Holding a Japanese passport is widely considered a privilege. Consistently ranked among the most powerful in the world, it grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 destinations globally. For Japanese citizens, this document is the key to seamless international travel.
However, the application process can seem confusing, particularly if you have been living abroad for an extended period or are applying for a child for the first time. Whether you are currently residing in Tokyo or living overseas, understanding the specific requirements is essential to avoid delays.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to obtain a Japanese passport, the documents you must prepare, and exactly how long you can expect the process to take.
Who Is Eligible for a Japanese Passport?
Before gathering documents, it is vital to clarify eligibility. A Japanese passport is issued exclusively to Japanese nationals. Being a permanent resident of Japan or a spouse of a Japanese national does not grant you the right to a passport; you must hold Japanese citizenship.
If you were born outside Japan to a Japanese parent, you might technically be a citizen, but this often requires that your parents registered your birth in the Japanese family registry (Koseki) within three months of your birth. If you are listed on a Koseki, you are eligible to apply.
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Required Documents Checklist
Bureaucracy in Japan is known for its strict adherence to rules. Missing a single document or having an incorrect photo can result in your application being rejected on the spot.
Generally, you will need the following items:
1. General Passport Application Form
You can download this form from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website or pick one up at a passport center or consular office. There are two versions: one for a 10-year validity (red header) and one for a 5-year validity (blue header).
- Note: Applicants under 18 years old can only apply for the 5-year passport.
2. Koseki Tohon (Family Registry)
This is the official document verifying your Japanese citizenship. You must submit an original Koseki Tohon issued within the last six months.
- Electronic submissions: If you are applying online via the Myna Portal in Japan for a renewal, you may not need to submit the physical copy if your family registry information can be verified electronically. However, for new applications, the original physical copy is usually required.
3. Passport Photo
The photo requirements are incredibly strict. The photo must be taken within the last six months and measure 45mm x 35mm.
- Key rules: No smiling (neutral expression), no hair covering the eyes, white or off-white background, and no shadows. If you wear glasses, ensure there is no flash reflection. It is highly recommended to use a professional photo booth or studio rather than a selfie.
4. Valid ID
If you are applying for your first passport, you will need government-issued identification, such as a Japanese driver’s license or a My Number Card.
5. Current or Expired Passport
If you are renewing, you must bring your previous passport. If it is still valid, you must surrender it so it can be voided.
How to Apply: Domestic vs. Overseas
The application process differs slightly depending on your physical location.
Applying Within Japan
If you are in Japan, you have two primary options:
- Prefectural Passport Centers: You can visit the passport division of your local municipal office or a designated passport center (such as the one in Yurakucho, Tokyo).
- Online Application: As of March 2023, online applications are available across all prefectures for renewals and new applications. This requires a My Number Card and a smartphone capable of reading the card’s IC chip.
Applying Overseas
If you live outside Japan, you must apply at your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate General.
- Residency Requirement: You usually need to provide proof of legal residence in that country (such as a visa, Green Card, or local driver’s license) and ensure your “Zairyu Todoke” (Overseas Residential Registration) is up to date.
- Remote Applicants: Some consulates allow mail-in applications for those living far from the office, but you must appear in person to pick up the passport.
Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?
One of the most common questions is regarding the timeline. The processing time varies significantly based on where you apply.
In Japan
Historically, passports could be issued in as little as 6 business days. However, recent changes to centralize passport production at the National Printing Bureau to enhance anti-forgery measures have extended this timeline.
- Standard Timeline: Expect roughly 2 weeks from application to collection.
- Tokyo Specifics: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government currently states that passports can be received from the 9th business day after application.
- Online Applications: These may take slightly longer than counter applications due to data verification steps—often around 11 business days.
Overseas
Processing times abroad vary by mission and staffing levels.
- Fastest: Some consulates, like Vancouver, process applications in as little as 5 working days.
- Standard: The Embassy of Japan in the United States (DC) advises a wait of at least 3 weeks.
- Slower: The Consulate General in San Francisco currently estimates processing takes about one month.
Important: You must pick up your passport within 6 months of the issue date. If you fail to do so, the passport becomes void, and you will be charged a significantly higher fee (an additional 6,000 yen) if you re-apply within five years.
Cost and Validity
Fees are determined by the validity period and the age of the applicant. As of 2025, the fee structure is generally as follows (prices may fluctuate slightly based on exchange rates for overseas applications):
- 10-Year Passport (Age 18+): Approximately 16,300 JPY (Standard) / 15,900 JPY (Online/Credit Card payment).
- 5-Year Passport (Age 12+): Approximately 11,300 JPY.
- 5-Year Passport (Child under 12): Approximately 6,300 JPY.
If applying overseas, fees are paid in local currency (cash is often preferred or required at smaller consular posts).
A Warning on Dual Citizenship
For those who hold dual citizenship (for example, born in the US to Japanese parents), it is crucial to maintain your Japanese status correctly. Under Japanese law, if you voluntarily acquire a foreign nationality (e.g., through naturalization), you automatically lose your Japanese nationality. In this case, you are not eligible for a Japanese passport.
However, if you were born with both nationalities, you generally have a duty to choose one before a certain age, though many dual citizens maintain both passports by simply declaring an “intent” to choose Japan (Note: interpretation and enforcement of this law can be complex, and professional legal advice is recommended).
Securing Your Travel Documents
Obtaining a Japanese passport requires precision with your paperwork and patience with the processing times. Whether you are planning a holiday or moving abroad, the key is to apply early. With domestic processing times stretching to two weeks and some overseas consulates taking a month, a last-minute application is a risk you should avoid.
Ensure your Koseki Tohon is current, your photo meets the strict dimensions, and you have checked the specific hours of your local passport center. Once you have that chrysanthemum-embossed booklet in hand, the world is open to you.
