that foreign nationals can build a stable and secure life in Japan.
Naturalization is the legal process through which a foreign national acquires Japanese nationality.
Once naturalization is approved, you obtain the legal status of a Japanese citizen, and all restrictions related to residence status are completely removed.
To be granted naturalization, applicants must satisfy several strict screening criteria, including:
Residence Requirements,Capacity Requirements,
Good Conduct Requirements,Financial Stability Requirements,Loss of Former Nationality Requirements,Ideological Requirements,
Japanese Language Requirements
These requirements must be met in order to pass the rigorous examination conducted by the Ministry of Justice.
Here, we explain the requirements for what is commonly referred to as ordinary naturalization. Individuals such as spouses of Japanese nationals or those born in Japan may qualify for simplified naturalization, where certain requirements are relaxed.
Required Documents
| Required Documents | Company Employee | Business Owner | Explanations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalization Application Form | ✔ | ✔ | Use the designated form provided by the Legal Affairs Bureau. |
| Statement of Motivation for Naturalization | ✔ | ✔ | Handwritten explanation of why you wish to naturalize. |
| Resume | ✔ | ✔ | Two types exist: “Form 1” and “Form 2.” |
| Oath Statement | ✔ | ✔ | Provided at the Legal Affairs Bureau. Signed in front of the officer when the application is formally accepted. |
| Family Overview Form | ✔ | ✔ | Describes family members. Separate forms are prepared for relatives living in Japan and those living abroad. |
| Financial Overview Form | ✔ | ✔ | Details income, expenses, and household financial status. |
| Business Overview Form | - | ✔ | Explains business operations, profitability, and continuity to the Legal Affairs Bureau. |
| Passport & Residence Card | ✔ | ✔ | For identity verification and confirmation of residence status. |
| Driver’s License | ✔ | ✔ | Submit a copy if you hold a Japanese driver’s license. |
| Driving Record Certificate | ✔ | ✔ | Required for license holders; includes the past 5 years of driving history. |
| Snapshot Photos | ✔ | ✔ | Photos showing daily life, relationships, and personal circumstances. |
| Diploma / Graduation Certificate | ✔ | ✔ | Submit a copy of your highest academic qualification. |
| Qualification Certificates | ✔ | ✔ | Submit if you hold any official qualifications. |
| Closed Alien Registration Record | ✔ | ✔ | Obtain from Immigration Office. |
| Entry/Exit Records | ✔ | ✔ | Obtain from Immigration Office. |
| Koseki Documents (Family Register, Removal Register, Supplementary Register) | ✔ | ✔ | Required if spouse, fiancé, or children are Japanese, or if any relatives have naturalized. |
| Certificate of Recorded Matters | ✔ | ✔ | Required if you or your family have filed birth, marriage, divorce, or death notifications at a Japanese municipal office. |
| Certificate of Nationality | ✔ | ✔ | Obtainable from your embassy or consulate. |
| Home Country Documents Proving Family Relationships | ✔ | ✔ | Varies by country birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, family relationship certificate, nationality certificate, death certificate, etc. |
| Resident Record (All Household Members) | ✔ | ✔ | MyNumber information is not required. |
| Employment Certificate & Salary Certificate | ✔ | ✔ | Obtain from your employer. |
| Withholding Tax Slip | ✔ | ✔ | Required for all household members living together. |
| Real Estate Registry | ✔ | ✔ | Required if you own real estate. |
| Real Estate Lease Contract | ✔ | ✔ | Required if you live in a rental property. |
| Bank Balance Certificate & Bankbooks | ✔ | ✔ | Submit copies of bankbooks for all household members, including the applicant. |
| Individual Tax Certificates | ✔ | ✔ | Issued by the municipality where the applicant lived on January 1. |
| Income Tax Payment Certificates (Forms 1 & 2 – Individual) | ▲ | - | Required if the employee has filed a tax return. |
| Copy of Tax Return (Individual) | ▲ | - | Required if the employee has filed a tax return. |
| Certificate of Registered Matters | - | ✔ | Required if the applicant or cohabiting relatives operate a registered company. |
| Business License | - | ▲ | Required for businesses requiring permits (e.g., construction, secondhand goods, food service). |
| Prefectural Corporate Tax Payment Certificate | - | ✔ | Proves compliance with tax obligations. |
| Municipal Corporate Tax Payment Certificate | - | ✔ | Same purpose as above. |
| Corporate Enterprise Tax Payment Certificate | - | ✔ | Same purpose as above. |
| Corporate Tax Payment Certificates (Forms 1 & 2) | - | ✔ | Same purpose as above. |
| Consumption Tax Payment Certificate | - | ✔ | Same purpose as above. |
| Withholding Tax Ledger | - | ✔ | Submit the portion related to the applicant. |
| Copy of Corporate Tax Return | - | ✔ | Required for all corporations where the applicant or cohabiting relatives serve as officers. |
| Copy of Amended Tax Return | - | ▲ | Required if corporate taxes were amended. |
| Pension Record Certificate | ✔ | ✔ | Shows the applicant’s complete pension enrollment history. |
| Social Insurance Payment Certificate | - | ✔ | Required for employers covered under the Employees’ Pension Insurance Act and Health Insurance Act. |
For more details, please refer to the blog article below.
Our office specializes exclusively in visas, permanent residency, and naturalization.
We are thoroughly familiar with the examination tendencies of the Hiroshima Legal Affairs Bureau and clearly advise you on how to prepare your application to maximize the likelihood of approval.
Many applicants feel anxious—
“I heard naturalization screening has become stricter.”
“I want to know whether my income is sufficient for naturalization.”
We carefully address these concerns during the initial consultation.
Even those who are busy during weekday daytime hours can consult us without difficulty. We offer consultations on weekday evenings, weekends, and public holidays, allowing you to choose a time that fits your schedule.
Online consultations (Zoom / Google Meet) are also available, making it easy for clients not only in Hiroshima Prefecture but also from other regions of Japan to receive support smoothly.
Excluding tax
Actual costs will be charged, as fees vary depending on the language and volume. The applicant may handle the translation themselves or request our office to do so.
Excluding tax
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