FUKUOKA -- The Fukuoka municipal government has decided to allow the use of "coworking spaces," known to be used by a wide range of people as a place of work, to foreign residents for up to one year when they establish a business.
According to the municipal government, under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, foreign residents are not allowed the use of short term rental spaces for offices. However, by taking advantage of a new provision to the National Strategic Special Zones settled at a meeting held in May, their use by foreign residents will be allowed in such a capacity when they start a business.
This special exemption will be applied after gaining approval from the government's advisory council. Because fixed costs, such as rent, are lower than those for a typical office, and a guarantor is not required, the municipal government hopes to support foreign entrepreneurs and increase the number of startups.
A special "startup visa" status of residence, which grants foreign residents the ability to establish a business, has also been allowed by the city government. Foreign students will also be granted the visa while they are still in school, so that they are able to establish their businesses before their graduation.
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