Are permanent residency and naturalization the same? Which office?

No. Permanent residency (永住) is a residence status that lets you live in Japan indefinitely while keeping your nationality — handled by Immigration (入管). Naturalization (帰化) means acquiring Japanese nationality — handled by the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局). Check the sender to see which process it is.

Does this notice mean I was approved?

Not necessarily. A request for documents or an interview appointment is a step during the review. Approval or denial comes as a separate result notice. Read the text carefully to see what it actually is.

I can't attend the interview date because of work.

Call the contact on the notice as early as possible, explain, and ask to reschedule. Not showing up without notice can count against your application.

I got a call saying 'there's a problem with your visa, pay now'.

Immigration and the Legal Affairs Bureau do not phone or text demanding an immediate fine or fee, and never tell you to pay via prepaid cards or an ATM. It is very likely a scam. Don't comply; hang up and call back the official main number (from the notice or the official website) yourself.

Immigration

永住・帰化 Notice: Japan Permanent Residency / Naturalization Notices Explained

This notice concerns your 永住許可 (permanent residency, handled by the Immigration Services Agency, 入管) or 帰化 (naturalization, handled by the Legal Affairs Bureau, 法務局) application. It may be a request to submit additional documents, an appointment for an interview, or a result (approval or denial). ⛔ Each of these affects your application, and ignoring it can stall the review or lead to it being treated as withdrawn or denied. First, calmly check where it is from (入管 or 法務局), what is being asked (documents, an interview, or a result), and by when. Permanent residency goes through 入管; naturalization through 法務局.

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Watch for scams

⛔ Beware immigration-impersonation scams: a call, text or automated voice claims 'there is a problem with your visa / residence' or 'pay a fine or you'll be deported', creates fear, and demands payment by prepaid card, ATM or a transfer app. That is a scam. Genuine contact from Immigration or the Legal Affairs Bureau is by post or through official appointments, never a phone demand for immediate payment. If unsure, hang up, call back the official main number you looked up yourself, and talk to someone you trust.

Who receives it

Foreign residents who applied for permanent residency (from 入管) or people applying for naturalization (from 法務局). Being asked for additional materials mid-review is common — on income, tax, pension, or residence history. If you applied as a family, documents for family members may be requested too. ⛔ On the other hand, a call, text or email you did not expect saying 'there is a problem with your visa, pay a fine now' is very likely an immigration-impersonation scam — verify before doing anything.

What to do

1Check the sender: 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration, 入管) for residency, or 法務局 (Legal Affairs Bureau) for naturalization.
2Read what is being asked: additional documents, an interview date, or a result (approval / denial).
3If additional documents are requested, gather exactly what is listed and submit by the stated deadline. If you cannot make it in time, contact the office before the deadline to discuss.
4If it is an interview appointment, attend in person on the given date. If you cannot, call the contact on the notice early to reschedule.
5If you don't understand it or can't handle it alone, contact the office printed on the notice or consult a specialist (e.g. an immigration lawyer / 行政書士). Always keep copies of what you submit.

About the deadline

A request for additional documents usually has a submission deadline. ⛔ Missing it can stall the review, be treated as withdrawing the application, or lead to denial. If there is an unavoidable reason you can't meet it, contact the office before the deadline. Interview appointments also need advance contact if you can't attend. An approval notice may state a deadline to collect your residence card or approval document.

Common misunderstandings

Are permanent residency and naturalization the same? Which office?: No. Permanent residency (永住) is a residence status that lets you live in Japan indefinitely while keeping your nationality — handled by Immigration (入管). Naturalization (帰化) means acquiring Japanese nationality — handled by the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局). Check the sender to see which process it is.
Does this notice mean I was approved?: Not necessarily. A request for documents or an interview appointment is a step during the review. Approval or denial comes as a separate result notice. Read the text carefully to see what it actually is.
I can't attend the interview date because of work.: Call the contact on the notice as early as possible, explain, and ask to reschedule. Not showing up without notice can count against your application.
I got a call saying 'there's a problem with your visa, pay now'.: Immigration and the Legal Affairs Bureau do not phone or text demanding an immediate fine or fee, and never tell you to pay via prepaid cards or an ATM. It is very likely a scam. Don't comply; hang up and call back the official main number (from the notice or the official website) yourself.

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