<P> Naturalization in Japan requires the applicant to give up their current citizenship (s) either before or after, depending on the nationality, the naturalization takes place if the loss of nationality does not occur automatically . The Japanese government does not have strict rules for the naturalization process, even though the documents that need to be collected for application from the applicant's home country might take quite some time . Basic naturalization requirements differ from person to person regardless of what country the applicant is from and depending on the applicant's current status in Japan . Unlike most other countries, the applicant does not have to be a permanent resident to be eligible to apply for Japanese naturalization . </P> <P> The criteria for naturalization are provided in Article 5 of the Nationality Act: </P> <Ol> <Li> Continuous residence in Japan for five years or more </Li> <Li> At least 20 years old and otherwise legally competent </Li> <Li> History of good behavior generally, and no past history of seditious behavior </Li> <Li> Sufficient capital or skills, either personally or within family, to support oneself </Li> <Li> Stateless or willing to renounce foreign citizenship </Li> </Ol> <Li> Continuous residence in Japan for five years or more </Li>

How long does it take to get citizenship in japan