Renouncing Japanese Nationality: Residence Status in 30 Days

If you hold both Japanese and foreign nationalities (dual nationality) and choose to renounce your Japanese nationality to continue living in Japan, you must apply for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence at the Immigration Services Agency within 30 days from the date you renounce your Japanese nationality (Article 22-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, hereinafter referred to as the Immigration Control Act). This is because once you renounce Japanese nationality, you become a “foreign national” under Japanese law and require a Status of Residence to live in Japan. This article explains the process of renouncing Japanese nationality, the deadlines for Renunciation of Nationality and Notification of Loss of Nationality, and how to acquire a Status of Residence to continue living in Japan, based on official information from the Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Services Agency (hereinafter referred to as the Immigration Services Agency), for foreign nationals (former Japanese nationals), their families, and HR professionals at their employing companies.

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1. Conclusion: 4 Key Points When Renouncing Japanese Nationality and Continuing to Live in Japan

• Renunciation of Japanese nationality is done by filing a Renunciation of Nationality at the Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over your address (or a Japanese embassy or consulate if you reside abroad), and you lose Japanese nationality at the time of filing (Article 13 of the Nationality Act).
• If you wish to continue living in Japan, you must file an Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence with the regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over your residence within 30 days from the date you renounce Japanese nationality (Article 22-2, Paragraph 2 of the Immigration Control Act). You can reside without a Status of Residence for up to 60 days from the date of renunciation (Article 22-2, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act).
• There is no fee for the Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence. Which Status of Residence to apply for depends on your activities and status in Japan (marriage to a Japanese national, birth as a child of a Japanese national, nature of work, etc.).
• In some cases, such as naturalization in a foreign country, Japanese nationality may be lost without filing a notification. In such cases, a Notification of Loss of Nationality is required within one month (or three months if residing abroad) from the date you become aware of the loss of nationality (Article 103 of the Family Register Act).

2. When is Japanese Nationality Lost?

The Ministry of Justice’s Nationality Q&A lists the following cases for losing Japanese nationality. The reason for losing Japanese nationality determines “when it is lost” and “which notification is required.”

Reason for Losing Japanese Nationality	Basis	Time of Loss of Japanese Nationality	Main Notification
Acquired foreign nationality by one’s own will (e.g., naturalized in a foreign country)	Article 11, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Act	When foreign nationality is acquired (lost automatically)	Notification of Loss of Nationality (Article 103 of the Family Register Act)
Chose foreign nationality in accordance with foreign laws and regulations	Article 11, Paragraph 2 of the Nationality Act	When foreign nationality is chosen (lost automatically)	Notification of Loss of Nationality (Article 103 of the Family Register Act)
Filed a Renunciation of Nationality with the Minister of Justice	Article 13 of the Nationality Act	When the Renunciation of Nationality is filed	Renunciation of Nationality (Legal Affairs Bureau/District Legal Affairs Bureau, etc.)
A child born abroad who also acquired foreign nationality by birth did not reserve Japanese nationality	Article 12 of the Nationality Act	Lost retroactively at the time of birth	(If the notification of reservation of nationality was not filed within 3 months of birth)
Did not choose Japanese nationality within one month after receiving a demand for nationality selection	Article 15, Paragraph 3 of the Nationality Act	When one month has passed since the demand was received	—

Among these, the procedure most often used by individuals residing in Japan who choose a foreign nationality is the “Renunciation of Nationality” under Article 13 of the Nationality Act. Individuals with dual Japanese and foreign nationalities must choose one nationality within two years of reaching 18 years of age if they became dual nationals before reaching 18, or within two years from the time they became dual nationals if they reached 18 before becoming dual nationals (Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Act). The methods for choosing a foreign nationality are renunciation of Japanese nationality (Article 13) or selection of foreign nationality under foreign laws and regulations (Article 11, Paragraph 2). For information on when children born from international marriages become dual nationals, please refer to Birth Registration and Reservation of Nationality for Children of International Marriages.

3. Procedures for Renunciation of Nationality and Notification of Loss of Nationality

3-1. Renunciation of Nationality (Article 13 of the Nationality Act)

According to the Ministry of Justice’s “Notification of Renunciation of Nationality” page, the key points of the procedure are as follows:

• Eligibility: Individuals who hold both Japanese and foreign nationalities and wish to renounce their Japanese nationality.
• Filer: If 15 years of age or older, the individual themselves; if under 15, a legal representative such as a parent or guardian, must file the notification by personal appearance. Documents proving identity (or the identity of the legal representative), such as a Residence Card, passport, or driver’s license, must be presented.
• Submission Location: If residing in Japan, the Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over the address (including branch offices handling nationality affairs). If residing abroad, a Japanese diplomatic mission abroad (embassy/consulate) with jurisdiction over the address.
• Fee: None.
• Required Documents: Family Register, document proving current foreign nationality, document proving the legal representative’s qualification if the individual is under 15, and document proving address (one copy each). A Japanese translation must be attached to documents in a foreign language.

