Zemira

Japan: residency, citizenship and cost of living

Paths checked against sources: 2026-10

Path to citizenship

Since 1 April 2026 the Ministry of Justice in principle requires 10 years of residence for naturalisation, although the law still says 5. Dual citizenship is not allowed for adults. From 1 April 2027 permanent residence can be revoked for wilful non-payment of taxes and contributions; stricter language and income requirements for it are expected.

Citizenship application processing, years: 1–1.5.

Check your own path

Monthly budget

Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.

CitySingleFamily 2+2
Tokyo¥201,000≈ €1,130¥491,000≈ €2,770
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Country scores (out of 100)

Frequently asked questions

How do you get citizenship in Japan, and how long does it take?

5 years by law; about 10 years in review practice since April 2026; spouse: 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence. Processing takes 1–1.5 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.

How do you get residency in Japan?

The main routes we cover: Work status; Highly skilled professional (HSP); Student status; Spouse of a Japanese citizen. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.

Can I keep my citizenship in Japan?

Japan does not allow dual citizenship for adults.

How much does it cost to live in Japan per month?

Per month, one person / family of four: Tokyo ≈ ¥201,000 / ¥491,000. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.

How much is rent in Japan?

A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Tokyo ¥75,300–¥120,000.

How up to date is this data?

Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.

Sources

This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.