Getting a Passport for Your Baby Born in Japan: Country-by-Country Guide (2026)

May 31, 2026 Maternity Prep Navigator Editorial ~20 min read

When your baby is born in Japan and both parents are foreign nationals, the baby does not automatically receive Japanese nationality or a Japanese passport. Japan follows the principle of descent-based nationality (jus sanguinis), meaning that birth on Japanese soil alone does not confer Japanese citizenship. Your baby will need a passport issued by your home country. This guide explains the general process — from obtaining a Japanese birth certificate to registering the birth at your embassy and applying for a passport — with country-specific overviews for the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, and important notes on dual nationality and exit procedures.

1. Why Your Baby Does Not Get a Japanese Passport

Japan's Nationality Act (Kokuseki Ho) is based on the principle of jus sanguinis — nationality by descent from the parents, not by place of birth. A child born in Japan acquires Japanese nationality at birth only if at least one parent is a Japanese national at the time of birth (with certain additional conditions where only the father is Japanese and the parents were not married). A child born in Japan to two foreign nationals does not acquire Japanese nationality regardless of where the birth took place.

This differs from countries such as the United States, Canada, or Brazil, where being born on the country's soil (jus soli) automatically confers citizenship. In Japan, birthplace alone does not give nationality.

The practical result: if both parents are foreign nationals, the baby's nationality is determined solely by the laws of the parents' home countries. Your baby will need a passport from your home country to travel internationally and, in many cases, to complete Japan's immigration procedures.

2. The General Process: Three Main Steps

While the exact requirements differ significantly by country, the general sequence of steps for obtaining a passport for a baby born in Japan to foreign parents typically follows this pattern:

In parallel with these steps, you will also need to handle Japan's immigration procedure — the Acquisition of Status of Residence application for your baby — within 30 days of birth if the baby will stay in Japan beyond 60 days. This is a separate process from the passport application. See our guide to newborn residence status in Japan for full details.

3. Step 1 — Birth Certificate and Japan Birth Registration

The hospital birth certificate

The delivery hospital or clinic will issue a birth certificate form (shussei todoke) shortly after birth. This form has two parts: a medical section completed by the attending doctor or midwife, and a notification section to be completed by the parent making the registration. This document is the foundation for all subsequent registration steps.

Keep the original carefully — you may need certified copies of the completed municipal registration for the embassy process. Ask the hospital staff what copies or certified extracts you will need and how to obtain them.

Japan birth registration at the municipal office (within 14 days)

Under Japan's Family Register Act (Koseki Ho), a birth must be registered at the municipal office within 14 days of the birth date (or within 14 days of becoming aware of the birth for overseas births). For a baby born in Japan, registration is submitted at the municipal office of the district where the baby was born, where the reporting parent resides, or where a Japanese parent's family register is held.

For foreign national parents, the practical approach is generally to submit the registration at the municipal office where you are registered as a resident. The office will issue various certified documents based on this registration that you may need for the embassy process.

For full details on Japan's birth registration process for international families, see our guide: Birth Registration and Nationality for Binational Families.

4. Step 2 — Embassy or Consulate Birth Registration

Most countries require that births abroad be registered with the home country's embassy or consulate in the country where the birth occurred. This is called consular birth registration (the specific name varies by country — for example, the US issues a "Consular Report of Birth Abroad," the UK registers births through its consular section, and so on). The consular registration is what establishes the baby's nationality under the home country's law and is typically a prerequisite for obtaining a passport.

Why consular registration matters

• It formally registers the child as a national of the home country based on the parents' nationality.
• For many countries, it is required before a passport can be issued.
• It may be relevant for future applications related to citizenship rights, inheritance, or social benefits in the home country.