The Ministry of Justice’s Nationality Q&A explains that documents confirming possession of at least one nationality other than Japanese nationality are required, and that the effect of renunciation applies only to the individual who renounces, and does not extend to family members such as spouses or children. Furthermore, as long as the notification meets the requirements and the procedure is lawful, Japanese nationality is renounced at the time of notification (Nationality Act, Article 13, Paragraph 2).

3-2. Notification of Loss of Nationality (Family Register Act, Article 103)

If a person naturalizes in a foreign country (Nationality Act, Article 11, Paragraph 1) or chooses the nationality of that country under foreign law (same article, Paragraph 2), they automatically lose Japanese nationality. In such cases, the individual, their Spouse, or a relative within the fourth degree of kinship must file a Notification of Loss of Nationality within one month from the day they learned of the loss of nationality (or within three months from that day if the notifier was abroad when they learned of the fact) (Family Register Act, Article 103). The notification form must state the cause and date of the loss of nationality and the newly acquired foreign Nationality, and be accompanied by documents proving the loss of Nationality. The Ministry of Justice’s Nationality Q&A states that for cases where foreign Nationality is chosen under foreign law, the notification should be submitted to a municipal office or a Japanese diplomatic missions abroad (embassies/consulates).

3-3. Contact Point for Residents of Miyazaki Prefecture

According to the Miyazaki District Legal Affairs Bureau, consultations and applications regarding Nationality (Naturalization, acquisition of Nationality, etc.) for residents of Miyazaki Prefecture are handled at one location: the Miyazaki District Legal Affairs Bureau, Family Register Division (Beppu-cho, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Legal Affairs General Government Building 2F). Consultations are by appointment only, and it is advised to make a reservation by phone in advance. The Miyakonojo Branch Office, Nobeoka City Branch Office, and Nichinan City Branch Office do not handle Nationality-related matters (Naturalization, acquisition of Nationality, etc.) (the list of handled services states that Nationality matters at each branch office are “nationality selection only”). Those considering filing a Renunciation of Nationality should first make an appointment with the Family Register Division for consultation.

4. If You Wish to Continue Residing in Japan: Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence within 30 Days

Individuals who have renounced Japanese Nationality can reside in Japan without a Status of Residence for up to 60 days from the date of renunciation. If they wish to reside for more than 60 days, they must apply for the acquisition of a Status of Residence within 30 days from the date of renunciation (Immigration Control Act, Article 22-2, Paragraphs 1 and 2). The Ministry of Justice’s “Renunciation of Nationality Notification” page also states that if a person files the notification and continues to reside in Japan, an Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence is required within 30 days from the date of renunciation of Japanese Nationality.

The outline of the procedure shown on the Immigration Services Agency’s “Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence” page is as follows:

Item	Content
Eligible Applicants	Foreign nationals who have renounced Japanese Nationality or who will reside in Japan without undergoing Landing procedures due to birth or other reasons, and who intend to stay for more than 60 days.
Application Period	Within 30 days from the date the reason for acquiring the Status of Residence occurred.
Application Destination	Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over the place of residence.
Fee	None
Standard Processing Period	Within 60 days from the date the reason for acquiring the Status of Residence occurred (may be processed on the same day).
Applicant	The applicant themselves (submission by a legal representative or an Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications who has notified the Director of the Regional Immigration Services Bureau is also permitted).
Online Application	Available

4-1. Which Status of Residence to Apply For

The Status of Residence to be applied for is determined by the activities to be conducted in Japan and one’s status or position in Japan. Even on the Immigration Services Agency’s website, application forms and documents are categorized by the intended Status of Residence. For example, consider the following approaches:

• For those married to a Japanese national: If you fall under “Spouse or Special Adopted Child of a Japanese National, or a Child Born to a Japanese National” in Appended Table II of the Immigration Control Act, “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” may be considered.
• For those born as a Child of a Japanese national: Similarly, depending on whether you fall under “Child Born to a Japanese National” in Appended Table II, “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” may be considered.
• For those working as company employees: A work-related Status of Residence that matches the job content (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) may be considered.
• Status of Residence of Permanent Resident: Immigration Control Act, Article 22-2, Paragraph 4 applies the provisions for Permanent Residency Permit (Article 22) mutatis mutandis, assuming there is an application for the acquisition of the Status of Residence of Permanent Resident.

