Benefits of Holding Permanent Residence Before Applying for Naturalization#

When foreign nationals plan their long-term future in Japan, they often face a significant choice: aim for “Permanent Residence” (Eiju) to secure their visa status, or proceed to “Naturalization” (Kika) to obtain Japanese citizenship. Some may wonder if there is any advantage to obtaining Permanent Residence first if their ultimate goal is citizenship.

While Japanese law does not mandate holding Permanent Residence as a prerequisite for naturalization (except for specific simplified routes), applying for citizenship after already being a Permanent Resident offers substantial strategic and psychological advantages.

Here, we provide an objective analysis of the benefits of holding Permanent Residence when applying for naturalization, focusing on the stability of residency status, risk management, and legal requirements.

1. Elimination of Residency Renewal Risks During Review#

One of the most challenging aspects of the naturalization process is the lengthy review period. From the acceptance of the application to the final decision by the Minister of Justice, the process typically takes 8 to 12 months, and in some cases, even longer.

For applicants holding a standard working visa (e.g., “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”) or a spouse visa, the expiration date of their current residence status may arrive while the naturalization application is still pending. It is a fundamental rule that one must maintain a valid residence status throughout the naturalization review. Therefore, even while waiting for the citizenship results, the applicant must undergo the visa renewal process at the Immigration Services Agency.

This creates a dual burden: waiting for the Legal Affairs Bureau (for citizenship) while simultaneously dealing with the Immigration Bureau (for the visa). If the visa renewal is denied for any reason, the naturalization application will also fail as the applicant loses their legal standing in Japan.

However, if you already hold Permanent Residence, your residence status has no expiration date (though the residence card itself must be renewed every seven years, there is no re-examination of your status eligibility). This grants you immunity from the risk of visa expiration. Regardless of how long the naturalization review takes, your status as a resident is secure. This stability allows applicants to wait for the results with peace of mind, free from the anxiety of “visa deadlines.”

2. Established Financial Stability and Social Credibility#

Under the Nationality Law, one of the criteria for naturalization is the “Livelihood Requirement.” The applicant must demonstrate the ability to secure a stable livelihood through their own assets or skills, or those of a spouse or other relatives sharing the same livelihood.

Obtaining Permanent Residence essentially serves as a preliminary proof of this stability. The screening for Permanent Residence by the Immigration Services Agency is notoriously strict regarding financial independence. Having successfully passed this screening implies that the Japanese government has already recognized your financial stability to a certain extent. While the Legal Affairs Bureau (for naturalization) conducts its own independent assessment, the track record of being a Permanent Resident is generally a positive factor.

Furthermore, Permanent Residents often have easier access to housing loans and may already own property in Japan. Homeownership demonstrates a strong commitment to settling in Japan and provides evidence of a stable living environment. Establishing this level of social and economic credibility beforehand can smoothen the verification of the Livelihood Requirement during the naturalization process.

3. The Ultimate Safety Net: Risk Management for Rejection#

It is crucial to understand that naturalization is a discretionary act of the state; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee approval. Applications can be rejected for various reasons, including minor traffic violations, discrepancies in tax payments, or issues arising during the interview process.

If an applicant on a temporary work visa applies for naturalization and is rejected, they remain on their temporary visa. If their employment situation has deteriorated during the review period, they might face difficulties renewing their visa later, potentially threatening their ability to stay in Japan.

In contrast, if a Permanent Resident’s naturalization application is denied, they simply remain a Permanent Resident. Their right to live in Japan indefinitely is not revoked solely because naturalization was refused (unless the refusal was due to serious criminal acts that also warrant deportation). This “fallback option” is the most significant merit. It allows the applicant to attempt naturalization without the fear of losing their current foundation in Japan.

4. Career Flexibility and Unrestricted Employment#

Standard work visas in Japan are tied to specific categories of activities. A holder of an “Instructor” visa, for example, cannot simply switch to working in a corporate marketing role without changing their visa status. Changing jobs or visa categories during a naturalization review can be risky, as it complicates the screening process and requires additional documentation to prove stability in the new job.

Permanent Residents, however, have no restrictions on their employment activities. They can work in any field, change jobs freely, or even become self-employed without needing permission from the Immigration Bureau.

This freedom allows an applicant to pursue better career opportunities or higher income without worrying about visa compatibility. If a better job offer comes along that strengthens one’s financial standing, a Permanent Resident can accept it immediately. Improving one’s economic situation is beneficial for the naturalization “Livelihood Requirement,” and having the freedom to do so without legal hurdles is a distinct advantage of holding Permanent Residence first.

Conclusion#

While applying for naturalization directly from a work visa is legally possible and often done, the pathway of “Permanent Residence first, Naturalization later” offers a layer of security that cannot be overstated.

By securing Permanent Residence, you eliminate the risks associated with visa renewals, establish a proven track record of financial stability, and ensure a permanent safety net in case the citizenship application is denied. For those seeking the most secure and stress-free route to becoming a Japanese citizen, this stepped approach is highly recommended.