Global Citizen
How to Get Japanese Citizenship by Descent
This article looks at how to get Japanese citizenship by descent. We start by looking at Japan as a whole, why it’s different, and how the Japanese approach to immigration…
Japan
Nomad Passport Index Ranking
38T
Nomad Rank
101.00
Total Score
Country
Japan
Capital City
Tokyo
Language
Japanese
Currency
Japanese yen
Region
Asia
Landlocked
No
Japan
Nomad Passport Index Ranking
The passport of Japan is currently ranked as 38T, with a total score of 101.00. Japan passport ranking relative to other global passports is calculated by relying on the Japan government's approach not just to travel, but also to international taxation laws, global perception, dual citizenship, and personal freedom as just the number of countries Japan passport holder may visit won't tell the whole story and you will have to deal with far different requirements to pay tax, live freely, comply with regulations, and avoid scrutiny when traveling.
| 172 | 20 | 50 | 20 | 40 |
| Travel | Taxation | Perception | Dual Citizenship | Freedom |
Visa-Free
Visa On Arrival
Visa eTA
Visa Required
Travel Destinations from Japan 50% in total score
For the Japan Travel score calculation, we relied on data from the IATA, Henley Index, and news sources to rank travel access. We calculate the Travel scores by summing up Visa-free, Visa On Arrival, and eTA countries. Based on that data, we assigned Japan a Travel score of 172 as there are 114 countries that Japan passport holders can enter without a visa (i.e. visa-free countries), 50 countries that allow Japan passport holders to enter by obtaining a visa on arrival (i.e. visa-on-arrival countries) and 8 electronic travel authorization (eTA) destinations. Altogether, Japan passport holders can enter a total of 172 destinations — either without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA. Separate from these 172 destinations, there are 78 additional destinations which Japan passport holders either need a physical visa to enter or an eVisa.
Taxation in Japan 20% in total score
For the Japan Taxation score calculation, we relied on data from our network of tax vendors, news sources, and tax authorities themselves. We assigned the lowest score of 10 to countries that tax citizens no matter where they live, scores of 20 or 30 to countries that allow citizens to relocate to avoid tax, 40 to those that don’t tax foreign incomes of resident citizens, and 50 to countries with zero tax. Based on that data, we assigned Japan a Taxation score of 20, meaning that Japan allows citizens to relocate to avoid tax.
LET US CREATE YOUR HOLISTIC OFFSHORE PLAN
Having a second residence in another country is a great way to diversify away from your home country, pay less in taxes, and possibly obtain a second citizenship, but are you sure that Japan is the best option for you? Let our experienced team create and implement a bespoke, holistic strategy for you to legally reduce your tax rate offshore, protect your assets, invest overseas, obtain a second citizenship, and improve your peace of mind. We've helped 1,500+ HNWI entrepreneurs and investors and we can help you, too.
BECOME A CLIENTPerception in Japan 10% in total score
For the Japan Perception score calculation, we relied on the World Happiness Report, the Human Development Index, and subjective factors from our networks’ experiences to determine how each country’s citizens are received and recognized. We assigned the lowest score of 10 to those whose citizens are refused entry to a substantial number of countries and/or whose citizens encounter substantial hostility, scores of 20, 30, and 40 to countries whose citizens experience intermediate hostility, and 50 to countries ranked among the happiest in the world and whose citizens experience minimal hostility. Based on that data, we assigned Japan a Perception score of 50, meaning that Japan citizens experience minimal hostility.
Dual Citizenship in Japan 10% in total score
For the Japan Dual Citizenship score calculation, we relied on embassy data and our experiences to assess the ability to hold dual citizenship, ranging from a score of 10 for strictly forbidden to a score of 50 for freely allowed. We assigned the score of 10 and 20 to countries whose citizens are strictly forbidden to hold other citizenships, scores of 30 and 40 to countries whose citizens are often allowed to hold other citizenships but with certain restrictions, and 50 to countries whose citizens are almost always allowed to hold other citizenships. Based on that data, we assigned Japan a Dual Citizenship score of 20, meaning that Japan citizens are strictly forbidden to hold other citizenships.
Freedom in Japan 10% in total score
For the Japan Freedom score calculation, we relied on data and news reports on mandatory military service, government surveillance, press freedom, and other factors to determine the personal freedom of citizens, travelers, and expats, with scores from 10 being the least free and 50 being the freest. We assigned the scores of 10 and 20 to countries whose citizens have low freedom, scores of 30 and 40 to countries whose citizens have intermediate freedom, and 50 to countries whose citizens have total freedom. Based on that data, we assigned Japan a Freedom score of 40, meaning that Japan citizens have intermediate freedom.
ARTICLES FEATURING Japan
Finance
Japan Non-Resident Tax in 2023: The Ultimate Guide
This article will discuss tax-non-residence in Japan, the types of Japanese residence for tax purposes, and general tax implications for people seeking a second residence in Japan. Japan is one…
Investing
How sovereign debt and pension obligations doom Japan’s economy
Dateline: Bangkok, Thailand There are several countries that have reached the point of no return – ones with excessive debt, incompetent leadership, poor fundamentals, a complete inability to change, and…
Radio Shows
CNBC is a joke, high yield real estate, investing in Japan?!: Radio show #56
Nomad Capitalist ReportOctober 4, 2014 Andrew opens the share sharing some exciting news for Nomad Capitalist, then talks about the latest gaffe from the financial news media and CNBC. In…
SIMILAR PASSPORTS
Japan
| Rank | 38T |
| Score | 101.00 |
| Travel | 172 |
| Taxation | 20 |
| Perception | 50 |
| Dual Citizenship | 20 |
| Freedom | 40 |
Japan