How Long Does It Take to Become a Japanese Citizen by Marriage?

If you marry a Japanese citizen, you can apply for Japanese citizenship. However, the process can be quite involved. Here are the key points you should be aware of:

1. Marriage Registration

Your marriage must be legally registered in Japan. This is a crucial step and ensures that your marriage is recognized in the eyes of the law.

2. Residency Requirement

Generally, you need to have lived in Japan for at least three years, with at least one year of that time being as the spouse of a Japanese citizen. This requirement helps ensure that you understand and can integrate into Japanese society.

3. Application Process

After meeting the residency requirement, you can apply for naturalization. This process involves submitting various documents, including proof of your marriage, residence, and financial stability, to the Ministry of Justice. The required documents may include your marriage certificate, proof of residence, and financial statements.

This submission process is key to initiating the naturalization procedure. Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays.

4. Processing Time

The processing time for the naturalization can vary. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to a couple of years. Factors influencing the timeline include the complexity of your case and the workload of the immigration office.

Individual Situation

While there are general guidelines, the actual time can be influenced by your individual circumstances. For instance, if you are married to a Japanese national and have been in Japan for five years, it is likely that you will meet the residency requirement. Having some proficiency in Japanese can also aid the application process. In some cases, citizenship has been granted with fewer than five years of residency, though this is less common.

No Relinquishment of Citizenship

It's important to note that you do not have to give up your current citizenship. This is a common misconception. The Japanese government allows individuals to retain their original nationality while acquiring Japanese citizenship by naturalization.

Additional Advice

Some individuals suggest that the process might take longer, even with the residency requirement. Hidesato Sakakibara, for example, advises that typically, it could take six years, and at most, seven years if you encounter delays or make mistakes during the application process.

It's worth noting that marriage to a Japanese citizen does not automatically grant you Japanese nationality. However, it can abbreviate the number of years required for permanent residency before applying for nationality.

Summary

In summary, if you marry a Japanese citizen, you could potentially become a citizen in as little as four years, three years of residency plus processing time. However, it may take longer depending on your individual circumstances and the efficiency of the application process.

The best source of information on this topic is the website Becoming Legally Japanese. This site is run by an American who took Japanese nationality and uses it as a resource for those applying for Japanese citizenship.