Japan Extends Citizenship Residency Requirement to 10 Years

The Japanese government announced a significant change in its citizenship policy, raising the residency requirement for foreigners seeking citizenship from five years to ten consecutive years. This new rule, which will take effect on April 1, was confirmed by Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi.

The move is part of efforts to tighten the naturalization process and address concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the ease of acquiring Japanese citizenship. The updated guidelines will also introduce stricter documentation requirements for applicants, including a two-year social insurance record and a five-year tax payment certificate.

Although the changes do not alter the formal residency law, they aim to align citizenship standards more closely with those for permanent residency applications. As of June 2025, there were approximately 932,000 foreign nationals holding permanent residency in Japan, with significant numbers from China and South Korea.

The decision reflects ongoing discussions about the long-term legal and civic implications of citizenship in Japan.