For those who are considering "naturalization" (acquiring Japanese citizenship), the news reports that will continue from the end of 2025 cannot be ignored. The government and the ruling party have been discussing the requirements for naturalizationReview of screening operations to substantially extend residency requirementsThe company is reportedly considering a proposal to change the “entrance” requirement to the application process to "five years or more. Specifically, the current "application threshold" of "5 years or more" would remain unchanged in law, but the level at which permission can be easily obtained would beIn effect, "more than 10 years."The direction of raising the price to
Moreover, the focus of attention is not limited to the number of years. It is reported that the government is also considering the possibility of taking a stricter look at a history of delinquent taxes and social insurance premiums (pension and health insurance) during the naturalization examination process.
This article is based on information that can be read from publicly available information at this time (as of January 2026).What could change?to organize and consider naturalization is more likely toPractical points to prepare nowand summarize them in an easy-to-understand manner.
What this article will tell you
- Why is the "5 years of residence" for naturalization being discussed to "10 years in effect"?
- Reasons why operational changes can lead to stricter regulations even in the absence of legal changes.
- Three points that are expected to be at the heart of the tightening (residency, tax social security, and living infrastructure)
- Which should be considered first, naturalization or permanent residence (with comparison chart)?
1. summary of latest trends (as of January 2026): the government is considering "stricter naturalization requirements
According to several media reports, the government is studying the possibility of tightening the requirements for naturalization in preparation for the compilation of the foreign nationals policy (around January 2026). The main point of contention is that the shorter than permanent residence permit (10 years or more in principle)Resident for at least five years."The proposal is to substantially extend the requirement for naturalization, which is "the first step in the process of naturalization," by reviewing the screening process and other measures.
We can also confirm that the Prime Minister has instructed the Minister of Justice to study the issue at the relevant cabinet meeting, and that the government has established a conference body to discuss the acceptance and coexistence of foreign nationals.
It has been reported that the government intends to compile a comprehensive response plan by the end of January 2026, so the speed at which the "direction" of the system will be solidified may be faster than expected.
2. why “5 years” to "10 years": "reverse phenomenon" of permanent residence is problematic
A key word that comes up repeatedly in this discussion is,It's unreasonable to expect less stringent requirements for nationality than for permanent residence."This is a problematic issue. In the press, the point of contention is that the heavier legal status (nationality) appears to be attained more quickly, since in principle a permanent residence permit requires a stay of 10 years or more, while naturalization can be applied for in 5 years.
Of course, naturalization is not a system determined by years alone. It is a system in which multiple factors, such as Japanese language ability, tax payment, background, and stability in life, are judged comprehensively. However, from a policy perspective, the "number of years of entrance" is symbolic and easy to understand, which is why there is a strong argument for consistency.
3. will stricter enforcement occur even without legal changes? Properly understand the meaning of "operational changes"
The features of this year's event are,Change screening operations (practices) rather than immediately revising nationality lawsThis is the central point of the idea that
The key here is the following composition.
- Legal:Resident for at least 5 years" could satisfy the application requirements.
- Practical:It is more difficult to obtain a permit without "a stable residence record of 10 years or more" (possible).
In other words,Can apply" does not equal "permission will be granted."The gap between the two may become even larger. In addition, the debate is complicated by the fact that concerns have been raised about the increased substantive difficulty if the standard is moved in operation, without parliamentary debate.
4. three points that could be at the heart of the tightening (what is likely to happen in practice after 2026)
Point 1: "Real Extension" of Residency Period
Not simply "I have a certificate of residence for 5 years",Do you have an ongoing base of residence in Japan?andHave you built up a long and stable residency history?may be more strongly identified.
In particular, the following factors tend to increase accountability
- Frequent job changes/short-term job turnover
- Long and repeated periods of unemployment
- Frequent long term trips abroad (easy to be suspicious if the basis of their life is in Japan)
- Frequent changes of status of residence make it difficult to see continuity of life
Point 2: Strict evaluation of tax and social insurance payment delinquency history
News reports indicate that the company is also considering taking a hard look at a history of delinquent tax and social insurance premiums when making a decision.
From a practical standpoint, the following are particularly important
- Resident and income tax: history of nonpayment, delinquency, and installment payments
- Pension: Non-enrollment and non-payment periods (even for company employees, beware of gaps during periods of job change)
- Health insurance: missing payments during the changeover period for National Health Insurance and Social Insurance, and history of reminders
Even if "there were delays in the past, but now they are paid in full."When, why, and how it was resolvedIt is important to have an organization that can explain the
Point 3: Stability of living infrastructure (evaluation of “the reality of continuing to live in Japan”)
Naturalization is a system with a large discretionary element. It is pointed out that if the system is made more rigid, there is a possibility that the system will become more “blurred,” with disapproval, regional differences, and prolonged examination, even if the requirements are met.
Flip over,Visualization of livelihood stability "in documents".The more people who can do it, the stronger the phase.
5. Naturalization by the numbers: Number of applications and permits increased (but “quality” may be questioned in the future)
According to statistical data from the Civil Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Justice, the number of applicants for naturalization in 2024 is12,248 personsThe number of permit holders is8,863 personsIt is considered to be a
If the operation is tightened when the volume of applications increases, there may well be scenarios where the burden on applicants increases, such as requests for additional materials and prolonged examinations.
