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What Happens to Chinese Nationality After Naturalizing in Japan? Dual Nationality, Chinese Passports and Loss of Citizenship 【2026 Guide】
“If I naturalize in Japan, do I automatically lose Chinese nationality?”
“Can I keep both Chinese and Japanese nationality?”
“Do I need to renounce Chinese nationality before applying for Japanese naturalization?”
“My Chinese passport will still be valid after naturalization. Can I continue using it?”
For Chinese nationals considering Japanese naturalization, one of the most important questions is:
what happens to Chinese nationality after Japanese nationality is acquired.
The starting point is that China does not recognize dual nationality.
Article 9 of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China provides that:
a Chinese national who has settled abroad and voluntarily acquires foreign nationality automatically loses Chinese nationality.
Japanese naturalization law also generally requires an applicant to be stateless or to lose their existing foreign nationality as a result of naturalization.
Japanese naturalization should therefore not be viewed simply as:
“adding Japanese nationality while permanently retaining Chinese nationality.”
This article explains how Chinese nationality, Chinese passports, household registration and other documents may be affected by Japanese naturalization.
Japanese naturalization includes a rule designed to prevent dual nationality
One of the ordinary conditions for Japanese naturalization is commonly described as the:
dual-nationality prevention requirement.
The Japanese Ministry of Justice explains that an applicant must generally:
either have no nationality or lose their existing nationality through Japanese naturalization.
In other words, ordinary Japanese naturalization is generally not designed to create a permanent situation of:
foreign nationality + Japanese nationality.
For a Chinese national, it is therefore important to determine:
what Chinese law provides when Japanese nationality is acquired.
China does not recognize dual nationality
Article 3 of China’s Nationality Law states that:
China does not recognize dual nationality for Chinese nationals.
Accordingly, the idea of:
“I will naturalize in Japan but continue to remain a Chinese national as well”
does not align with China’s nationality system.
It is important, however, to distinguish nationality from permanent residence.
A Chinese citizen who merely obtains permanent residence in another country has not necessarily acquired foreign nationality.
China’s National Immigration Administration has also explained that acquiring foreign permanent residence alone does not cause the loss of Chinese nationality.
Therefore:
Japanese Permanent Residence and Japanese naturalization have completely different consequences for nationality.
When is Chinese nationality lost after Japanese naturalization?
When the Japanese Minister of Justice approves naturalization, the approval is published in Japan’s Official Gazette.
Japanese nationality is acquired on the date of that publication.
Article 9 of China’s Nationality Law provides that a Chinese national settled abroad who voluntarily acquires foreign nationality automatically loses Chinese nationality.
Accordingly, where Article 9 applies,
the acquisition of Japanese nationality through naturalization results in the automatic loss of Chinese nationality.
However, whether an individual satisfies elements such as being “settled abroad” may require a nationality determination by the competent Chinese authorities in unusual cases.
Applicants with complicated nationality histories should confirm their status with a Chinese embassy, consulate or immigration authority.
Do you need to formally renounce Chinese nationality before naturalizing?
Chinese law provides more than one way in which nationality may be lost.
There is:
automatic loss under Article 9,
and there is also:
loss following an approved application to renounce Chinese nationality under other provisions of the Nationality Law.
For situations covered by Article 9, China’s National Immigration Administration has explained that:
a separate application to renounce Chinese nationality is not required because the nationality is lost automatically.
It is therefore not correct to assume that every Chinese applicant must first obtain formal approval to renounce Chinese nationality before applying for naturalization in Japan.
However, Japanese naturalization applications still require evidence relating to the applicant’s current Chinese nationality.
For Chinese applicants, the Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau currently lists a:
certificate of nationality issued by the Chinese embassy or consulate
among the relevant documents.
What is the consular certificate for automatic loss of Chinese nationality?
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Japan provides a procedure specifically for Chinese citizens in Japan applying to acquire Japanese nationality:
a consular certificate concerning automatic loss of Chinese nationality.
As of 2026, the Embassy’s guidance for adult applicants lists materials including:
a valid Chinese passport;
a valid residence card;
a consular certificate application form;
an identification photograph; and
a household-registration page or Chinese resident ID card, where available.
However,
the precise nationality documents required for a Japanese naturalization application may differ depending on the Legal Affairs Bureau and the applicant’s circumstances.