Registration deadlines vary by country

Some countries have a specific deadline for consular birth registration (for example, within a certain number of months after the birth). Others allow registration at any time before the child reaches adulthood, or without any formal deadline. Contact your embassy or consulate as soon as possible after the birth to confirm whether there is a deadline and what it is. Do not assume there is no deadline — and do not assume the deadline is the same as for a friend from a different country.

5. Step 3 — Passport Application

Once the consular birth registration is complete — or often simultaneously in the same appointment — you can apply for the baby's passport. For a newborn, the passport application process at a foreign embassy or consulate in Japan generally involves:

• Completing the relevant passport application form for the home country (often available on the embassy or consulate website in advance).
• Presenting required documents (birth certificate, parents' passports, proof of the parents' nationality or citizenship, marriage certificate in many cases, and others depending on the country).
• Submitting passport photos meeting the home country's specifications for a newborn (see Section 8 for practical tips).
• Paying the applicable passport fee (fees vary by country and passport validity period; as of May 2026, specific fees should be confirmed directly with the embassy or consulate, as they are subject to change).
• In many countries, both parents must be present in person for the passport application of a minor child, though exceptions may apply in specific circumstances. Confirm this requirement with your embassy well in advance.

6. Country-Specific Overviews (US, UK, Australia, Canada)

United States

The United States issues a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) — also known as Form FS-240 — for US citizens born abroad. The CRBA serves as proof of US citizenship acquired at birth and is a key document for subsequent travel and identity purposes. A US passport application for the newborn is typically submitted at the same appointment as the CRBA application at the US Embassy or nearest US Consulate.

Based on publicly available information from the US Embassy Tokyo as of the period reviewed, the process generally involves scheduling an appointment through the Embassy's appointment system, attending in person with the required documents. For minor children (under 16), US policy generally requires that both parents appear in person at the appointment, or that the absent parent provides a notarized statement of consent, subject to specific conditions and exceptions. Both the CRBA and passport application are processed together.

Documents commonly required include: the baby's Japanese birth certificate (with English translation), evidence of the US parent's or parents' US citizenship (US passport or US birth certificate), evidence of the US parent's physical presence in the US prior to the birth (as US citizenship by descent requires the citizen parent to have been physically present in the US for a minimum period before the birth — the specific period depends on the parent's date of birth and whether one or both parents are US citizens; confirm the applicable rule with the Embassy), parents' valid passports, the baby's passport photos meeting US specifications, and the marriage certificate where applicable.

Fees: As of the period reviewed, the CRBA and first US passport for a minor each carry separate fees. Fee amounts are set by the US Department of State and are subject to revision. Confirm current fees with the Embassy at the time of your appointment booking.

For current, authoritative information: US Embassy Tokyo — jp.usembassy.gov (birth of US citizen abroad). Always use this official source.

United Kingdom

British nationals born abroad do not automatically acquire British citizenship in all cases — whether a child born abroad acquires British citizenship depends on the citizenship status of the parents (for example, whether the parents are British citizens "otherwise than by descent" versus "by descent"). This distinction is specific to UK nationality law and can have implications for the child's ability to pass on British citizenship in future generations. Parents who are uncertain about their child's entitlement to British citizenship should contact the UK Visas and Immigration service or the British Embassy or Consulate in Japan.

If the child is entitled to British citizenship, the process generally involves applying for a British passport, and you may also choose to register the birth. Note that registering an overseas birth with the UK is generally optional — it creates an official UK record but is not, in itself, a prerequisite for obtaining a British passport. Confirm whether and how registration applies to your case with GOV.UK or the British Embassy. UK passport applications for children born abroad are typically submitted to His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) rather than solely at the Embassy — the process may involve online or postal components alongside in-person attendance at the Embassy or consulate for specific steps. Appointment availability and specific procedures should be confirmed directly with the British Embassy or consulate in Japan.

Required documents generally include: the baby's Japanese birth certificate with certified English translation where required, parents' British passports or citizenship documents, evidence of the parents' citizenship status, passport photos meeting UK specifications, and payment of applicable fees.

