Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship [2026]: What Happens to Japanese Nationality | Nationality Act Article 11

Japan does not, as a rule, allow dual citizenship. When a Japanese national acquires a foreign nationality of their own free will – for example by naturalizing abroad or obtaining citizenship by investment – they automatically lose Japanese nationality at that moment (Nationality Act, Article 11(1)). It makes no difference whether the other country allows dual citizenship. On the other hand, children of international marriages and children born in countries that grant citizenship by place of birth (such as the United States) can be dual nationals from birth. They do not lose Japanese nationality, but in principle must choose one nationality by age 20 (for children born abroad, this assumes a declaration to reserve Japanese nationality was filed within three months of birth). Based on information published by Japan's Ministry of Justice, the e-Gov law database and foreign governments, this article covers the points below. Naturalization requirements and costs by country, and the Japanese documents needed to apply, are covered in How to acquire a foreign nationality.

*Rules are as of October 1, 2026. This article is an English version of our Japanese guide, adapted for foreign residents of Japan and international investors.

• Countries that allow and do not allow dual citizenship (36 major countries)
• What happens to Japanese nationality when a Japanese national acquires a foreign nationality (Nationality Act Article 11, notification of loss of nationality, passports)
• How citizenship by investment, golden visas and permanent residence relate to Japanese nationality
• Choosing a nationality if you became a dual national at birth or otherwise (deadlines, procedures, what happens if you do not choose)
• How to live in Japan after losing Japanese nationality (status of residence, naturalization of former Japanese nationals)

*This article is a general explanation based on the Nationality Act, Family Register Act and Passport Act (e-Gov law database), the Ministry of Justice "Nationality Q&A", the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Japanese embassies and consulates, and information published by foreign governments, as of October 1, 2026. Please consult a local lawyer on the interpretation of foreign nationality laws, and the Legal Affairs Bureau on whether you hold Japanese nationality in your individual case. This article does not solicit the acquisition of citizenship of any particular country.

Conclusion: Japan does not allow dual citizenship in principle; acquiring a foreign nationality yourself means losing Japanese nationality

"Dual citizenship" covers two very different situations under Japan's Nationality Act: holding two nationalities from birth, and a Japanese national acquiring a foreign nationality later.

In other words, even if a Japanese national looks for "a country that allows dual citizenship", Japanese law itself takes away their Japanese nationality, so there is in principle no way for an adult Japanese national to newly become a dual citizen. If all you want is the right to live abroad, permanent residence or a golden visa is almost always enough (the differences are explained in Permanent residence, citizenship, visas and tax residence compared).

What is dual citizenship? Dual nationality from birth vs. a foreign nationality acquired later

Dual citizenship (legally, "multiple nationality") means holding the nationality of two or more countries at the same time. Each country decides for itself to whom it grants nationality, so when a country that grants nationality based on the parents' nationality (jus sanguinis) overlaps with one that grants it based on place of birth (jus soli), some children become dual nationals from birth. The Ministry of Justice "Nationality Q&A" gives the following typical examples:

• A child born to a parent with Japanese nationality and a parent who is a national of a country that applies jus sanguinis through both parents (such as South Korea)
• A child born to a Japanese mother and a father who is a national of a country that applies jus sanguinis through the father
• A child of Japanese nationals born in a jus soli country such as the United States, Canada, Brazil or Peru
• A person who acquired a foreign nationality by being acknowledged by a foreign parent or adopted by a foreign national
• A Japanese national who was automatically granted a foreign nationality under the other country's law upon marrying a foreign national
• A person who acquired Japanese nationality by notification and continues to hold their original foreign nationality

In these cases the Japanese national did not acquire the foreign nationality on their own initiative, so Japanese nationality is not lost immediately; instead, the person must choose a nationality (see "Choosing a nationality if you became a dual national at birth or otherwise" below). By contrast, when a Japanese national personally applies for and acquires a foreign nationality (or a parent does so on behalf of a minor), Japanese nationality is lost at the moment of acquisition under Nationality Act Article 11(1).