It is generally more reliable to first confirm the document list with the Legal Affairs Bureau handling the application.
Can you keep using your Chinese passport after naturalization?
Generally, no.
Under China’s Passport Law, a Chinese passport is a document used by Chinese citizens to:
enter and leave China and prove Chinese nationality and identity abroad.
Article 16 provides that where a passport holder loses Chinese nationality, the passport-issuing authority may declare the passport invalid.
Chinese authorities have also stated that after acquiring foreign nationality, a former Chinese citizen may not continue using a Chinese passport for international travel even if the document has not yet reached its printed expiry date.
Therefore:
a Chinese passport should not continue to be used simply because it still appears to be valid after Japanese naturalization.
What happens to Chinese household registration and the resident ID card?
China’s National Immigration Administration states that where a Chinese national settled abroad acquires foreign nationality and loses Chinese nationality,
Chinese household registration and the resident identity card should be cancelled.
Accordingly, after Japanese naturalization, it is not appropriate to assume:
“I have become Japanese, but I can simply keep my Chinese hukou and ID card unchanged.”
The actual cancellation procedure and required documents should be confirmed with the competent Chinese authorities, such as:
local public security authorities;
immigration administration authorities; or
the Chinese embassy or consulate.
Practical procedures may differ depending on the applicant’s circumstances and place of household registration.
How do you travel to China after naturalization?
After becoming a Japanese national, you travel to China as a Japanese citizen.
In other words,
you no longer enter as a Chinese citizen using a Chinese passport.
Travel will be subject to the rules applicable to Japanese nationals at that time, including:
visa requirements;
visa-exemption arrangements; and
other entry requirements.
Because Chinese entry policies can change, always check the current rules before travelling.
When applying for a Chinese visa for the first time after acquiring foreign nationality, the former Chinese passport may also be requested as part of the application process.
Can you immediately use a Japanese passport after naturalization?
Japanese nationality is acquired on the date naturalization takes effect following publication in the Official Gazette.
However,
a Japanese passport is not automatically issued on the same day.
After permission, the applicant must complete the necessary procedures for creation of the Japanese family register.
A Japanese passport can then be applied for as a Japanese national.
Applicants planning overseas travel around the time of naturalization should therefore consider:
the transition period between use of a Chinese passport and issuance of a Japanese passport.
Can you obtain Japanese nationality while keeping Chinese nationality?
For an ordinary Chinese applicant naturalizing in Japan,
the application should not be planned on the assumption that Chinese nationality can simply be retained alongside Japanese nationality.
There are two main reasons.
First, Japanese naturalization contains a requirement aimed at preventing dual nationality.
Second, China does not recognize dual nationality for its citizens.
Where Article 9 of China’s Nationality Law applies, acquisition of Japanese nationality results in automatic loss of Chinese nationality.
Accordingly, the idea that:
“I can acquire Japanese nationality and simply keep renewing my Chinese passport to remain a dual national”
is inconsistent with the official position of the Chinese authorities.
Does a child automatically lose Chinese nationality when a parent naturalizes?
A parent’s Japanese naturalization does not mean:
the child automatically becomes a Japanese national.
Naturalization is generally examined for each applicant individually.
Even where parents and children apply together, each person’s nationality situation must be considered separately.
Relevant questions include:
whether the child is also applying for Japanese naturalization;
whether the child currently has Chinese nationality; and
which nationality or nationalities the child acquired at birth.
Children born outside China can involve additional issues under Article 5 of China’s Nationality Law, so some cases require closer review.
Can Chinese nationality be restored later?
Article 13 of China’s Nationality Law provides that:
a foreign national who previously held Chinese nationality may apply to restore Chinese nationality if there is a legitimate reason.
However, if restoration is approved,
the applicant may not continue to retain foreign nationality.
This is therefore not a system that allows someone to:
“naturalize in Japan first and later add Chinese nationality back to create dual nationality.”
Restoration of Chinese nationality is a separate application and is subject to approval.
Choosing between Japanese Permanent Residence and naturalization
For a person who places a high priority on retaining Chinese nationality,
the distinction between Permanent Residence and naturalization is particularly important.
Japanese Permanent Residence is a status of residence.
Becoming a Permanent Resident therefore generally allows a Chinese national to:
remain a Chinese national.