For current, authoritative information: British Embassy Tokyo — gov.uk/overseas-passports and gov.uk/register-a-birth. Contact the British Embassy Tokyo for Japan-specific appointment and submission procedures.

Australia

Australian citizenship by descent is available to a child born outside Australia if at least one parent was an Australian citizen at the time of the child's birth, subject to conditions including that the parent was not a citizen by descent (unless additional conditions are met). Parents should first confirm their child's entitlement to citizenship by descent through the relevant Australian government process before applying for a passport.

The citizenship by descent registration and the child passport application are separate processes. As of the period reviewed, citizenship by descent registration involves submitting an application to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, often with documents including the birth certificate, parents' Australian passports or citizenship documents, and evidence of the parent's own citizenship acquisition. Processing times for citizenship by descent registration can extend to several months — starting early is important.

Once citizenship by descent is confirmed, the child's Australian passport application is submitted separately. The Australian Embassy or Consulate in Japan can accept passport applications and facilitate the process. Required documents and fees should be confirmed with the Embassy or through the Australian Passport Office website.

For current, authoritative information: Australian Embassy Tokyo — japan.embassy.gov.au and the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for citizenship by descent registration.

Canada

Canadian citizenship can be transmitted by descent to a child born abroad if at least one parent is a Canadian citizen. Canada's rules on citizenship by descent changed significantly with Bill C-3, which came into force in December 2025: the former "first-generation limit" (introduced in 2009) was removed. Under the updated framework, a Canadian parent who was themselves born or naturalized abroad may be able to pass citizenship to a child born outside Canada if the parent can demonstrate a "substantial connection" to Canada — generally described as at least 1,095 days (three years) of physical presence in Canada at some point before the child's birth. Eligibility is assessed case by case, and transitional arrangements may apply to families affected under the previous rules. Because these rules changed recently and individual circumstances vary, contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canadian Embassy in Japan to confirm your child's entitlement well before the birth.

If your child is entitled to Canadian citizenship, you will apply for a Citizenship Certificate for your child (Proof of Canadian Citizenship) and separately apply for a Canadian passport. Both applications are typically handled through the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo or through IRCC online processes. Required documents generally include the baby's birth certificate, parents' Canadian passports or citizenship documents, proof of the parent's own birth in Canada or prior citizenship status, and passport photos meeting Canadian specifications.

For current, authoritative information: Canadian Embassy Tokyo and IRCC — canada.ca (2025 citizenship-by-descent rules) for citizenship eligibility, and canada.ca (Canadian passports) for passport applications. Contact the Embassy for Japan-specific submission procedures.

7. Commonly Required Documents: General Overview

• Hospital birth certificate (shussei todoke / birth notification): The form issued by the delivery hospital or clinic. The municipal office will stamp and retain part of this — obtain certified copies or extracts as needed for embassy use.
• Certified extract of the Japanese birth registration: A certified extract from the municipal office (shussei todoke juri shomeisho or similar document), confirming that the birth has been registered in Japan. Required by many embassies as documentary proof of birth in Japan.
• Japanese translation of the birth certificate (where applicable): Some embassies require a Japanese-language translation or a certified English translation of Japanese documents. Confirm the translation requirements with your embassy.
• Both parents' valid passports: Generally required to establish the parents' nationality. Bring originals and have copies available.
• Evidence of the parents' citizenship or nationality: Depending on the country, this may be the passport alone or may require additional documents such as a birth certificate of the citizen parent, a naturalization certificate, or a citizenship certificate.
• Marriage certificate (in many cases): Proof of the parents' legal marriage is required by many countries to establish the child's relationship to both parents for citizenship and passport purposes. If the marriage certificate is in a language other than the application language, a certified translation is typically required.
• Baby's passport photos: One or more photos meeting the specific technical requirements of the home country (size, background color, the baby's position, eyes-open requirement, etc.). See Section 8 for tips on photographing a newborn for passport purposes.
• Completed application forms: The specific forms required vary by country and are typically available on the embassy website. Fill these out in advance where possible to save time at the appointment.
• Applicable fees: Fees vary by country, passport validity period, and service type. Bring the required payment method — confirm in advance whether the embassy accepts cash, credit card, or bank transfer.

