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

According to published requirements, the minimum investment is ₩100,000,000 (approximately $75,000 USD). 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 The investment must remain in the company's capital structure — it cannot be immediately withdrawn as salary or dividends.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 a tax penalty of up to 50% of the transferred amount. 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 (or equivalent in foreign currency, approximately $500,000 USD). Additional requirements include full tax compliance, a clean criminal record, and Korean language proficiency (TOPIK Level 2-4).

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) — Complete 2026 Guide

Start or invest in a Korean business

Important Notes

FDI registration MUST happen before capital remittance — 50% tax penalty for non-compliance
Report business closure to immigration within 30 days or risk losing visa status
Virtual office addresses are routinely flagged — a real office lease is practically required
Investment funds must be from legitimate, traceable sources — unregulated channels result in rejection
Passive investment does not meet D-8 requirements — active management is required

Duration

1-2 years (varies by sub-category: D-8-1/D-8-3 up to 5 years, D-8-2/D-8-4 up to 2 years)

Fees

₩60,000 (~$42 USD)

Processing Time

4-8 weeks (embassy application)

Max Stay

No fixed maximum — renewable indefinitely with active business operations

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) — Complete 2026 Guide

Start or invest in a Korean business

Important Notes

FDI registration MUST happen before capital remittance — 50% tax penalty for non-compliance
Report business closure to immigration within 30 days or risk losing visa status
Virtual office addresses are routinely flagged — a real office lease is practically required
Investment funds must be from legitimate, traceable sources — unregulated channels result in rejection
Passive investment does not meet D-8 requirements — active management is required

Duration

1-2 years (varies by sub-category: D-8-1/D-8-3 up to 5 years, D-8-2/D-8-4 up to 2 years)

Fees

₩60,000 (~$42 USD)

Processing Time

4-8 weeks (embassy application)

Max Stay

No fixed maximum — renewable indefinitely with active business operations

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.

Korea Corporate Investment Visa (D-8) — Complete 2026 Guide

Important Notes

Key Requirements

Timeline & Fees

Documents

Application Steps

FAQ

Tips & Community

Sources & Related

Korea Corporate Investment Visa (D-8) — Complete 2026 Guide

Important Notes

Key Requirements

Timeline & Fees

Documents

Application Steps

FAQ

Tips & Community

Sources & Related