You have a question about your visa — maybe your renewal is coming up, maybe you want to change jobs and are not sure what happens to your status of residence, or maybe your employer is doing something that does not feel right. You know you need advice, but you are not sure where to turn or whether you can afford professional help.
The good news: Japan has multiple free consultation services specifically designed for foreign residents. Government agencies, legal aid organizations, NGOs, and local municipal offices all provide multilingual support at no cost. The challenge is knowing which service to contact for which type of problem.
This article is a practical directory of every major free consultation resource available to foreign workers in Japan. We cover government hotlines, in-person support centers, legal aid programs, and private organizations — with phone numbers, languages supported, and hours of operation. Whether you are a Specified Skilled Worker considering a job change or a technical intern thinking about transitioning to SSW status, bookmark this page so you can find help quickly when you need it.
Government Consultation Hotlines
The Japanese government operates several free or low-cost phone consultation services for foreign residents. These hotlines are staffed with interpreters and cover topics ranging from labor conditions to general living support.
Foreign Workers' Consultation Hotline
Phone: 0120-76-2199 (toll-free)
Languages: Multilingual support (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and more)
What it covers: Labor conditions, workplace problems, wage disputes, questions about your rights as a worker in Japan
This is often the first number to call if you are having problems with your employer. The hotline provides guidance on labor law, explains your rights, and can refer you to the appropriate government office if further action is needed.
Labor Conditions Consultation Hotline (Working Hotline)
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare operates toll-free, language-specific hotlines for labor-related issues. These are especially useful because they cover evenings and weekends — times when government offices are normally closed.
English: 0120-531-401
Chinese: 0120-531-402
Vietnamese: 0120-531-406
Tagalog: 0120-531-405
Nepali: 0120-531-408
Indonesian: 0120-613-803
Burmese: 0120-531-407
Cost: Free (all 0120 numbers are toll-free within Japan)
Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00 PM–10:00 PM, Sat/Sun/Holidays 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
These hotlines handle questions about overtime, unpaid wages, wrongful dismissal, working hours, and other labor condition issues. The available days vary by language, so if you cannot reach the line for your language, try the English line or call back on a different day.
Foreign Workers Advisory Dial (Daytime, by language)
For daytime consultations, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also operates language-specific advisory lines through the Navi-Dial system. These are generally available 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
English: 0570-001-701 (Mon–Fri)
Chinese: 0570-001-702 (Mon–Fri)
Vietnamese: 0570-001-706 (Mon–Fri)
Tagalog: 0570-001-705 (Mon–Fri)
Nepali: 0570-001-708 (Mon–Thu)
Indonesian: 0570-001-715 (Tue)
Burmese: 0570-001-707 (Fri)
Thai: 0570-001-712 (Thu)
Korean: 0570-001-709 (Wed–Fri)
Cost: Standard Navi-Dial charges apply (small per-minute fee)
Yorisoi Hotline (Broad Support, Including Visa)
Phone: 0120-279-338 (toll-free)
Hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM daily
Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian
How to use: After calling, press 2 for foreign language support, then select your language
Operator: Social Inclusion Support Center (一般社団法人 社会的包摂サポートセンター)
The Yorisoi Hotline is not limited to labor issues. It covers visa problems, domestic violence, human trafficking, discrimination, financial difficulties, and mental health. If you are in a crisis or do not know which service to call, the Yorisoi Hotline is a good starting point because staff can refer you to the appropriate specialized service.
FRESC — Foreign Residents Support Center
FRESC (Foreign Residents Support Center / 外国人在留支援センター) is a one-stop facility operated by the Japanese government specifically to help foreign residents. It brings together eight different government agencies and support organizations under one roof, making it the most comprehensive free resource available for visa and immigration questions.
Address: Yotsuya Tower 13F, CO·MO·RE Yotsuya, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Access: 1-minute walk from Yotsuya Station (JR Chuo/Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Nanboku Line)
Phone: 0570-011000 (Navi-Dial) / 03-5363-3013 (for IP phones and overseas calls)
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed weekends, national holidays, Dec 29–Jan 3)
Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese at the desk. Multilingual support (Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Nepali, and more) via tablet interpreters
Cost: Free
What FRESC Can Help With
- Visa and residence status consultations — the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau has a counter at FRESC
- Employment and labor issues — the Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners and the Tokyo Labor Bureau's Foreign Workers Special Consultation Office are both located here
- Legal consultations — Houterasu (Japan Legal Support Center) operates a counter providing legal information and referrals
- Human rights consultations — the Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau provides support for human rights violations, discrimination, and harassment
The key advantage of FRESC: you can get help with multiple issues in one visit. If you are changing jobs and need advice on both the visa change process and your labor rights at your current company, you can consult with different agencies in the same building on the same day.
