What is the minimum investment amount for a D-8 visa?

According to published requirements, the minimum investment is ₩100,000,000. The capital must be transferred from abroad through a registered Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and deposited as share capital. The investment must remain in the company's capital structure — it cannot be immediately withdrawn as salary or dividends.

What is the D-8-4S Startup Korea Special Visa?

The D-8-4S was introduced in November 2024 as a new pathway for global startup founders. Unlike the standard D-8-4 (Technology Startup), the D-8-4S does not require university degrees, academic scores, or prior residency in Korea. Applicants are evaluated on the feasibility of their business idea, team capability, and potential fit within the Korean market. A recommendation letter from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) is required.

What are the differences between D-8 sub-categories?

D-8-1 (Corporate Investment) is for managing foreign-invested Korean corporations with ₩100M+ investment. D-8-2 (Venture Investment) is for founders of certified venture companies with proven technical excellence. D-8-4 (Technology Startup) requires intellectual property or completion of the OASIS program. D-8-4S (Startup Special) evaluates business idea feasibility without degree requirements. D-8-1 and D-8-3 allow stays up to 5 years per issuance, while D-8-2 and D-8-4 allow up to 2 years.

What are the source of funds requirements?

Investment funds must be legitimate and traceable. The remitter must be the investor, their spouse, or minor child. For investments exceeding ₩300,000,000, parents of the investor or spouse are also permitted. Required documentation includes business registration records, sales records, financial statements, and bank transaction history. Unregulated exchange channels or unclear fund origins can trigger automatic rejection.

Can I use a virtual office address?

According to immigration guidelines, immigration officers verify authentic business environments. Virtual office addresses are routinely flagged during review. A real office lease agreement matching the Business Registration Certificate address is practically required. Paper companies without genuine office spaces face increased scrutiny and potential rejection.

How long does company registration take?

According to published timelines, company registration typically takes 2-3 weeks for the business entity itself. Opening a corporate bank account adds an additional 1-2 weeks. The total company setup process, from FDI registration through obtaining all certificates, generally takes 3-4 weeks. Working with a judicial scrivener (법무사) can streamline the incorporation paperwork.

Can my family accompany me to Korea on a D-8 visa?

According to published requirements, D-8 visa holders can sponsor immediate family members — spouse and unmarried children under 20 — for F-3 (dependent) visas. The F-3 visa has the same validity period as the primary D-8 visa. Spouses on F-3 visas may obtain separate work permits. Dependent visa applications require proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates) and the primary visa holder's documentation.

What happens if I skip FDI registration before transferring funds?

According to Korean foreign exchange regulations, failing to register Foreign Direct Investment before capital remittance can result in significant tax penalties. FDI registration at KOTRA or a foreign exchange bank must be completed before any investment funds are wired to Korea. This is one of the most common and costly mistakes foreign investors make.

What is the path from D-8 to permanent residency (F-5)?

According to published immigration guidelines, D-8 holders may transition to F-5 (Permanent Resident) status after maintaining a successful business for 3 or more years. The standard investor pathway requires maintaining an investment of ₩500,000,000 or more. Additional requirements include full tax compliance, a clean criminal record, and Korean language proficiency (KIIP Level 5).

Can I hire employees on a D-8 visa?

Yes. As the managing investor of a Korean company, hiring employees is expected and can strengthen your visa extension applications. Your company must comply with Korean labor laws, including employment contracts, minimum wage, social insurance (4대보험), and workplace safety regulations. Demonstrating job creation is viewed favorably by immigration authorities.

What happens if my business fails or closes?

According to immigration guidelines, if the invested business closes, the D-8 visa holder must report the business closure to immigration within 30 days. Failure to report can result in loss of visa status. After closure, the visa holder may need to change to a different visa type (such as D-10 for job seeking) or depart Korea before the current visa expires.

Can I operate multiple businesses on a D-8 visa?

According to published guidelines, the D-8 visa is tied to the specific invested company registered in the FDI. Operating additional businesses may require separate approval from immigration. Any new business activity should be reported to the immigration office. Consult with immigration or a licensed immigration attorney (행정사) for guidance on specific circumstances.

Korea Corporate Investment Visa (D-8)

Start or invest in a Korean business

At a Glance

Duration

1–2 years

Fees

₩60,000

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Max Stay

No fixed maximum

Minimum investment of ₩100,000,000
Own at least 10% of voting shares or capital
Actively manage the invested business
Investment funds from legitimate, traceable sources
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) registration completed
Detailed business plan submitted

Key Requirements

₩100,000,000 minimum investment + 10%+ voting shares + active management

RequiredMinimum investment of ₩100,000,000
Capital must be transferred from abroad and registered as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Funds must remain in the company's capital structure and cannot be immediately withdrawn as salary or dividends.
RequiredOwn at least 10% of voting shares or capital
Investor must hold a minimum of 10% of voting shares in the Korean company, or hold shares combined with an executive dispatch contract from the parent company.
RequiredActively manage the invested business
Published requirements specify that passive investment does not meet D-8 criteria. The visa holder must engage in day-to-day management or operational oversight of the business.
Passive investment does not meet D-8 requirements — active management is required
RequiredInvestment funds from legitimate, traceable sources
All investment capital must be personally generated and traceable. Remitter must be the investor, their spouse, or minor child. For investments exceeding ₩300,000,000, parents of the investor or spouse are also permitted.
Investment funds must be from legitimate, traceable sources — unregulated channels result in rejection
RequiredForeign Direct Investment (FDI) registration completed
FDI must be registered at KOTRA or a foreign exchange bank BEFORE transferring investment funds to Korea. Skipping this step can result in significant tax penalties.
RequiredDetailed business plan submitted
Must include company overview, market analysis, 3-5 year financial projections, revenue model, and job creation potential. Immigration authorities evaluate business viability.

