JapanProtection

Asylum and refugee recognition in Japan

Refugee recognition and complementary protection

In short

Japan is party to the Refugee Convention and its Protocol. Foreign nationals already in Japan can apply for refugee recognition, and since December 2023 for complementary protection, at the regional immigration bureau for their place of residence. There is no application deadline or fee, and the standard processing time is six months.

checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Processing time
Standard processing period of 6 months
Work
Only if a status with work permission is granted while the claim is pending; some applicants are restricted
Path to permanent residence
Recognised refugees and complementary protection holders may apply for permanent residence after 5 years
Where to apply
Inside Japan only, in person at the regional immigration bureau

Who can apply

Any foreign national present in Japan may apply. A refugee is a person who meets the definition in Article 1 of the Refugee Convention. Complementary protection covers people who would face persecution for reasons other than those listed in the Convention, such as people fleeing armed conflict, and who otherwise meet the refugee requirements. An application for refugee status is assessed for both forms of protection.

Where and how to apply

Applications are made in person at the regional immigration bureau or branch office with jurisdiction over your address (or your lodging if you have no address), on weekdays during office hours; Japanese embassies abroad do not accept claims. A parent, spouse, child or relative may apply for applicants under 16 or those unable to attend because of illness. You submit the application form (available in many languages), a photo and documents or a statement supporting your claim, and present your passport, residence card or landing permit.

  1. Find the regional immigration bureau or branch office that covers your address.
  2. Obtain the application form in your language from the ISA website or the bureau and fill it in.
  3. Go in person on a weekday with the form, photos, supporting documents and identity papers.
  4. Attend the interview with a refugee inquirer; interpretation is provided.
  5. If you hold a status of residence, apply to change to Designated Activities for refugee applicants while waiting.
  6. If refused, consider a request for administrative review within the period stated in the decision.

Forms

Status while waiting

Applicants who hold a status of residence may apply to change to Designated Activities for refugee applicants so they can remain in Japan until a decision. Whether work is permitted depends on the case; the ISA warns that applying for refugee status does not in itself allow you to work in Japan. Since the 2023 amendment, removal is no longer automatically suspended for a third or later application unless it includes material showing substantial grounds for recognition.

Appeals

If the application is refused, you can file a request for administrative review; the deadline and procedure are explained in the notice of the decision. Refugee examination counsellors, who are independent experts, take part in the review.

Help and related programmes

Information is available from the Immigration Services Agency's Immigration Information Center (0570-013904; from overseas or IP phones 03-5796-7112). Japan also resettles refugees from third countries through a government programme, and the landing permission for temporary refuge allows short-term entry for people arriving directly from danger.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport or certificate of status (or a written explanation if unavailable), and residence card if held

Other

  • Application for recognition of refugee status or complementary protection (one copy)
  • Photo 4 x 3 cm taken within 6 months (two if you have no status of residence)
  • Documents or a written statement supporting your claim

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for asylum at a Japanese embassy abroad?

No. Refugee recognition is only available to people who are in Japan; the application is made at a regional immigration bureau.

Is there a deadline after arrival?

No legal deadline applies, but applying promptly is advisable because your status and removal proceedings may be affected.

How long does a decision take?

The ISA standard processing period is six months, though individual cases can take longer.

What is complementary protection?

Introduced on 1 December 2023, it protects people who face persecution for reasons outside the Refugee Convention, such as war, and gives them a status similar to refugees, including a route to permanent residence after five years.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Japan

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per entry, as granted by the immigration officer

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Periods of stay up to 4 years and 3 months, matched to the course
  • Researcher visa Maximum stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months per grant, renewable

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months per grant, renewable without limit
  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: 5 years for HSP (i); HSP (ii) is indefinite
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months per grant
  • Job seeker visa Maximum stay: Up to 2 years in total
  • Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: 6 months, no extension; after leaving you must wait 6 months before using the status again

Family

Residence

Japan visa guide