Countries that allow and do not allow dual citizenship [2026]

Countries differ on two points: whether their own nationals can keep their nationality after acquiring another, and whether foreigners must give up their original nationality when naturalizing. The column relevant to a Japanese national acquiring a foreign nationality is the right-hand one, but even where it says "Not required", Japanese nationals still lose Japanese nationality under Japan's Nationality Act. A "–" in the table means we could not confirm a relevant rule.

Most of the countries that allow dual citizenship are in Europe and North America (except some European countries such as Spain, the Netherlands and Austria), plus the Caribbean and Pacific countries with citizenship by investment programs. In Asia, China, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia do not allow multiple nationality, like Japan; South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan allow it in limited cases; and the Philippines allows retention by oath.

For Japanese nationals: what happens to Japanese nationality when you acquire a foreign nationality (Nationality Act Article 11)

Acquiring a foreign nationality "of one's own volition" means automatic loss

Nationality Act Article 11(1) provides that a Japanese national who acquires a foreign nationality of their own volition loses Japanese nationality. Naturalizing abroad and acquiring citizenship through a donation or investment fall under this rule, and the loss occurs automatically at the moment the foreign nationality is acquired. Nationality is not lost when the notification is filed; even without a notification, the person is legally no longer a Japanese national.

When a family naturalizes abroad: children also lose Japanese nationality

As the table above shows, if parents naturalize abroad and also apply on behalf of their minor children, the children also lose Japanese nationality. On the other hand, a child born in that country who holds its nationality by birth remains a dual national regardless of the parents' naturalization and must choose a nationality. In countries that do not apply jus soli (such as Singapore), a child born while the parents are permanent residents does not acquire local nationality by birth alone. Check in advance what will happen to your children's nationality when you naturalize.

In countries that require proof of loss of the original nationality after naturalization, the usual process is to acquire the foreign nationality, file a notification of loss of nationality in Japan, and submit a certified copy of the family register (removal record) showing the loss. Check with the authorities of the country of naturalization which documents are needed and whether translation and authentication are required.

Notification of loss of nationality: within 1 month of learning of the loss (3 months if abroad)

When a person loses Japanese nationality, the person, their spouse or a relative within the fourth degree must file a notification of loss of nationality with the municipal office of the registered domicile or a Japanese embassy/consulate within 1 month of learning of the loss (within 3 months if they are abroad on that date) (Family Register Act, Article 103). The form states the cause and date of loss and the foreign nationality acquired, and must be accompanied by proof of acquisition of the foreign nationality (such as a naturalization certificate or a copy of the passport with a Japanese translation). The person is then removed from the family register.

Losing Japanese nationality invalidates your Japanese passport

On loss of Japanese nationality, the Japanese passport becomes invalid at that moment (Passport Act, Article 18(1)(i)). Using an invalid passport to leave or enter a country is punishable as "use of a passport that has lost its validity" by imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to JPY 3 million, or both (same Act, Article 23(1)(vii)). Keeping a Japanese passport and using it "as if you were a dual citizen" is not permitted by law. If you have already used an invalid passport, the consequences depend on the individual circumstances, so please consult a lawyer.

You may come across claims that "no one will know if you do not report it", but as explained above, the loss occurs regardless of whether a notification is filed. Even if the family register still shows you as Japanese, you are legally a foreign national, so mismatches between your actual nationality and your documents will cause problems with renewing or using a Japanese passport, voting, inheritance registration, pensions, financial institutions and so on. If you are considering acquiring foreign citizenship, plan on the assumption that you will lose Japanese nationality.