Important: FRESC is located only in Tokyo. If you live far from Tokyo, use the phone hotlines listed above or visit your local Immigration Bureau branch or city office. FRESC also provides some consultations by phone (0570-011000).
Thinking About Changing Jobs?
TreeGlobalPartners provides free job placement for foreign workers in Japan. Our group company, Gyoseishoshi Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree), handles all visa application procedures. One team, full support — at no cost to you.
Get Free Consultation →Immigration Bureau Consultation
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) operates the Immigration Information Center, which provides telephone consultations on visa-related matters in 17 languages.
Phone: 0570-013904 (Navi-Dial)
Alternative phone (VoIP/international): 03-5796-7112
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–5:15 PM
Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai, Khmer, Burmese, Mongolian, French, Sinhala, Urdu
Cost: Standard Navi-Dial call charges apply
This is the official information center run by the Immigration Services Agency. You can ask about:
- Visa renewal and change of status procedures
- Required documents for applications
- Processing times and application status inquiries
- Whether you are eligible for a particular visa category
- Re-entry permit procedures
You can also visit your local Regional Immigration Services Bureau in person. Major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Sendai, and Sapporo have their own branches, and many offer multilingual support. For details on what happens to your visa during a job change, see our article on visa status during job transitions.
City and Ward Office Multilingual Services
Your local city hall (市役所) or ward office (区役所) may be closer and more convenient than you think. Many municipalities, especially those with large foreign populations, have established multilingual consultation windows where you can ask questions about immigration, health insurance, taxes, education, housing, and daily life.
What city offices typically offer
- Multilingual consultation counters — some are permanent, while others operate on specific days of the week
- International exchange associations (国際交流協会) — many prefectures and cities have these organizations, which provide free consultation, Japanese language classes, and community events for foreign residents
- Specialist consultation days — some associations periodically invite administrative scriveners or lawyers for free immigration advice sessions
How to find services near you: Search for "[your city name] international exchange association" (国際交流協会) online, or visit your local city hall and ask at the general information desk. In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and Nagoya, ward offices often have dedicated foreign resident support sections.
Smaller cities may offer consultation only on certain days, so calling ahead is recommended. The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) also maintains a directory of international exchange associations across Japan.
Legal Aid — Houterasu (Japan Legal Support Center)
Houterasu (法テラス / Japan Legal Support Center) is a government-established organization that provides legal information and assistance to people who cannot easily access or afford legal services. Foreign residents with valid residence status are eligible for their services.
Multilingual Information Service: 0570-078377
Alternative (VoIP): 050-3754-5430
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed national holidays)
Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Nepali, Thai, Indonesian
Cost: Information service is free (standard call charges apply)
How the multilingual service works
When you call, you speak with an interpreter who connects you in a three-way call with Houterasu staff at your nearest district office. The staff will explain the legal framework of your situation and refer you to appropriate legal professionals or organizations.
Civil Legal Aid program
If you meet certain income requirements, Houterasu can provide free legal consultations with attorneys or judicial scriveners (up to three times per issue). In some cases, they can also cover the costs of legal representation. This applies to foreign nationals who are lawfully residing in Japan. Houterasu also has a counter at FRESC in Tokyo, so you can access their services there in person.
NGO and Nonprofit Support Organizations
Beyond government services, a network of NGOs and nonprofit organizations across Japan provides free support to foreign residents. These organizations often have deep experience working with people in difficult situations — visa problems, workplace exploitation, domestic violence, and housing instability — and can offer more personalized, long-term assistance than government hotlines.
What NGOs typically offer
- In-person and phone consultations about visa, work, and daily life issues
- Accompaniment services — staff or volunteers may go with you to immigration offices, labor bureaus, or hospitals to act as interpreters
- Emergency shelter and food support for people in crisis situations
- Community and peer support — connecting you with other foreign residents who have experienced similar situations
- Japanese language classes and skill-building programs
How to find NGOs near you
- Ask at your local International Exchange Association (国際交流協会)
- Search online for "[your city] foreign support NPO"
- Call the Yorisoi Hotline (0120-279-338) — they maintain referral networks across the country
- Check with your embassy or consulate, which often maintains a list of support organizations for their nationals
About religious organizations: Some churches, temples, and other religious groups offer free consultation and support to foreign residents regardless of faith. These can be valuable resources. However, be cautious if any organization pressures you to join or donate. Legitimate support organizations do not require anything in return for their help.
