Renouncing Japanese Nationality

2023/9/6
If a dual (or more) nationality holder chooses a non-Japanese nationality, she/he needs to submit a renunciation registration (Kokuseki ridatsu todoke) before the due date.

After submitting a renunciation registration, the Ministry of Justice will send an announcement “About the renouncing nationality” through the Embassy after the procedure is completed.
 

Deadline

Choose a nationality by age 20, if you have Japanese and foreign nationality and became a dual (or more) nationality before age 18.
Choose a nationality within 2 years, if you have Japanese and foreign nationality and became a dual (or more) nationality after age 18.

You are still obliged to choose a nationality, even if you have not chosen by the deadline.
 

Who can submit the documents?

The person who renounces Japanese nationality (please present your ID, e.g. the passport).

A legal representative, if the person who renounces Japanese nationality is under age 15.
 

Where to submit?

Directly to the Embassy of Japan in Finland, the Legal Affairs Bureau (Houmu kyoku) or Regional Legal Affairs Bureau (Chihou houmu kyoku) in Japan.
Submitting by post is not allowed.
 

Required Documents

1. Renunciation registration (2 pieces)
Example
2. The Koseki Tohon (2 pieces: an original and a copy)
3. An original document certifying having a foreign nationality (e.g. valid passport)
4. Japanese translation of document 3 (free format, 2 pieces)
5. Document about the street address (e.g. Residence certificate/Asuinpaikantodistus from DVV) (2 pieces: an original and a copy).
6. Japanese translation of document 5 (free format, 2 pieces).
The applicant or legal representative may make a translation. Write the name of the translator, street address, and telephone number in the end of the translation.
7. A statement about the name (2 pieces) Only if there are different names on the Koseki Tohon, a non-Japanese passport, the Residence certificate, etc.
8. Document about the relations with the applicant, if a legal representative submits the documents (2 pieces: an original and a copy).
9. A confirmation statement (available from the consular section on the spot).
  

Notes

1. Write the name of the person who renounces the nationality exactly as written in the Koseki.
2. “Signature” must be signed by the person who renounces the nationality if she/he is 15-years-old or older. If s/he is under age 15, the legal representative is to fill all the required sections in the renunciation registration.
3. Return the Japanese passport the applicant has, if it is still valid.
4. If s/he applies for and acquires a Japanese passport after the renunciation, s/he may be indicted for false record of application documents and false entry in a passport (Subsection 2 of Section 157 of the Criminal Law).