6. which comes first, naturalization or permanent residence? (Comparison table)
| (data) item | Naturalization (Japanese nationality) | permanent residence permit |
|---|---|---|
| legal status | Acquisition of Japanese citizenship (including suffrage, etc.) | The highest level of residency status while maintaining nationality |
| Years of residence (general discussion) | The law requires "at least 5 years," but discussions are underway to make the law stricter in practice (possibility of 10 years in practice in the future). | In principle, "10 years or more" is the generally known standard. |
| Heavy points in the screening process | Japanese language, behavior, life stability, tax and social security, actual living conditions | Stable income, tax payment and company insurance, background, residency status |
| Future trends (forecast) | Possibility of more rigorous evaluation of residence and tax company insurance | Strict as before + Possibility of being affected by “optimization” of overall policy |
If the practical standard for naturalization moves to "10 years closer" in the future,Naturalization after taking permanent residenceThe two-stage design could become more commonplace.
7. assumed scenarios after 2026 (not finalized, but 3 patterns to be prepared for)
Scenario A: Laws remain unchanged, but emphasis on "10 years" increases in operations.
This is the most realistic pattern. Even though the application requirement (5 years) remains the same, the level of approval decision is raised, which is likely to affect those who have been in Japan for 5 to 9 years.
Scenario B: Tighter operations + “strict evaluation” of tax payment and social insurance come to the forefront.
This is a pattern that depends on the operation that strongly evaluates information on non-payment of taxes and social insurance and stability of the life foundation, rather than the number of years. In practice, the number of cases in which a person fails the examination even though the number of years is sufficient may increase.
Scenario C: After the basic policy is issued, more specific guidelines are developed.
It is reported that a policy to compile comprehensive measures by the end of January 2026, and there is a possibility that “practice will change” in the order of basic policy to operational maintenance.
8. a checklist of practical preparations you can make now (useful for both naturalization and permanent residence)
(1) Tax and social insurance inventory
- Residential tax: If there are unpaid, overdue, or partial payments, organize the date and history of full payment.
- Pension: Is there any unenrolled period/exemption or deferment history that can be explained?
- Health insurance: Is there any unpaid amount at the changeover period of National Health Insurance and Company Health Insurance?
- Tax returns (sole proprietors and freelancers): consistency of tax returns, preparation for obtaining tax certificates
(2) "Chronology" of residence, immigration, and address histories
- When and under which visa status, where you lived and which company (/business partner) you worked for
- If the number of departures is high, evidence that the purpose, duration, and basis of living in Japan were maintained.
(3) Stable employment history and income in a form that can be “explained”.
- If you change jobs frequently: career consistency, income stability, future prospects
- In the case of large income fluctuations: industry characteristics (seasonal and project-based) and rationale for maintaining livelihoods
(4) Organizing behavior (traffic violations, etc.) and actual living conditions
- Traffic violations, fines, and trouble history, even “minor”, may require explanation.
- Information reinforcing the actual living conditions in Japan, such as family structure, support, children's schools, etc.
(5) Japanese language ability is from "can live" to "can explain.
Naturalization is a set of interviews, documents, and questions. If you are unsure about your Japanese language skills, take measures as soon as possible, including your study history and evidence of practical use (jobs, qualifications, exams, etc.).
9. frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1. if the law doesn't change, can I just apply in 5 years?
A. Naturalization is a system in which "can apply" and "permission will be granted" do not coincide. If the system becomes more strictly enforced, it may not be possible to rest assured that an applicant has only been in Japan for 5 years.
Q2. if i have had tax or pension delays in the past, can i do it again?
A. It is not possible to make a blanket determination. However, it is reported that the evaluation of a history of delinquency is becoming more severe, so it is extremely important to pay in full and maintain explanatory documents.
Q3. are there any exceptions?
A. Press reports indicate the prospect of maintaining exceptions, such as those who are recognized for their contribution to society, even when the standard is set at 10 years or more in principle (specific images to come).
10. summary: stricter regulations are more likely to "accelerate preparations" than "postpone" them.
At this time, it has not been confirmed that the residency requirement for naturalization has been officially revised to 10 years. However, it has been confirmed that the governmentOperational review substantially extends residency requirements.The fact that the company is considering a direction to strictly evaluate the history of delinquent tax and social insurance premiums has been indicated in several media reports.
Those who are strong in times of change are those who are always ready to explain. In particular,
- Clean tax and company insurance history (no unpaid taxes or blanks)
- Residency history, employment history, and stable livelihood
- Can reasonably explain with documentation the reasons for his/her departure, entry, or change of employment.
If you keep these three points in mind, you can lower your risk no matter how the system works.
Should I apply now? Permanent residence first?" For those who want to design an individualized
The best route for naturalization and permanent residence varies from person to person, even for the same "long-term residence". Especially during the period of system change,Timing and sequencewill determine the outcome.
- Number of years of residence/changes in status of residence
- Status of payment of resident tax, pension and health insurance
- Employment history, income stability, family situation
After sorting out the above, it is reasonable to design when it is safest to move and which should be taken first, naturalization or permanent residence.
This article is a general commentary based on public information and press reports and does not guarantee a conclusion on individual cases. The actual likelihood of approval depends on the individual circumstances and the decision of the competent authorities.
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Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Attn: Gyoseishoshi Scrivener Yukiko Horiuchi
Affiliation: Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association, Shinjuku Branch
Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
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