8. Baby Passport Photo: Practical Tips

Photographing a newborn for a passport photo is one of the more challenging practical aspects of this process. Most countries require that the subject's eyes be open, facing forward, with a neutral expression, against a plain white or off-white background — and that the face fills a specific proportion of the photo frame. Here are some general practical tips:

• Check the specific requirements of your home country first. Photo specifications (size in millimeters or inches, proportion of face to frame, background color, acceptable photo paper, whether digital submission is accepted) differ by country. Download the official photo requirements from your home country's passport authority or embassy website before taking the photo.
• Use a plain white sheet or blanket as a background: Place the baby on a flat surface covered with a plain white or off-white sheet. Avoid patterns, shadows, or colored backgrounds.
• Try when the baby is awake but calm: Feeding just before the photo session often helps keep the baby calm and awake.
• Support the head carefully: For very young babies, a parent's hand can be used to support the head from below — but check whether the home country's rules permit hands or other objects to appear in the frame. Some countries allow hands if they are not covering the face; others require that only the baby appear in the frame. If hands are not permitted, place the baby flat on the surface with adequate head support underneath the sheet.
• Take many photos: Getting a photo with both eyes open, facing forward, and with a neutral expression is difficult with a newborn. Take many attempts and select the best one. Ensure the image is in sharp focus and well-lit.
• Have photos printed professionally if possible: Many photo shops in Japan can print passport photos to the specifications of various countries. Bring the printed specification requirements with you. If submitting digitally, confirm the acceptable file format and resolution.

9. Dual Nationality: What to Know

A baby born in Japan to foreign parents, or to one Japanese parent and one foreign parent, may acquire nationality from more than one country at birth. This situation — sometimes called dual nationality or multiple nationality — is common in international families. The key general points to understand are:

Japan's position on dual nationality

Japan's Nationality Act does not generally permit its nationals to hold another country's nationality simultaneously into adulthood. A person who acquires both Japanese nationality and a foreign nationality at birth is required under Japan's law to choose one nationality by a specified age (the applicable age and conditions are set by the Nationality Act and are subject to revision — confirm current rules with the Ministry of Justice or a qualified lawyer). This choice obligation applies to the child, not the parents. The parents cannot make the choice on the child's behalf in a definitive legal sense.

In practice, many binational individuals have historically held both nationalities into adulthood without formally making the required declaration. However, this is a matter of individual legal risk and compliance that is separate from the practical steps of obtaining a passport. This article does not provide legal advice on nationality choices or compliance with Japan's Nationality Act. Consult a qualified lawyer or the Ministry of Justice if you have questions about this obligation.

Other countries' positions on dual nationality

Countries vary widely in their approach to dual nationality — some permit it freely, some restrict it, some make it conditional on the circumstances of acquisition. The rules of both the child's countries of nationality are relevant. Contact both countries' relevant authorities (and if applicable, a qualified lawyer) for guidance specific to your situation.

10. Leaving Japan With Your Baby

Once your baby has a valid passport from the home country, you will also need to ensure that your baby's Japan immigration status is in order before leaving Japan. The main points to be aware of:

Japan residence status and departure

If your baby has obtained a residence status in Japan (which is required if the baby stays beyond 60 days from birth — see our residence status guide), the baby holds a zairyu card (residence card) and is a mid-to-long-term resident of Japan. When leaving Japan, the baby must have a valid travel document (the foreign passport) and the Japan residence card.

