Japan to loosen residency rules for foreign entrepreneurs

Startup founders can use investor funds to qualify for manager residency status

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The Japanese government has been easing immigration rules for highly skilled professionals to develop the domestic startup industry. (Best Beer Japan)

TAISHU YUASA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan will soon relax residency requirements for foreign nationals who start businesses, letting a broader range of funding sources count toward capital minimums that can be hard for startups to meet.

The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) will as early as next month modify its nationwide guidance for residency status granted to business managers, as part of the government's efforts to draw skilled foreign talent.

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