“Should I get Permanent Residence or Naturalize?” is one of the most common questions we receive. This page compares both options in detail so you can make the right choice for your situation.
Permanent Residence vs Naturalization: At a Glance
| Category | Permanent Residence | Naturalization |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Retain foreign nationality | Acquire Japanese nationality (foreign nationality lost) |
| Passport | Keep foreign passport | Obtain Japanese passport |
| Residence Card | Required (Permanent Resident card) | Not required (treated as Japanese national) |
| Residence Period | No expiry, no renewal needed | No expiry (same as Japanese national) |
| Work Restrictions | None | None |
| Voting Rights | None | Full voting rights |
| Risk of Status Revocation | Yes (serious crimes, etc.) | None (Japanese national) |
| Long-term Overseas Stay | Status lost if absent 1+ year without re-entry permit | No restrictions |
| Home Country Return | Home passport / nationality intact | Home nationality lost (dual nationality generally not allowed) |
| Application Office | Immigration Bureau | Legal Affairs Bureau |
| Typical Processing Time | 4 months – 1+ year | 6 months – 1+ year |
| Government Fee | Free | Free |
| Attorney Fee (approx.) | From ¥165,000 | From ¥198,000 |
Main Requirements for Permanent Residence
- ✅ Continuous residence in Japan for 10+ years (including 5+ years on a work/residential status)
- ✅ Good conduct (no criminal record)
- ✅ Financial independence (stable income)
- ✅ Payment of all taxes, pension, and health insurance
※ Under the Highly Skilled Professional point system, you may qualify in as little as 1–3 years.
Main Requirements for Naturalization
- ✅ Continuous domicile in Japan for 5+ years
- ✅ Age 20 or older and legally competent under home country law
- ✅ Good conduct
- ✅ Ability to support yourself (or be supported by a spouse)
- ✅ Willing to renounce current nationality (dual nationality generally not permitted)
※ Spouses of Japanese nationals may qualify after just 3 years of residence (with 1+ year in Japan).
Which Is Right for You?
Choose Permanent Residence if you…
- Want to keep your home country nationality and passport
- May return to or stay long-term in your home country
- Need your home nationality for inheritance or property rights
Choose Naturalization if you…
- Have decided Japan is your permanent home
- Want the convenience of a Japanese passport (190+ visa-free countries)
- Want full civic rights including the right to vote
- Want to be completely free from residence card renewals and revocation risk
FAQ
Q. Can I get Permanent Residence first, then Naturalize later?
Yes — this is actually a common path. Having Permanent Residence can make the naturalization application smoother by demonstrating financial and residential stability.
Q. If I naturalize, can I still visit my home country?
Yes — you can visit as a tourist. However, in most cases you will lose your home nationality and passport upon naturalizing. Japan’s passport allows visa-free entry to 190+ countries, so travel flexibility is generally maintained or improved.
Q. Can a Permanent Resident lose their status by living abroad?
Yes. If you leave Japan for more than 1 year without a Re-entry Permit, your Permanent Residence status is automatically cancelled. Always obtain a Re-entry Permit (valid up to 5 years) before extended overseas stays.