If you have lived in Japan for a long time, you have probably thought about Naturalization or Permanent Residence.

I think that some people have been able to naturalize in one time procedure.

On the other hand, there may be some who have tried many times but have not been approved yet.

You may not know when you should apply it in the first place.

Whether you choose Naturalization or Permanent Residence, it has meaning to know the characteristics of each status.

Therefore, I would like to explain the difference between Naturalization and Permanent Residence.  

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the procedure to acquire Japanese nationality and become Japanese.

-Renewal procedure of the residential status

By becoming Japanese, you no longer need residential status.

It is obvious but you do not need troublesome procedures such as renewal of residential status.

I think that one of your concerns you have been feeling is that the renewal is not proved.

In that case, you must leave what you have built up and return to your home country.

Naturalization will free you from such concerns about your status of residence.

-Work

As with Japanese, there is no restriction on occupations and you can freely decide.  

As for the period of stay, there is no restriction on the period of stay for Japanese in Japan.

Therefore, after obtaining a permit, you no longer need to consider the period of stay.

For the same reason, you will no longer have to consider the residency revocation system or deportation.

It can also reduce the risk of family living separately.

-Stability

Unlike the residential status, it is the most stable status.

-How to apply 

When you apply for Naturalization, you submit documents to Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau in your jurisdiction.

You do not apply for the Regional Immigration Bureau like visa.

As for the unit of application, it is basically applied for by family unit.

There is no specific period for the screening, and it will take about 1year.

What is Permanent Residence?

Permanent residence is one of the residential status that is stipulated by the Immigration Control Act.

The major characteristic is that there are no restrictions on activities and the period of stay.

-Procedures for renewal of residential status

Once you have obtained permanent residence, there is no longer a fixed period of stay.

In other words, you will not have to apply for renewal permission in a certain period like a normal Status of Residence.

This should free you from your fear that you have felt about the renewal process.

You have to continue to renew your residence card once every 7 years, but it is a simple procedure to renew the card itself.

Renewal of Status of Residence and renewal of residence card are completely different.

However, unlike naturalization, there are some points to note.

One of the points is that you continue to be subject to the revocation and deportation system.

For example, if you leave Japan without obtaining re-entry permit and 1 year has passed, as with other status of residences, the permanent residence will be revoked and you will lose it.

In addition, if you commit a crime and are sentenced to prison or are convicted of illegal drugs, you fall under the deportation and must leave Japan.

Once deported, re-entry is not guaranteed.

-Work

There are no restrictions on work, and you will have more options for changing jobs.

By obtaining permanent residence, you will be able to do simple part-time jobs that you could not do before. 

As a result, you will be able to make better use of your time and design your life that you desire.

-Stability

It will be easier for you to adapt to changes in your family situation or work situation.

For example, if you have the Permanent Residence and are divorced or bereaved, you can continue to live in Japan without changing the status.

On the other hand, if you live in Japan with the status of residence of “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”, you need to change your status of residence. 

Even if you experience divorce or bereavement in the same situation, there will be differences in what procedures you should take after that. 

-How to apply

You submit documents to Immigration Bureau in your jurisdiction.

You do not necessarily have to apply for the whole family, and only you can apply for yourself first.

According to the immigration Bureau’s website, the standard period of screening process is 4 months. 

Summary

Both Naturalization and Permanent Residence appears to have their own advantages. 

However, it is also a matter that cannot be decided simply from advantages or disadvantages.

Even if the economic and political condition in your home country is unstable, it is extremely natural to feel the hesitation to change your nationality.

In terms of the difficulty of permits, it is not easy to compare because the government office to apply is different.

If you try to make 100 % right choices, you may get stuck.     

In such a case, why don’t you make an opportunity to get to the answer by yourself?

Talking to someone else may help you sort out your feelings.