Japan’s current requirement for naturalization is “five or more years of residence”, but the government is now considering extending this period. The proposal may be included in the new basic policy on foreign resident affairs to be finalized in January 2026.
Several factors are driving this discussion:
- Concerns over a “reversed gap,” where naturalization requires a shorter residency period than permanent residency
- A rise in naturalization applications (around 12,000 applications in 2024, with 8,863 approvals)
- Increasing worries about fraudulent applications
On the other hand, the Ministry of Justice notes that naturalization is not necessarily easier than permanent residency, emphasizing that applicants must meet multiple requirements, including Japanese language ability, good conduct, and stable living conditions.
As the government tightens measures against illegal overstays and seeks to optimize medical and social insurance systems, it also aims to promote coexistence with foreign residents amid Japan’s ongoing population decline.
Next Read
You can find a clear overview of the core structure of Japan’s foreign-resident system here:
Inside Japan’s New ESDP: What the Government’s Basic Policy Reveals
Source: Nikkei(Nov/25/2025)