Work Permission

Allowed (with restrictions)

RestrictionCan only work for the invested company
RestrictionCannot take employment with other Korean companies
RestrictionMust actively manage the business — passive investment does not satisfy visa requirements

The D-8 visa authorizes managing your own invested company only. Employment at other organizations requires a different visa type.

Tax Implications

Threshold:: 183 days

According to Korean tax law, individuals who stay in Korea for 183 days or more in a calendar year may be classified as tax residents.
Business owners are subject to corporate tax on Korean-sourced income.
Corporate tax rates are progressive (9-24%).
Double tax treaties may apply depending on nationality.
Consult a licensed tax professional (세무사) for specific guidance.

Source: National Tax Service (NTS)

Since November 2024, the Startup Korea Special Visa (D-8-4S) does not require degrees or academic scores. Applicants are evaluated on the idea's feasibility and team capability. Apply through the K-Startup Portal or Global Startup Center.

Process

3-6 months

Estimated total timeline

3-6 months

Processing times vary by embassy, nationality, and season. Change of status within Korea typically takes 2-4 weeks. Company registration adds 2-3 weeks (up to 4 weeks including corporate bank account). Total timeline from start to visa issuance is approximately 9-17 weeks. Apply at least 2-3 months before your intended start date.

Register Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

1-3 days

Register your investment at KOTRA or a foreign exchange bank. This step MUST happen BEFORE transferring any investment funds to Korea. Skipping this step can result in significant tax penalties.

FDI registration MUST happen before capital remittance — significant tax penalties for non-compliance

KOTRA offices exist globally — check investkorea.org for locations
Any foreign exchange bank in Korea can also process FDI registration
Have your business plan and investment details ready

Transfer Investment Funds

3-7 days

Wire the investment capital from abroad to a Korean bank account designated for the FDI. Use only bank wire transfers under the investor's name.

Transfer must come from the investor, spouse, or minor child
Keep all wire transfer receipts — every won must be traceable
Do not use informal or unregulated exchange channels

Register the Company

2-3 weeks

Register the Korean business entity (LLC/Yuhan Hoesa or JSC/Chusik Hoesa) and obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the National Tax Service.

Choose between LLC (유한회사) or JSC (주식회사) based on your needs
A Korean business address is required for registration
Consider hiring a judicial scrivener (법무사) for incorporation paperwork

Open Corporate Bank Account

1-2 weeks

Open a corporate bank account in the company's name. This is needed for the Securities Subscription Deposit Certificate.

Some banks require an in-person visit by the representative
Bring all company registration documents and your passport
This step can be the most time-consuming part of company setup

Apply for D-8 Visa

1 day

Submit your visa application at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country. If you are already in Korea on a valid visa status, you may apply for a change of status at the local immigration office.

Book embassy appointments well in advance
Change of status within Korea is possible but may have higher scrutiny
Prepare all documents in the order listed on the application checklist

Wait for Processing and Receive Visa

4-8 weeks (embassy) or 2-4 weeks (change of status)

Embassy or immigration office reviews your application. Processing times vary by location and application volume.

Enter Korea and Register for ARC

1-2 weeks for ARC processing

Enter Korea with your D-8 visa and register at the local immigration office within 90 days to receive your Alien Registration Card (ARC).

ARC registration is mandatory within 90 days of arrival
Book an appointment at the immigration office via HiKorea
The ARC serves as your primary identification in Korea
Report business closure to immigration within 30 days or risk losing visa status

You must report your foreign direct investment in advance before capital remittance. Skipping this step can result in significant tax penalties. Register at KOTRA or any foreign exchange bank first.
Do not expect to walk in and start a company in a day. Budget 2-3 weeks for registration alone, up to 4 weeks with the corporate bank account. Some banks require multiple visits for corporate account opening.

FAQ

Show all 12 questions

Tips

Register FDI at KOTRA or a foreign exchange bank BEFORE transferring any funds — this is the single most important step
Budget 9-17 weeks total from company incorporation to visa issuance
Keep meticulous records of every financial transaction related to your investment
Hire a judicial scrivener (법무사) for company incorporation and a tax accountant (세무사) for ongoing compliance
Choose between LLC (유한회사) for simpler governance or JSC (주식회사) for raising additional capital
Join entrepreneur communities in Seoul — Gangnam, Pangyo, and Seongsu are major startup hubs
Apply for visa extension 2-3 months before expiration — demonstrating business activity and tax compliance strengthens renewal
Consider the D-8-4S pathway if you have a strong business idea but lack formal degrees

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Last updated: 2026-02-27

Visa Status Change

Looking to change your visa status?

See 2 available paths from D-8

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized immigration guidance, consult a licensed immigration consultant (행정사) or attorney (변호사). Final decisions on visa issuance rest solely with the Korean Ministry of Justice and immigration authorities.

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.

Korea Corporate Investment Visa (D-8)

At a Glance

Key Requirements

Work Permission

Tax Implications

Documents

Required Documents (0 of 12 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Process

Register Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Transfer Investment Funds

Register the Company

Open Corporate Bank Account

Apply for D-8 Visa

Wait for Processing and Receive Visa

Enter Korea and Register for ARC

FAQ

Tips

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Related Visas

Work Permission

Tax Implications

Required Documents (0 of 12 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Register Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Transfer Investment Funds

Register the Company

Open Corporate Bank Account

Apply for D-8 Visa

Wait for Processing and Receive Visa

Enter Korea and Register for ARC

Tips

Official Sources

Related Visas