Skip to main content
Back to visa checker

South Korea · Work visa

D-8 Corporate Investment Visa

Processing
2-6 weeks
Cost
From $60
Validity
1-2 years initially

Investor visa for foreign nationals who invest in and run a Korean corporation under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (D-8-1), or found a venture/tech company (D-8-2 to D-8-4).

Requirements

  • D-8-1: invest at least KRW 100 million in a Korean corporation and hold 10%+ of voting shares
  • Registered as a foreign-invested company (FDI notification via a foreign exchange bank or KOTRA)
  • Work as an executive or essential specialist of the invested company
  • D-8-4 startup track: 60+ points on the startup assessment (OASIS completion earns 30 bonus points) instead of the capital requirement
  • Real business premises and activity in Korea

Time and cost

Processing time
2-6 weeks after company setup and FDI registration
Validity
1-2 years initially, renewable while the business operates
Cost

From $60

Required

  • About $60 to $90 visa fee

Optional

  • ₩130,000 status change fee, if you change status inside Korea
Path to residency
F-5 permanent residence after 3-5 years with sustained business, or earlier via high-investment tracks

Documents

  • Valid passport

    Valid for the intended stay

  • Foreign investment notification

    FDI report filed with a bank or KOTRA

  • Proof of investment remittance

    Bank records of the KRW 100 million+ transfer from abroad

  • Corporate registration and business license

    Korean corporate registry extract and tax registration

  • Office lease contract

    Business premises evidence

  • Business plan (if it applies)

    Especially for D-8-4 startup applications

Tips

  • The KRW 100 million must arrive from overseas as registered FDI; domestic funds do not count
  • Renewals examine real operations: sales, payroll, tax payments
  • Tech founders without capital should use the OASIS-to-D-8-4 pathway instead