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Concerning Dual Citizenship
I’man 18-year-old student with Australian citizenship. However, my father is Japanese, so I also have Japanese citizenship. In my case, is it possible for me to keep both Japanese and Australian citizenships?
According to the Japanese Ministry of Justice, those who have dual citizenship must choose which citizenship they want to keep, by the age of 22. If you fail to do this, there is the real possibility that you could lose your Japanese citizenship.
In other words, if you decide to keep your Japanese citizenship, you must inform the Ministry of Justice of your decision by your 22nd birthday.
However, even if you chose to keep your Japanese status, it may also be possible for you to keep your other citizenship as well.
For instance, Australia’s laws do allow for dual citizenship, so even if you decide to become a Japanese citizen, you can hold dual citizenship outside the country.
While dual citizenship may have its merits, contrarily it could also cause difficulties. So, it is advisable for you to consult with an expert to better understand all the pros and cons.
(From May Issue 2010)
Advisor: NIITSU Kyohei (Immigration Lawyer)