TreeGlobalPartners — Free Job Placement and Visa Support
If your visa question is connected to changing jobs, finding a new employer, or advancing your career in Japan, TreeGlobalPartners can help directly.
TreeGlobalPartners is a licensed recruitment agency (有料職業紹介事業者, License No. 13-Yu-317879) specializing in placing foreign workers at Japanese companies. Our service is completely free for workers — all fees are paid by the hiring company, in full compliance with the Employment Security Act.
What sets our service apart
No fees for workers
Job seekers are never charged any amount. Under Japanese law (Employment Security Act), recruitment agencies are prohibited from charging fees to workers. All costs are covered by the hiring company.
Visa handled by licensed professionals
Our group company, Gyoseishoshi Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree), is a licensed administrative scrivener firm specializing in immigration law. They handle all visa application procedures — change of status, renewal, new applications — so you do not have to navigate the paperwork alone.
Registered support after placement
Gyoseishoshi Corporation Tree also serves as a Registered Support Organization (登録支援機関), providing ongoing daily life support for SSW Category 1 workers after job placement. From arrival orientation to housing and administrative assistance, the support continues well beyond your first day at work.
Whether you are considering your first job change, switching from a Technical Intern Training visa to Specified Skilled Worker status, or looking for better working conditions, our consultation is always free and carries no obligation. For a step-by-step guide to the process, see our complete SSW job change guide, or check our article on required documents for SSW job changes.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Free Consultation
Free consultation works best when you come prepared. These practical steps will help you make the most of your time with any service.
01Prepare your documents in advance
Have your residence card (在留カード), passport, employment contract, and any relevant letters or notices ready. If calling by phone, at minimum know your visa type, expiration date, and the basic facts of your situation.
02Write down your questions beforehand
Consultation time is limited. List your most important questions in order of priority. This prevents you from forgetting something critical during the conversation.
03Take notes during the conversation
Write down the advice you receive, any reference numbers, names of staff members, and follow-up steps. If you are referred to another agency, note the exact name and phone number.
04Ask for clarification without hesitation
If you do not understand something, say so. Consultants are there to help you. Ask them to repeat, explain more simply, or provide it in writing. Many government offices have multilingual pamphlets available.
05Try multiple services if one cannot fully help
Different services specialize in different areas. If one hotline cannot answer your question completely, ask them to recommend another service that can. The resources listed here are designed to complement each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Foreign Workers' Consultation Hotline (0120-76-2199) — toll-free, multilingual, covers labor and workplace issues
- Labor Conditions Hotline (0120-531-xxx) — toll-free, available evenings and weekends, language-specific numbers
- Yorisoi Hotline (0120-279-338) — toll-free, covers visa, DV, mental health, discrimination, and crisis situations in 10 languages
- FRESC (Yotsuya, Tokyo) — one-stop government center with eight agencies under one roof, multilingual in-person and phone support
- Immigration Information Center (0570-013904) — official Immigration Services Agency line for visa questions in 17 languages
- City/ward offices and International Exchange Associations — local multilingual support for daily life, insurance, taxes, and more
- Houterasu / Legal Aid (0570-078377) — free legal information in 10 languages, possible free legal representation for eligible residents
- NGOs and nonprofits — personalized, long-term support including accompaniment services and emergency assistance
- TreeGlobalPartners — free job placement for foreign workers; visa applications handled by group company Gyoseishoshi Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree)
No matter what visa or work-related issue you are facing, there is a free resource available to help. You do not have to figure everything out on your own, and you should never pay someone who pressures you for money before explaining your options. Start with the hotline that matches your problem, gather information, and then decide your next step with confidence.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?
TreeGlobalPartners connects foreign workers with trustworthy employers across Japan — completely free of charge. Visa change procedures, renewal applications, and registered support are all handled by our group company, Gyoseishoshi Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree). From consultation to placement to ongoing support, we are with you every step of the way.
Get Free Job Placement Support →Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of March 2026 and is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice. Phone numbers, addresses, operating hours, and available languages are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please verify directly with each organization or consult the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁). TreeGlobalPartners accepts no liability for actions taken based on this article.