Naturalization
QUESTION
I would like to ask if I can obtain a Japanese nationality even if I was born in the Philippines? My father is a Japanese and my mother is a Filipina. I’m already 24 years old. Thank you.
– Erika
ANSWER
Since you reached the adult age based on the Civil Code of Japan, you must apply for the “Naturalization,” which is the only method of acquiring the Japanese nationality based on Nationality Law of Japan. There are some conditions/requirements for being naturalized in order to be naturalized. Then, one of these is the requirement for habitation. It is that “an applicant must live in Japan continuing for at least five years or more.” Therefore, it is necessary to pass through the following processes in order to acquire the Japanese national.
- Japanese father must recognize you as a child by birth based on the Civil Code of Japan.
- You must acquire the visa as a “Spouse/Child of Japanese national.”
- You must reside in Japan for five years or more.
- You must make application for naturalization at the Legislative Bureau, Ministry of Justice.
- Then, you would be granted the naturalization application by the Minister of Justice and acquire the Japanese nationality.
Office name: Miyoshi International Legal Counsel Office
Telephone/Fax (Japanese/English): 090-1436-
E-mail: miyoshi@ipcworld.co.jp or joshua-galasha@mvg.biglobe.ne.
Website: www.phildigest.jp
Nearest station: Keio Nagayama by Keio line or Odakyu Nagayama by Odakyu line in Tama-city, Tokyo
Working hour/day: 09:00-18:00/Monday-