FRESC: the government support center for foreign residents

Short answer

FRESC is the official Foreign Residents Support Center in Tokyo. Start here when a problem is not only a visa issue, not only a work issue, and not only a city-hall issue. The practical goal is to find the correct public desk, prepare the right facts, and avoid guessing between agencies.

Emergency boundary

FRESC is not an emergency service. If someone may be hurt, call 119 for ambulance/fire or 110 for police. For emotional crisis support, use the mental-health page before ordinary paperwork guidance.

Use FRESC when

• You do not know whether your problem belongs to immigration, work, legal support, human rights, or daily-life consultation.
• Your visa or residence question is connected to job loss, employer trouble, family change, housing, school, or local-government paperwork.
• You need a public support window before paying a private agent, lawyer, school, employer, or housing company.
• You want to know what documents to prepare before visiting an immigration office, labour office, legal support desk, or city hall.

Before you call or visit

• Write one sentence that explains the problem you need to solve today.
• Prepare your residence card status, expiry date, city, employer or school name, and family situation if relevant.
• Keep screenshots or paper copies of notices, contracts, emails, application receipts, and deadlines nearby.
• Say your preferred language at the start. If language support is not immediately available, ask how to proceed in writing.

Do not expect this page to do

• FRESC is an entry point and support center, not a guarantee that an application will be approved.
• Some legal, medical, tax, or immigration decisions may still require the responsible agency, a licensed professional, or a formal application.
• Phone numbers, office routing, languages, and opening hours can change. Follow the latest official page and phone guidance.
• If there is immediate danger, a medical emergency, fire, or a threat of violence, call emergency services first.

Next useful pages

Last reviewed: 2026-05-04. This page is a public support-routing guide. It does not replace official government decisions, licensed legal advice, medical advice, emergency services, or the latest guidance given by FRESC or the responsible agency.