Acquiring Japanese Citizenship by Descent

Eligibility Criteria (2025)

✅ A child born to at least one Japanese citizen parent (mother or father) at the time of birth is automatically a Japanese citizen by descent (Article 2, Nationality Law).
✅ If born abroad to a Japanese parent, the birth must be reported to a Japanese embassy or consulate within 3 months to secure citizenship (Article 3).
✅ For children born out of wedlock to a Japanese mother, citizenship is automatic; if to a Japanese father, he must acknowledge paternity before or at birth registration.

Required Documentation (2025)

✅ Applicant’s birth certificate (legalized/apostilled and translated into Japanese if necessary).
✅ Japanese parent’s birth certificate or proof of citizenship (e.g., passport or family register - koseki tohon).
✅ Valid identification of the Japanese parent (e.g., current Japanese passport).
✅ Applicant’s valid passport or identification document (if applicable).
✅ For paternity cases: Acknowledgment of paternity document (ninchi todoke) if not married at time of birth.

Application Process (2025)

📍 For births abroad: Report the birth to a Japanese embassy or consulate within 3 months, submitting required documents.
📍 In Japan: Register the birth at the local municipal office (shiyakusho) within 14 days to update the family register (koseki).
📍 If delayed beyond 3 months abroad, apply for citizenship acquisition (kokuseki shutoku) with approval from the Ministry of Justice.
📍 Await confirmation (typically quick for timely registrations; 1-3 months if delayed).
📍 Upon approval, the child is added to the family register and can obtain a Japanese passport.

Additional Considerations (2025)

📌 Japan does **not permit dual citizenship** after age 20 (Article 14). Those with multiple nationalities must choose one by age 22 or risk losing Japanese citizenship.
📌 Failure to report a birth abroad within 3 months may require a formal application and approval, which isn’t guaranteed.
📌 More details can be found via the Ministry of Justice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I hold dual citizenship with Japan?

No, Japan doesn’t allow dual citizenship after age 20. If born with multiple nationalities, you must choose one by age 22, or Japan may revoke your citizenship (Article 14, Nationality Law).

What happens if I miss the 3-month birth registration deadline?

If you miss the 3-month window to report a birth abroad, you’ll need to apply for citizenship acquisition through the Ministry of Justice, which involves extra steps and isn’t guaranteed.

Does my Japanese father need to be married to my mother for me to get citizenship?

Not if you’re born to a Japanese mother. If born out of wedlock to a Japanese father, he must acknowledge paternity before or at birth registration for you to be eligible.

How long does it take to process Japanese citizenship by descent in 2025?

Timely birth registrations are processed within weeks. Delayed applications (beyond 3 months) can take 1-3 months, depending on Ministry of Justice approval.

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