US Joins South Korea, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, UK, China, And More Countries In Facing Tough New Travel Challenge As Japan Tightens Nationality Acquisition Rules

Published on November 26, 2025

US Joins South Korea, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, UK, China, and More Countries in Facing Tough New Travel Challenge as Japan Tightens Nationality Acquisition Rules due to the Japanese government’s proposal to extend the minimum residency requirement for acquiring nationality and impose stricter criteria on applicants. This move, driven by growing concerns over immigration and noncompliance with tax and social insurance obligations, will impact foreign nationals from countries with large expatriate communities in Japan, including the United States, South Korea, China, and Brazil. As the Japanese government reviews its nationality laws, these countries will face increased hurdles for their citizens seeking citizenship, adding new layers of complexity to the immigration process for long-term residents and potential travelers alike.

As Japan faces mounting concerns over foreign immigration, the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is considering tightening its citizenship rules for foreign nationals. The proposal to lengthen the minimum five-year residency requirement for acquiring Japanese nationality and impose stricter regulations on applicants is expected to affect a wide range of countries, particularly those with a significant foreign population in Japan. Among the nations most likely to be impacted are the United States, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, the United Kingdom, China, and many others. This shift in policy signals a major change in Japan’s approach to foreign residents and nationality, and could have far-reaching implications for travelers, workers, and long-term residents of the country.

Japan’s Tougher Stance on Citizenship and Immigration

Japan’s consideration of tightening the rules surrounding nationality acquisition comes at a time when the country is experiencing a steady increase in its foreign population. The government has signaled a desire to reassess the current residency requirements and the ease with which foreign nationals can gain citizenship. The existing rules are often considered more lenient compared to the stringent requirements for permanent residency, and authorities are looking to align the two processes.

Currently, a foreigner seeking Japanese nationality must have lived in Japan for at least five consecutive years. Additionally, they must demonstrate “good conduct,” show that they can financially support themselves or their dependents, and meet other criteria as defined by Japan’s Nationality Act. However, the Japanese government has indicated that this five-year residency requirement could be extended, making it more difficult for foreigners to acquire Japanese nationality.

A key point of focus in the proposed changes is the assessment of applicants’ compliance with public obligations, such as the timely payment of taxes and national insurance premiums. Foreign nationals who have a history of nonpayment in these areas may face rejection during the naturalization process. This is particularly significant, as Japan’s stringent tax and social insurance policies have been a concern for the government amid rising media reports on visa overstaying and nonpayment of national insurance premiums.

The decision to review and potentially tighten these rules follows the release of an interim report by a government study group. This report noted that the requirements for acquiring Japanese nationality are currently less strict than those for obtaining permanent residency. Permanent residency applicants are required to live in Japan for at least 10 years, among other detailed criteria, before they are eligible to apply for status.

As Japan’s population ages and the number of foreign nationals increases, Prime Minister Takaichi’s government has signaled a shift towards a more cautious and controlled approach to immigration, focusing on building a “safe, secure, orderly, and inclusive society” for both Japanese citizens and foreign residents. These proposed changes are set to create more hurdles for applicants, particularly for those from countries with large expatriate communities.

The Countries Most Affected by Japan’s New Nationality Rules

The tightening of nationality and residency rules in Japan will have a direct impact on foreign nationals from a number of countries. Among the most affected are China, South Korea, Brazil, the United States, and several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Nepal. These countries are home to the largest foreign populations in Japan, and their nationals are most likely to be impacted by any changes to the naturalization process.

Below is a breakdown of the top foreign nationalities residing in Japan as of 2024-2025, showing which countries are most likely to see the greatest effects from Japan’s proposed policy changes:

This table demonstrates the diverse range of countries with large foreign populations in Japan, highlighting how various communities will be affected by changes in the nationality and immigration rules.

Stricter Immigration Policies and Nationalism in Japan

The increasing number of foreign residents in Japan has become a contentious issue. The country has long had a relatively closed immigration policy, but demographic shifts and labor shortages in certain sectors have led to an influx of foreign workers. Recent years have seen a rise in visa overstays and a growing number of foreigners failing to meet their tax obligations. As a result, Japan’s government is tightening its immigration policies to address these challenges.

Additionally, political changes in Japan have contributed to a rise in nationalist sentiments, especially with the success of populist political parties that advocate for “Japan First” policies. These movements have gained traction in the wake of concerns about immigration, leading to more stringent policies toward foreign nationals.

The House of Councillors election in July 2024 saw a populist party that campaigned on a “Japanese First” platform surge in popularity. This has further fueled discussions about Japan’s foreign policy and naturalization process. The Takaichi administration has stated that it is committed to creating a society that is “safe, secure, orderly, and inclusive” for both Japanese citizens and foreigners, though the policies being considered are seen by some as a response to growing concerns about Japan’s changing demographic landscape.

The Impact on Foreign Residents and Visitors

The tightening of nationality and residency rules will have significant consequences for foreign residents and potential travelers to Japan. For those hoping to obtain Japanese citizenship, the extended residency requirement and stricter scrutiny of public obligations may make the process more difficult.

Foreign nationals from countries with large populations in Japan, such as China, South Korea, and Brazil, may find it harder to meet the stricter criteria for acquiring nationality. Those who have not maintained their tax and social insurance records could be at a disadvantage, as these factors will be scrutinized more closely under the proposed changes.

Furthermore, these stricter policies may impact foreign workers who have made long-term contributions to the Japanese economy. Many of these workers may find themselves facing increased barriers to citizenship, despite years of residency. This could lead to frustrations among foreign nationals who have contributed significantly to Japanese society but are now subject to more stringent requirements.

On the other hand, for travelers, the tightening of immigration policies could result in longer wait times and more stringent checks at the border. Those applying for long-term visas or seeking residency may face more rigorous assessments as Japan seeks to ensure that foreign nationals comply with all of its legal and social requirements.

Japan’s proposed changes to its nationality acquisition and immigration policies mark a significant shift in the country’s approach to foreign residents and travelers. The tightening of the naturalization process and the extended residency requirements will undoubtedly affect foreign nationals from a wide range of countries, particularly those with large expatriate communities in Japan.

Countries such as the United States, South Korea, China, Brazil, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and many others will feel the impact of these changes. As Japan seeks to address issues related to immigration, taxation, and public obligations, the balance between maintaining a safe and secure society and welcoming foreign nationals will be tested.

US Joins South Korea, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, UK, China, and More Countries in Facing Tough New Travel Challenge as Japan Tightens Nationality Acquisition Rules due to the Japanese government’s proposal to extend the residency requirement and enforce stricter eligibility criteria for foreign nationals seeking citizenship. This move aims to address concerns over visa overstays, tax compliance, and the growing foreign population in Japan.

While the government’s intention is to strengthen national security and ensure that foreign residents contribute to Japan’s economy and society, the implementation of these stricter rules will likely prompt a reevaluation of Japan’s foreign policy and its stance on immigration. The coming months will be crucial as Japan finalizes its new immigration and nationality laws, with potential ramifications for foreign residents, travelers, and Japan’s future relationship with the global community.