If you have not filed a notification of loss of nationality, and inheritance by former Japanese nationals

Even if years have passed since you acquired a foreign nationality, you can – and must – file the notification of loss of nationality now. Notifications are accepted even after the filing period (1 month from learning of the loss, or 3 months if abroad; Family Register Act, Article 103) has passed (same Act, Article 46). However, an unjustified delay may result in a non-penal fine of up to JPY 50,000 (same Act, Article 137). If you live abroad, file with a Japanese embassy/consulate; if you are in Japan, file with the municipal office of your registered domicile.

Inheritance rights in Japan do not depend on nationality. A former Japanese national who now holds a foreign nationality can still inherit a parent's estate in Japan. However, inheritance registration and bank procedures assume that the family register matches the person's actual nationality, so the first step is to file the notification of loss of nationality and put the family register in order. Heirs with foreign nationality cannot obtain a Japanese seal registration certificate, so a signature authenticated by a notary in their country of residence (with an apostille if needed) is used instead (Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance on "signature certification"). Former Japanese nationals may also be able to obtain a signature certification at a Japanese embassy/consulate for inheritance procedures.

Citizenship by investment, golden visas, permanent residence and Japanese nationality

There are many schemes that give you the right to live abroad or a foreign passport, but only schemes that grant nationality itself affect Japanese nationality.

Citizenship by investment countries advertise that they "allow dual citizenship" and that "renouncing your original nationality is not required", but this is only their side of the rule. A Japanese national who acquires such citizenship loses Japanese nationality under Japan's Nationality Act. Marketing such as "second passport" or "become a dual citizen" does not apply to Japanese nationals. Specific requirements and costs of naturalization and citizenship by investment are compared in How to acquire a foreign nationality.

Whether to acquire citizenship comes down to weighing the loss of Japanese nationality against what a foreign passport offers (broader visa-free travel, more residence options, etc.). Costs and requirements by country are compared in Minimum costs of permanent residence and citizenship worldwide. If you want a base abroad while keeping Japanese nationality, consider a golden visa or permanent residence.

Choosing a nationality if you became a dual national at birth or otherwise: deadlines and methods

Children born abroad: "reserve" Japanese nationality within 3 months of birth

A child of a Japanese national who is born abroad and also acquires a foreign nationality by birth loses Japanese nationality retroactively from birth unless a declaration of intent to reserve Japanese nationality is filed together with the birth registration within 3 months of the date of birth (Nationality Act, Article 12; Family Register Act, Article 104). The declaration is filed with a Japanese embassy/consulate or the municipal office of the registered domicile. A child whose nationality was not reserved can reacquire Japanese nationality by notification to the Minister of Justice if they are under 18 and have an address in Japan (Nationality Act, Article 17(1)).

Deadline for choosing a nationality: by age 20 (within 2 years if dual nationality arose at 18 or older)

A person who became a dual national at birth or otherwise must choose one nationality by the deadline (Nationality Act, Article 14(1)). The deadlines changed when the age of majority was lowered on April 1, 2022.

By date of birth, for dual nationals from birth, those born on or after April 3, 2004 must choose by age 20. The deadlines for those born on or before April 2, 2002 (age 22) and those born between April 3, 2002 and April 2, 2004 (March 31, 2024) have already passed. Because age increases on the day before one's birthday under Japanese law, a person born on April 2, 2004, for example, is treated as having turned 18 on April 1, 2022.

How to choose

The declaration of choice of nationality is filed with the municipal office of your registered domicile or place of residence, or with a Japanese embassy/consulate if you are abroad. When filing at an embassy/consulate and the family register of your registered domicile has not been computerized, attach one certified copy of the family register. There is no fee.

The Ministry of Justice explains that the declaration fulfills your obligation under Japanese law, but depending on the foreign country's law the foreign nationality may remain, in which case you remain under an obligation to endeavor to renounce it (Nationality Act, Article 16(1)). In addition, if a person who still holds a foreign nationality after the declaration voluntarily takes up a public office of that country (excluding posts open to non-nationals) and this is found to be seriously contrary to the purpose of having chosen Japanese nationality, the Minister of Justice may declare the loss of Japanese nationality (same Article, paragraph 2).

