How to obtain a Japanese police clearance certificate (hanzai keireki shoumeisho) and what foreign police certificates Japan requires.
Overview
Japan requires police clearance certificates from foreign citizens for permanent residence applications and naturalisation applications — covering both Japanese police records (for those who have lived in Japan) and foreign police records from all countries of residence as an adult. The Japanese police clearance certificate (犯罪経歴証明書 hanzai keireki shoumeisho) is issued by prefectural police headquarters. For foreign citizens living abroad applying for Japanese visas, the Japanese certificate may not be available (you've never been resident in Japan). For foreign citizens already in Japan applying for PR or naturalisation, Japanese police records are checked internally by the Immigration Services Agency without requiring a separate document. The substantive requirement is for foreign police certificates from all countries where you've lived as an adult — these must be apostilled (Hague members) or authenticated (non-Hague) and translated into Japanese. This guide details the requirements, verified against keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp and isa.go.jp.
Foreign Police Clearance Requirements for Japanese Procedures
| Application | Countries Required | Time Period | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard work visa (Engineer/Specialist, HSP) | Generally not required at visa stage | — | Some categories may request as supplemental documentation |
| Permanent residence (eijūsha) | Country of citizenship + countries of residence 6+ months since age 18 | Last 10+ years | Apostilled + Japanese translation |
| Naturalisation (kika) | Country of citizenship + countries of residence 6+ months since age 18 | All adult residence | Apostilled + Japanese translation; max 3-6 months old |
| Spouse visa | Country of citizenship | Last 5+ years | May be requested by ISA |
| Working Holiday visa | Country of citizenship | Country-specific requirements | Varies by bilateral agreement |
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See Paid Plans →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Japanese police clearance certificate for a Japanese visa?
Generally no. Standard work visas (Engineer/Specialist, HSP, J-Skip), family visas, and student visas typically don't require a police clearance at the visa application stage. The substantive requirements come at the permanent residence and naturalisation stages — where you need foreign police clearance certificates from all countries where you've lived 6+ months as an adult, plus internal verification of any Japanese police records (no document needed; ISA checks internally).
How do I get a Japanese police clearance certificate?
Apply at the prefectural police headquarters where you live or last resided in Japan — Keishicho for Tokyo, Osaka Police HQ for Osaka, etc. Bring passport, residence card, application form, and submit fingerprint impressions at the police station. Free or low fee at most prefectures (JPY 0-500). Processing 2-6 weeks. The certificate is issued in a sealed envelope addressed to a specific foreign authority — do NOT open the envelope. It must be delivered sealed to the destination country's embassy in Japan or to the requesting authority.
What's the difference between Japanese and foreign police clearance for Japanese applications?
Japanese police clearance (hanzai keireki shoumeisho): used when a foreign authority requests proof of your good standing in Japan — for use by other countries' visa processes, for example. Foreign police clearance: required by Japan for foreigners applying for permanent residence (eijū) or naturalisation (kika) — covers your home country plus any country where you've lived 6+ months as an adult. Both are issued by police authorities; Japanese ones in sealed envelopes for use abroad; foreign ones apostilled + translated into Japanese for Japanese use.
How recent must my foreign police clearance be for Japanese permanent residence?
Typically no more than 3-6 months old at the time of application submission. ISA and Ministry of Justice apply this strictly — older certificates may be rejected. Plan to obtain foreign certificates in the immediate run-up to your Japanese application. The combined timeline for ordering + apostille + translation can run 8-12 weeks for the US, UK, India, and other countries — start 4-6 months before your intended application date.
How much does a Japanese police clearance certificate cost?
Free or very low cost at most prefectural police HQs (JPY 0-500). The substantive cost is the time — 2-6 weeks processing — and the additional translation/legalisation if used abroad. For use in countries that require apostille, you'll also need MOFA apostille on the certificate (free at MOFA) plus destination-country embassy legalisation if applicable.
What countries do I need foreign police clearances from for Japanese naturalisation?
All countries where you've lived 6+ months as an adult, since age 18, regardless of when. Your country of citizenship is always required. Your country of birth (if different) is generally required if you spent significant childhood/adolescence there. Countries where you studied, worked, or lived for 6+ months as an adult are required. The certificates must be apostilled (Hague members) or dual-legalised (non-Hague), translated into Japanese, and dated no more than 3-6 months before your application submission.
Can I include a Japanese police clearance instead of foreign clearances?
No. For Japanese permanent residence and naturalisation, foreign police clearances from your home country and any country of significant adult residence are required. The Japanese police clearance is not a substitute. ISA and MOJ check Japanese police records internally (no document needed from you); the substantive requirement is for foreign records they cannot access directly. The exception is if you've lived your entire adult life in Japan as a long-term resident — then only Japanese records apply, and ISA checks internally.
What if my home country doesn't issue police clearance certificates?
Provide alternative documentation: a notarised affidavit from yourself stating no criminal record, reference letters from professional or community sources, embassy/consulate confirmation that no national system exists, court documents showing no criminal record. Each case is evaluated individually by ISA or MOJ. The Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country can also provide guidance on what's acceptable substitute documentation. Some countries (e.g., some former Eastern Bloc countries) have unconventional systems where 'no record' may need affirmative documentation rather than the absence of a certificate.