Effective April 1, 2026 — 10yr residence, 5yr tax, 2yr insurance now effectively required
From April 1, 2026, the screening process for acquiring Japanese nationality (naturalization) has been significantly tightened. While the legal requirement was "5+ years of residence," the practical screening criteria have been substantially raised.
Legally 5 years, but practically ~10 years of residence is now expected. Same standard as permanent residency (10 years).
5 years of income tax, resident tax, and business tax certificates required. Unpaid taxes may result in rejection.
2 years of National Health Insurance and National Pension payment records are strictly verified.
Traffic violations (including parking), minor legal violations are also screened. 5 years of clean record preferred.
From June 2027, mid-to-long-term foreign residents who chronically default on national health insurance or pension premiums and ignore payment guidance will, in principle, be denied residence status renewal or change. Municipal and immigration systems link in FY2026 to reflect arrears automatically.
From April 2027, "Technical Intern Training" abolished, replaced by "Training Employment". 2026 is preparation period. N5 Japanese required, voluntary transfers allowed, can transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i) after 3 years.
Japan opened public comment (Aug 4-Sep 3, 2026) on stricter Permanent Residency guidelines: household income above the Japanese average, pension outlook, B1 Japanese.