The burden of keeping a foreign nationality is also a factor. For example, a person who keeps U.S. citizenship is taxed by the United States on worldwide income even when living abroad, and must file a U.S. tax return if income exceeds a certain amount (please consult a U.S. tax professional for details).

If you do not choose: notice from the Minister of Justice and loss of nationality

For a person who has not chosen by the deadline, the Minister of Justice may give written notice demanding a choice, and if the person does not choose Japanese nationality within 1 month of receiving the notice, they lose Japanese nationality (Nationality Act, Article 15). However, the Ministry of Justice stated in the Diet in 2009 that no such notice had ever been issued, and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations also explained as of June 2024 that there have been no cases. The absence of cases does not mean you need not choose. Choosing a nationality is a legal obligation (Nationality Act, Article 14), and having the choice recorded in the family register makes it easier to explain your nationality when renewing a passport and in later procedures.

Living in or returning to Japan after losing Japanese nationality

A person who has lost Japanese nationality, for example by acquiring foreign citizenship, is legally a foreign national. To continue living in Japan or to return in the future, they need a status of residence or naturalization.

To regain Japanese nationality through naturalization, you are required to give up the foreign nationality you acquired (the naturalization requirement to prevent multiple nationality). Check with the Legal Affairs Bureau for the specific review of simplified naturalization for former Japanese nationals. The status of residence options and the permanent residence application process after losing Japanese nationality are explained in detail in Status of residence after losing Japanese nationality.

Court cases on dual citizenship and moves to amend Japan's Nationality Act

In a lawsuit in which people of Japanese origin living in Europe sought confirmation of their Japanese nationality, arguing that Nationality Act Article 11(1) is unconstitutional, the Tokyo District Court (January 21, 2021) and the Tokyo High Court (February 21, 2023) both held the provision constitutional and dismissed the claims. The High Court reportedly held, in substance, that Article 22(2) of the Constitution guarantees the freedom to renounce nationality but not a freedom to keep one's nationality. According to the plaintiffs' legal team, the Supreme Court dismissed the final appeal on September 28, 2023.

As of October 2026, there is no sign of the government moving to amend the Nationality Act to allow multiple nationality. On the contrary, review of ordinary naturalization has become stricter since April 2026 (in principle 10 or more years of residence, etc.). Decisions cannot be made on the assumption of a future amendment.

Frequently asked questions

Is dual citizenship illegal in Japan?

Dual nationality from birth is not illegal; there is simply an obligation to choose one nationality by the deadline. On the other hand, a Japanese national who acquires a foreign nationality of their own will does not become a dual national but loses Japanese nationality at the moment of acquisition. Using a Japanese passport after losing nationality is a violation of the Passport Act punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years, among other penalties.

If the other country allows dual citizenship, can a Japanese national keep Japanese nationality?

No. Nationality Act Article 11(1) provides that a Japanese national who acquires a foreign nationality of their own will loses Japanese nationality, regardless of the other country's rules.

Does obtaining foreign permanent residence or a golden visa mean losing Japanese nationality?

No. Permanent residence, golden visas and long-stay visas are residence permits, not nationality.

What happens to Japanese nationality when a Japanese national marries a foreign national?

Marriage alone does not cause the loss of Japanese nationality. If the other country's law automatically grants its nationality upon marriage, this does not count as acquisition "of one's own volition"; the person becomes a dual national who must choose a nationality. If, after marrying, the person applies to naturalize in the spouse's country, Japanese nationality is lost.

I missed the deadline for choosing a nationality. What happens?

Missing the deadline does not mean immediate loss of Japanese nationality; it is lost only if you do not choose within 1 month after receiving notice from the Minister of Justice (no such notice is said to have ever been issued). A declaration of choice of nationality can still be filed after the deadline, so file it promptly with a municipal office or Japanese embassy/consulate.

Can a former Japanese national keep living in Japan after acquiring foreign citizenship?

