Nationality is a very important element for the child’s future. Regardless of what nationality is taken, necessary procedures must be duly fulfilled. It is advised to thoroughly consult the embassy, the family registration section of the municipal administrative office and the legal affairs bureau before your child is born to confirm documents necessary for the procedure.

When the parents are married and either one of them is a Japanese national, the child can obtain Japanese nationality. A child’s nationality is determined upon birth. Therefore, when the mother is of non-Japanese nationality and not married, the child cannot obtain Japanese nationality unless his/her father recognizes the child before birth. For the child with a Japanese parent to obtain the nationality of the other parent, the same procedure is required as in the case of a child with both parents having that nationality. Further details must be obtained from the embassy or consulate of your country located in Japan.

When both parents are foreign nationals, their child cannot obtain Japanese nationality even if she/he was born in Japan. The child will obtain nationality pursuant to the law of his/her parents’ country (countries). Specifics are different among countries and you are advised to confirm what procedures are to be undertaken and what documents are necessary at the relevant embassy or consulate.