Comparing permanent residence and naturalization
There are two ways to stay in Japan for good: Permanent Residence and naturalization. Neither requires extensions, but the big difference is whether your nationality changes.
What changes once you have it
| Permanent residence | Naturalization | |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Stays the same | You become a Japanese national (naturalization as a rule requires losing your original nationality) |
| Extension of period of stay | Not needed | Not needed (no Status of Residence is required at all) |
| Residence Card | Needed (renewed when the card expires) | Not needed |
| Travel abroad | Passport of your home country. A re-entry permit is needed for long absences | Japanese passport |
| Right to vote | None | Yes |
Main requirements and application
| Permanent residence | Naturalization | |
|---|---|---|
| Years of residence | As a rule, 10 or more consecutive years | 5 years or more by law. The examination checks for 10 or more as a rule |
| Conduct | Good conduct | Good conduct |
| Livelihood | Able to support yourself independently | Able to live without hardship on income and assets, including family |
| Public obligations | Payment of taxes, pension and health insurance | Payment of taxes, etc. (considered under conduct) |
| Where to apply | Regional Immigration Services Bureau | Legal Affairs Bureau |
| Attending in person | Not needed as a rule (we do it for you; may be required) | Needed as a rule (for both the preliminary consultation and the application; a legal representative for those under 15) |
| Expected examination period | About 6 months to 1 year | Often around a year |
In both cases, even with enough years, conduct, livelihood and tax and pension payments are judged as a whole. Which is likely to fit you depends on your individual circumstances.
Detailed requirements are on each page.
Points for choosing
Permanent residence suits those who
- Want to keep their home country’s nationality
- Want no more extensions but do not want to change nationality
Naturalization suits those who
- Want a Japanese passport or the right to vote
- Want no Residence Card procedures either
If you have assets, work or family matters in your home country, changing nationality may have consequences. Please consult us before deciding.
Cost and timing
| Permanent residence | Naturalization | |
|---|---|---|
| ① Our Professional Fee (incl. tax) | From 110,000 yen | From 198,000 yen |
| ② Government fee (Actual Expenses) | 200,000 yen (may be reduced) | None |
| ③ Cost of obtaining documents, etc. (Actual Expenses) | Residence certificates, tax certificates, etc. | Residence certificates, certificates from your home country, translations, etc. |
| What you pay, as a guide | ① + ② = from 310,000 yen (plus ③) | ① = from 198,000 yen (plus ③) |
See each procedure in detail
Application for Permanent Residence
For those who want to stay in Japan for good while keeping their nationality
Read moreApplication for Naturalization
For those who want Japanese nationality
Read moreYou can consult us even if you have not decided. Tell us your years since coming to Japan, your statuses so far and your family situation, and we will explain the prospects for both.