Yes, by obtaining a status of residence as a foreign national. If nationality is lost while in Japan, apply for permission to acquire a status of residence within 30 days of the loss. A former Japanese national one of whose parents was a Japanese national at the time of their birth can apply for the "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" status, and can later apply to change to Permanent Resident.

Can Japanese nationality be regained after it is lost?

If you have an address in Japan, you can apply for naturalization as a former Japanese national (simplified naturalization) under Nationality Act Article 8(iii). However, those who originally obtained Japanese nationality through naturalization are not eligible, and naturalization requires giving up the foreign nationality you acquired.

Summary: there is in principle no way for a Japanese national to become a dual citizen; choose the scheme that fits your goal

• Japan does not allow dual citizenship in principle. A Japanese national who acquires a foreign nationality of their own will automatically loses Japanese nationality at the moment of acquisition (Nationality Act, Article 11(1)), even if the other country allows multiple nationality
• The notification of loss of nationality is due within 1 month of learning of the loss (3 months if abroad) and can still be filed late. An invalidated Japanese passport must not be used
• If your goal is the right to live abroad, permanent residence, a golden visa or a long-stay visa is enough instead of nationality. These do not affect Japanese nationality
• Dual nationals from birth must choose a nationality by age 20 (within 2 years if dual nationality arose at 18 or older). Children born abroad need a declaration reserving Japanese nationality within 3 months
• Even after losing Japanese nationality, there are ways to live in Japan through a status of residence (Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Permanent Resident, etc.) or simplified naturalization as a former Japanese national

Related articles: Permanent residence, citizenship, visas and tax residence compared, What is a golden visa?, Vanuatu citizenship, Dominica citizenship, Nauru citizenship, Status of residence after losing Japanese nationality, Taxes and resident registration when moving abroad

References (primary sources)

• e-Gov law database: Nationality Act (Act No. 147 of 1950)
• e-Gov law database: Family Register Act, Articles 46, 103, 104 and 137
• e-Gov law database: Passport Act, Articles 18 and 23
• Ministry of Justice: Nationality Q&A
• Ministry of Justice: Choice of nationality
• Ministry of Justice: Choosing a nationality is an important obligation of dual nationals (pamphlet)
• Ministry of Justice: Declaration of choice of nationality
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Signature certification (certificates issued at embassies and consulates)
• IRS: U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad
• Ministry of Justice: Notification of renunciation of nationality
• Diet minutes: 171st Diet, House of Representatives Committee on Judicial Affairs, No. 6 (April 17, 2009)
• Japan Federation of Bar Associations: Nationality Act Q&A (June 2024)
• Embassy of Japan in the United States: Loss and renunciation of nationality
• Embassy of Japan in Germany: Nationality (voluntary acquisition of a foreign nationality)
• e-Gov law database: Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Article 22-2, Appended Table II)
• Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Application for permission to acquire a status of residence
• Immigration Services Agency of Japan: "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" status of residence
• Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence
• Minister of Justice press conference after the Cabinet meeting (March 27, 2026, review of naturalization practice)
• Yuhikaku: Tokyo High Court judgment of February 21, 2023 (constitutionality of Nationality Act Article 11(1))
• U.S. Department of State: Dual Nationality
• Government of Canada: Dual citizenship
• GOV.UK: Dual citizenship
• Bundesverwaltungsamt: Nationality law reform (effective June 27, 2024)
• Easy Law (Ministry of Government Legislation, South Korea): Multiple nationality
• National Immigration Administration of China: Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China
• ICA Singapore: Dual citizenship
• Vanuatu Citizenship Office: Amendments to the Citizenship Act
• Dominica CBIU: The benefits of dual citizenship
• Republic of Nauru: Naoero Citizenship Act 2017

Laws and schemes in this article are based on information published as of October 1, 2026. Nationality laws are amended frequently, so check the latest requirements with the authorities of the country concerned before starting any procedure.