The Japanese government plans to tighten requirements for foreigners to obtain citizenship. Now, the residency period in the country will increase from five to ten years, and knowledge of the Japanese language will be mandatory. These changes are expected to take effect in 2026.
Citizenship decisions will consider good conduct, being over 18 years old, and a stable income source. Government agencies will also have broad powers in making the final decision. Some exceptions, such as athletes and permanent residents, will have simplified procedures.
The Nippon Ishin and Sanseito parties propose further tightening the new rules, limiting the number of foreign residents, and introducing a mechanism to revoke citizenship.
In 2024, the Japanese government received 12,248 citizenship applications, of which 8,863 were approved. In the past ten years, the number of foreigners increased from 2.23 million to 3.95 million. Critics see these measures as a new barrier to migration amid labor shortages.
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