Naturalization in 2022

I applied for citizenship in tokyo this month, how long i may need to wait for interview. any one applied for citizenship here in tokyo this year? please share your experiance if its fine.

This might be helpful.

https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+175193

People who applied in 2022 will most likely not have yet any result at all.

Hi Saadnk,
I also applied this year and been waiting for 3 months now, they asked me a paper to send to them and i did, then i called my case worker to ask if they received it, which they did, and asked when I will get my interview, apparently for the interview i would have to wait 8 to 9 months but originally i heard it would be about 6 months… did you hear anything about them? Also applied in Tokyo near Kudanshita

Hi Waitingguest2022
I haven’t heated anything. I hope you will hear from them in 3 to 4 month since they went through ur papers and asked u to fill it.
Will update once I hear from them. Let me know once you get any update.

From: http://www.immigrationattorney.jp/index.php?Japanese%20Citizenship

"What is Naturalization?
The act of making a person a citizen of Japan who was not born with that status. An application for citizenship is an application for Naturalization.
Non-Japanese citizens can obtain Japanese citizenship when they complete the process of naturalization.

Benefits of Becoming a Japanese Citizen
The Right to Vote in both Eligibility

Being a citizen of Japan provides many privileges. Voting in elections is one such privilege. New citizens are expected to participate in elections.

You may be elected the prime minister of Japan.

International Travel Made Easier

Permanent Residents can lose their status if they leave the country for 3 years or longer, and in the event of an extended absence, must obtain a re-entry permit.

However, as a Japanese Citizen, you are not restricted on the amount of time you can spend outside of Japan. Additionally, travel can be more convenient as many countries do not require Visas of Japanese Citizens.

Requirements for Naturalization
1.Continued residence in Japan
The applicant must have lived in Japan for more than 5 years.

2.Must be over 20 years old

3.Be of good moral character

4.Financial stability
You or your spouse must be financially independent.

5.Agree to hold only Japanese citizenship
You would lose your own nationality once you gain Japanese citizenship.

6.Respect the Japanese Constitution
Not involved in political violence against Japanese government.

Required Documents
Application form (with 2 photos 5cm x 5cm)
Reason why you want to become a Japanese citizen (hand-written in Japanese by the applicant)
Resume
Written oath
Description of your relatives
Description of how you make your living in Japan
Maps of the vicinity of your residence and workplace
Description of your business (If you or your family member is a business owner)
Financial statements
Business license
Company registration
Diploma
Domestic family documents
Proof of citizenship (birth certificate)
Certificate of employment
Certificate of residence card
Certificate of tax payments (with hold slip, income tax returned record)
Certificate of your assets (bank deposit, real-estate, securities)
Driving record
Others upon requirement

Actual Procedures for Naturalization
First, consult the Citizenship Division at your local Legal Affairs Bureau
Collect all the required documents
File an application in person
Acceptance of application
The Legal Affairs Bureau checks the application
Interview at the Legal Affairs Bureau (a few months later)
Permission will be given by the Minister of Justice
Announcement through the Official Gazette
Effective as of the announcement day
Naturalization certificate will be issued
Return your alien registration card
Report to the municipal office to create the family registration
Change your name (bank account, driver’s license etc.)"

Thank you, fingers crossed!
I hope you will too, depending on your nationality sometimes it can be very quick as well.
Just as an additional information, my case worker said something like they were reviewing for interview people that applied in Dec-Jan, which explains the delay……

It will take minimum 3 months for interview after application.I applied 2021 still I am waiting for notification result.please share us experience if there is someone who received notification result recently.how long it will take for notification result.





Suzu

Hey Suzu,
Which month of 2021 you applied? Did you go through the interview? Depending of your nationality and residence status it may take some time. If you have traffic violation or unpaid pension or insurance it may take longer than usual. It’s been 1 month and I am still waiting for interview.

Hi saadnk
I applied 2021 October 13th but still no any calls and massage from legal affairs office. I am still waiting for notification result. In my case I have completed university in Japan so I didn’t go through any exam or interview. If you have graduate from university in Japan in Japanese, no need to face any exam and interview.

He Suzu,
You will hear something soon since it’s going be a year from then. Let’s hope for the best. 99 percent people get approved I guess it’s just matter of time. Let us know once you get the good news.

Thanks for sharing information Suzu,
Please keep us updated!

Hey Suzu,
You can check official gazette. If you your name there it means you are approved. Some time it may take time to get the call but if you keep checking gazette you will know earlier.

Thank you saadnk,
But how to check official gazette and in which content should search I don’t know please could you explain in more details.how to check 官報。

As for the question about the Kanpou. Here is how to check:
This is the official website:
https://kanpou.npb.go.jp/index.html
In this page you will the following:
本日の官報
Below there is a date: today as example is shown as 平成 30年11月27日
Then, click on 本紙 (第####号）
After that, under 告示, there is a line that says
日本国に帰化を許可する件（法務三九四）
By clicking on that, you will see the first page, do not forget to check other pages, if your name is not the first.
THEY ARE NOT UPDATING DAILY, MAYBE ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK.

Thank you so much waiting guest 🙏

Hello,
Applied in June 2021.
Interview in March 2022.
Documents were complete. No real issue In my opinion.
It seems the lead time between application and interview is 9 months recently. Regarding lead time between interview and result, not sure. But without covid it used to be 10 months….
Kind Regards,
Nicolas

Hi Nicolas,

Could you let me know where you applied?
9 months until the interview and 10 months from interview to results is very long…
It might depend on the nationality but so far I have seen a lot of people getting the results within a year on average, I hope you will get your results soon!

@nicolas

Could you also tell us, what they asked you during the interview?
Did you have a test?

Hello,
Technically they are checking consistency of your application. They ask you to explain what you wrote in your own words. Just explain your history, do not lie. They asked me the date of my mariage for example…. I did not remember…. Since I have 3 kids, i do not think it is an issue. Important they asked me if I had a loan. They interviewed my wife separately l, it lasted 5 minutes. They just wanted to check if I was actually married, not a fake and see if she had something to say about me.
No Japanese test for me. I am in Japan for 30 years. No need to prove I live in Japan….
Nicolas

Hello again,
I applied in Tokyo.
I am owner of a company. So the application may be particular. They are checking if you pay your pension, health insurance, taxes but also if my company is facing all its legal obligations for all employees….
That was the case and always been profitable…
Kind Regards,
Nicolas