The scope of work you can do in Japan and whether an Extension of Period of Stay is required will vary depending on which Status of Residence applies. If you are unsure which Status of Residence suits your circumstances, it is recommended to consult with the Regional Immigration Services Bureau or an Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications before filing your Renunciation of Nationality.

4-2. Application Destination for Residents of Miyazaki Prefecture

The application destination for an Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence is the regional immigration services office with jurisdiction over your place of residence. According to the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau’s website, Miyazaki Prefecture is included in the jurisdiction and shared areas of the Miyazaki Branch Office (Miyazaki City), as well as the main office and the Kumamoto, Oita, and Kagoshima branch offices. Please note that the contact points are divided into two locations: the Miyazaki District Legal Affairs Bureau for Renunciation of Nationality, and the Immigration Services Agency for the acquisition of Status of Residence.

5. What to Know Before Choosing a Foreign Nationality

Renouncing Japanese nationality is a significant life choice. Before proceeding with the procedures, please confirm the following points.

1. Confirm the Deadline: The deadline for choosing nationality for those with dual nationality is “until reaching 20 years of age” or “within 2 years from the time of acquiring dual nationality,” depending on when dual nationality was acquired (Nationality Act, Article 14, Paragraph 1). If you fail to choose within the deadline, you will receive a notice from the Minister of Justice to choose your nationality. If you do not choose Japanese nationality within one month from the date of receiving the notice, you will lose Japanese nationality (same Act, Article 15).
2. There is also a Way to Choose Japanese Nationality: When choosing Japanese nationality, you must either renounce your foreign nationality or submit a notification of nationality choice to a municipal office or a Japanese embassy/consulate, stating “I choose Japanese nationality and renounce foreign nationality” (same Act, Article 14, Paragraph 2). There is no fee for the notification of nationality choice.
3. Naturalization is Required to Reacquire Japanese Nationality: For those who have once renounced Japanese nationality to reacquire it, an Application for Permission of Naturalization is generally required. Those who have lost Japanese nationality (excluding those who lost Japanese nationality after naturalizing in Japan) and have a domicile in Japan may be permitted naturalization even if they do not meet the conditions of domicile, capacity, and livelihood (Nationality Act, Article 8, Item 3). For the process of consultation and application for naturalization in Miyazaki, please refer to Application for Permission of Naturalization in Miyazaki. Furthermore, those who lost Japanese nationality by not reserving their nationality after being born abroad can reacquire Japanese nationality by notifying the Minister of Justice if they have a domicile in Japan and are under 18 years of age (same Act, Article 17, Paragraph 1).
4. Prepare Status of Residence First: If you plan to continue living in Japan, plan the Renunciation of Nationality and the Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence as a continuous procedure.

6. For Foreign Nationals (Former Japanese Nationals) and Company Representatives

For Foreign Nationals and Their Families

• Once you decide the date to submit the Renunciation of Nationality, gather the necessary documents for the Status of Residence you will apply for in advance, so that you can submit the Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence within 30 days from that date.
• The effect of renouncing nationality applies only to the individual. The nationality of your spouse or children needs to be confirmed based on their respective circumstances.
• If you lost Japanese nationality without notification, such as by naturalizing in a foreign country, please also note the deadline for the notification of loss of nationality (within one month from the date you became aware of the fact, or within three months if you are abroad). If you reside in Japan, please confirm the handling of your Status of Residence with the Immigration Services Agency, depending on the circumstances.

For HR Professionals at Companies

• If an employee with Japanese nationality renounces their nationality and becomes a foreign national, they will work within the scope of their acquired Status of Residence after obtaining it. Depending on the Status of Residence acquired, there may be restrictions on the type of work. Please confirm the handling of employment during the period until acquisition with the Immigration Services Agency.
• A Residence Card will be issued to those who become mid- to long-term residents by permission (Immigration Control Act, Article 22-2, Paragraph 3 and Article 20, Paragraph 4. In the case of acquiring Permanent Resident status, Article 20, Paragraph 4). Asking the employee to show their Residence Card and confirming their Status of Residence and Period of Stay will be helpful for managing subsequent extensions.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. If I submit a Renunciation of Nationality, will my family’s nationality also change?

A. No, it will not. The Ministry of Justice’s Nationality Q&A explains that the effect of renouncing Japanese nationality applies only to the person who renounces it and does not extend to their relatives, such as their spouse or children.