Re-entry permits and deemed re-entry

A foreign national who is a mid-to-long-term resident of Japan and who leaves Japan must have a valid re-entry permission to return within the validity period of their residence status. Under Japan's immigration law, there is a "deemed re-entry permission" (minashi sainyukoku kyoka) system that automatically applies to most mid-to-long-term residents departing Japan — provided that the departure takes place within the validity period of the residence status and the resident indicates at departure that they intend to return. This deemed re-entry permission is generally valid for one year from the departure date (or until the expiry of the residence status, whichever is earlier). If you plan to stay outside Japan for more than one year, a separately applied re-entry permit is needed.

For a newborn baby who has obtained a residence status in Japan, the same re-entry rules apply. Confirm the current re-entry rules and your baby's specific situation with the Regional Immigration Services Bureau or a qualified specialist before departure.

Japan exit procedures

At the airport departure gate, a baby with a foreign passport and a Japan residence card will go through the standard departure immigration process. The baby's passport and residence card must be presented. Ensure both documents are valid and available. If in doubt about the departure procedure for your baby's specific situation, ask the airport immigration counter in advance.

11. FAQ

My baby was born in Japan. Does the baby automatically have a Japanese passport?

No. Japan follows descent-based nationality. A baby born in Japan to two foreign national parents does not acquire Japanese nationality and therefore is not entitled to a Japanese passport. The baby's passport must be obtained from the parents' home country through the home country's embassy or consulate in Japan. If one parent is a Japanese national, the situation may differ — see Section 1 and our guide on Birth Registration and Nationality for Binational Families.

Do I need to register the birth in Japan before going to the embassy?

In most cases, yes — Japan's birth registration (at the municipal office) should be completed first, because many embassies require official Japanese documentation of the birth (such as a certified extract of the birth registration) as part of their process. Complete the Japan registration within 14 days of birth, obtain the certified documents your embassy requires, and then proceed to the embassy appointment. Confirm with your specific embassy what Japan-side documents they need before your appointment.

How long does it take to get a baby's passport through the embassy in Japan?

Processing times vary significantly by country, the specific consular post's current workload, and the time of year. As a general range, processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Some countries offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Contact your embassy as soon as possible after the birth to get a current estimate of processing times and, if available, to schedule your appointment immediately.

Do both parents need to attend the embassy appointment?

For many countries and in many circumstances, yes — both parents are typically required to appear in person for the passport application of a minor child. This is a common requirement, but exceptions and alternative arrangements (such as a notarized statement of consent from the absent parent) may be available in specific circumstances. Confirm this requirement with your specific embassy well before the appointment, especially if one parent cannot attend.

What if the baby's passport is not ready before the 30-day immigration deadline?

Japan's 30-day deadline for applying for Acquisition of Status of Residence (zairyu shikaku no shutoku) is for the Japanese immigration application, not the passport. Some Regional Immigration Services Bureaus accept the residence status application even if the baby's foreign passport is not yet available, using alternative documentation. If the passport is not yet ready and the 30-day deadline is approaching, contact your Regional Immigration Services Bureau promptly to explain the situation and ask for guidance. Do not wait. See our residence status guide for full details.

My baby may have dual nationality. Do I need to do anything special?

Dual nationality situations involve the laws of two countries and potentially also Japan's Nationality Act (which does not generally permit dual nationality for Japanese nationals into adulthood). There is no simple universal answer. The practical steps for obtaining the home country's passport are the same as described in this article. For the broader question of how dual nationality should be handled in the long term — including the choice obligation under Japan's Nationality Act — this is a matter to discuss with a qualified lawyer, not solely a consular officer. See Section 9 for more general information.

Can I register the birth and apply for the passport at the same embassy appointment?

In many countries, yes — the consular birth registration and the passport application are handled together in a single appointment at the embassy or consulate. This is convenient and saves time. However, this varies by country — in some cases they are separate applications that may be submitted together or separately. Confirm the current process with your home country's embassy when you schedule your appointment.

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