Naturalization, by contrast, means:
acquiring Japanese nationality itself.
Where Chinese nationality law applies, this can result in the loss of Chinese nationality.
Before choosing naturalization, applicants may therefore wish to consider:
whether retaining Chinese household registration is important;
whether continued use of a Chinese passport matters;
whether they may return to live in China in the future; and
how important acquisition of Japanese nationality is to their long-term plans.
Cases where nationality should be checked carefully before applying
Individual confirmation is particularly useful where:
you are concerned about losing Chinese nationality;
you hope to retain Chinese household registration or an ID card;
you own property or operate a business in China;
you travel to China frequently;
your child’s nationality situation is complicated;
you were born outside China;
you previously acquired another foreign nationality;
there is uncertainty about how Chinese authorities classify your nationality;
parents and children intend to naturalize together; or
you plan to travel to China soon after naturalization.
Before applying, it is important to understand not only:
“Can I obtain Japanese nationality?”
but also:
“What will change once I am no longer a Chinese national?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I automatically lose Chinese nationality after naturalizing in Japan?
Article 9 of China’s Nationality Law provides that a Chinese national settled abroad who voluntarily acquires foreign nationality automatically loses Chinese nationality.
Where there is uncertainty about an individual case, the competent Chinese authorities should be consulted.
Q. Can I have both Chinese and Japanese nationality?
China does not recognize dual nationality for Chinese nationals.
Japanese naturalization also contains a requirement aimed at preventing dual nationality.
Q. Must I formally renounce Chinese nationality before applying for Japanese naturalization?
Where Article 9 automatic loss applies, China’s National Immigration Administration states that a separate renunciation procedure is not required.
However, Japanese naturalization still requires appropriate Chinese nationality documentation.
Q. My Chinese passport has not expired. Can I use it after naturalization?
Chinese authorities state that a former Chinese national may not continue using a Chinese passport after acquiring foreign nationality merely because the passport has not yet expired.
Q. Can I keep my Chinese hukou after naturalization?
Chinese authorities state that household registration and the resident ID card should be cancelled after loss of Chinese nationality.
Confirm the specific procedure with the competent authority.
Q. Do I use my Chinese passport when travelling to China after naturalization?
Generally, no.
You travel as a Japanese national and follow the Chinese entry rules applicable to Japanese passport holders at that time.
Conclusion: Chinese applicants should consider what happens after Japanese nationality is acquired
For Chinese nationals, naturalization is not only about:
whether Japan will approve the acquisition of Japanese nationality.
China does not recognize dual nationality.
Where Article 9 of China’s Nationality Law applies, obtaining Japanese nationality results in automatic loss of Chinese nationality.
This can affect:
the Chinese passport;
household registration;
the resident ID card;
how the person travels to China; and
their legal status in China.
Before filing, it is therefore important to consider both:
“Can I satisfy the Japanese naturalization requirements?”
and:
“What practical consequences will follow from losing Chinese nationality?”
Enlight Administrative Scrivener Office assists Chinese nationals with Japanese naturalization by reviewing not only the Japanese eligibility requirements but also the nationality certificates, civil-status documents and China-specific documentation commonly required during the application.
If you are unsure:
“when Chinese nationality will be lost,”
“what happens to your Chinese passport or hukou,”
or:
“whether Permanent Residence or naturalization better fits your situation,”
you can consult us before filing.
Initial eligibility assessment is free.
Enlight Administrative Scrivener Office
Administrative Scrivener: Shiki Miyajima
Tel: 03-5284-7981
Office hours: Weekdays 10:00–18:00
Online consultations are available throughout Japan, including via WeChat.
References
Ministry of Justice of Japan, “Nationality Q&A”
Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau, “Naturalization”
Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau, “Documents Required for Chinese Naturalization Applicants”
National Immigration Administration of China, “Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China”
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Japan, “Consular Certificate for Automatic Loss of Chinese Nationality”
National Immigration Administration of China, “Does China Recognize Dual Nationality?”
National Immigration Administration of China, “Passport Law of the People’s Republic of China”
※Whether an individual satisfies requirements such as being “settled abroad” under Article 9 of China’s Nationality Law may require determination by the competent Chinese authorities. Check the latest instructions of both the Japanese Legal Affairs Bureau and the relevant Chinese authorities for individual nationality, household-registration and passport procedures.