Q2. What is the deadline for the Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence?

A. It is within 30 days from the date you renounced Japanese nationality (Immigration Control Act, Article 22-2, Paragraph 2). You can reside in Japan without a Status of Residence for up to 60 days from the date of renunciation (same Article, Paragraph 1). Since the Renunciation of Nationality takes effect upon submission, it is safest to consider the date of submission as the reference point.

Q3. Are there any fees?

A. According to the Ministry of Justice’s guidance, there is no fee for the Renunciation of Nationality, and according to the Immigration Services Agency’s guidance, there is no fee for the Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence. However, separate costs for obtaining necessary documents (Family Register, foreign certificates, etc.) will apply.

Q4. Where should I submit the notification in Miyazaki Prefecture?

A. The Renunciation of Nationality should be submitted to the Family Register Division of the Miyazaki District Legal Affairs Bureau (Beppu-cho, Miyazaki City), and consultations require an appointment. The Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence should be submitted to the Immigration Services Agency that has jurisdiction over your place of residence (e.g., Miyazaki Branch Office for Miyazaki Prefecture).

Q5. Can I return to Japanese nationality after renouncing it?

A. For those who have renounced Japanese nationality through a Renunciation of Nationality to reacquire it, an Application for Permission of Naturalization is generally required. Those who have lost Japanese nationality (excluding those who lost Japanese nationality after naturalizing in Japan) and have a domicile in Japan may be permitted naturalization even if they do not meet the conditions of domicile, capacity, and livelihood, according to Article 8, Item 3 of the Nationality Act. However, whether permission is granted depends on an individual review.

8. Summary: Renunciation of Nationality and Acquisition of Status of Residence are Continuous Procedures

Renunciation of Japanese nationality is carried out by submitting a Renunciation of Nationality to the Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau, and it takes effect upon submission. Those who wish to continue living in Japan must submit an Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence to the Immigration Services Agency within 30 days from the date of renunciation. Since the procedures for nationality are handled by the Legal Affairs Bureau and the procedures for Status of Residence are handled by the Immigration Services Agency, confirming the Status of Residence you will apply for and the necessary documents before submitting the Renunciation of Nationality is the quickest way to meet the deadline.

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As an Administrative Scrivener Corporation in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, our office assists individuals who have renounced Japanese nationality in acquiring Status of Residence.

For procedures that can be filed online, such as applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence and extension of period of stay, we accept requests from clients nationwide. Meetings are held online (Google Meet, LINE) and documents are exchanged by mail or electronically, so there is no need to visit our office. Applications for Permission for Permanent Residence and for Permission of Naturalization cannot be filed online and must be submitted at the counter, so they are limited to residents of Miyazaki Prefecture. Depending on the procedure and its urgency, you may need to collect your Residence Card at the counter of the immigration office covering the area where you live. Online applications cannot be filed on the last day of your period of stay, so please consult us as early as possible.

• Scheduling for Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence after renunciation of nationality
• Identification of the appropriate Status of Residence to apply for and preparation of necessary documents
• Management of Status of Residence change and extension for foreign national employees
• Early preparation for Application for Permission for Permanent Residence

Please feel free to use our free consultation service first.

📩 Contact us here

📞 To book a phone consultation: 0985-68-0851

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This article is written based on publicly available information as of October 2026. Details and operation of the system may change in the future. Procedures for acquiring or renouncing foreign nationality are subject to the laws of that country. For actual notifications and applications, please confirm with official information from the Ministry of Justice, Immigration Services Agency, or our office.

Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications, Satoshi Nakayama

Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office

Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Sources (Primary Information)

• Ministry of Justice “Nationality Q&A” (Q12, Q13, Q15, Q17) https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji78.html
• Ministry of Justice “Notification of Renunciation of Nationality” https://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/NATIONALITY/6-3.html
• Ministry of Justice “Notification of Nationality Selection” https://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/NATIONALITY/6-4.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-10.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/about/region/fukuoka/index.html
• Miyazaki District Legal Affairs Bureau “Consultation on Nationality” https://houmukyoku.moj.go.jp/miyazaki/page000138.pdf
• Miyazaki District Legal Affairs Bureau “List of Handled Services” https://houmukyoku.moj.go.jp/miyazaki/table/shikyokutou/all05.html
• e-Gov Law Search “Nationality Act” (Articles 8, 11-17) https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/325AC0000000147
• e-Gov Law Search “Family Register Act” (Articles 103, 104-2) https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/322AC0000000224
• e-Gov Law Search “Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act” (Articles 20, 22-2, Appended Table II) https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/326CO0000000319