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Recent advances in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) genetics in Asian populations have been achieved by genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and following replication studies, which expanded the genetic information about shared or population-specific risk genes between ethnic groups. Meta-analyses and multi-ethnic replication studies may be possible approaches that could demonstrate stronger or more suggestive evidence for multiple variants for SLE. In addition to the susceptibility of SLE itself, several genotype-phenotype analyses have shown that the specific phenotypes of SLE can also be influenced by genetic factors. Almost all SLE genetic loci are involved in the potential pathways of SLE pathogenesis, such as Toll-like receptor/type I interferon signaling, nuclear factor κB signaling, immune complex clearing mechanism, immune cell (B, T cell, neutrophil and monocyte) function and signaling, cell-cycle regulation, DNA methylation and autophagy. Further studies, including the next generation sequencing technology and the systematic strategy using bioinformatics, in addition to international collaboration among SLE genetic researchers, will give us better understanding of the genetic basis of SLE., (© 2014 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)