📋 Fact-checked: 사증민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 (March 2026, p.103–109) — Ministry of Justice, Korea
Korea’s D-8 (기업투자, Business Investment) visa is the primary pathway for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and startup founders to operate a business in Korea legally. It covers five distinct scenarios — from large foreign investors to first-time tech startup founders with a patent. Understanding which subcategory applies to your situation is the first and most important step.
📑 In this guide
- The 5 D-8 Subcategories at a Glance
- D-8-1: Investing in a Korean Corporation
- D-8-2: Venture Company Founder
- D-8-3: Investing in a Korean Individual’s Business
- D-8-4: Tech Startup Founder (Most Common for Foreign Entrepreneurs)
- D-8-4S: Startup Korea Special Visa
- What Counts as IP Rights or “Equivalent Technology”
- The OASIS Program: Korea’s Startup Support System
- How to Apply for D-8-4: Step by Step
- D-8 vs D-10-2 vs E-7: Which Path Is Right for You?
- Common Questions
💡 The most important thing to understand first
The D-8 visa is for foreign nationals who are running or co-running their own business in Korea — not for employees. If you want to work for an existing Korean company, you need an E-7. If you want to set up a Korean entity and operate it as the founder or investor, D-8 is your visa. The specific subcategory depends on your situation: investor, tech founder, or venture company operator.
1. The 5 D-8 Subcategories at a Glance
📋 Source: 사증민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼, March 2026, p.103
D-8-1
Investment in Korean Corporation
법인에 투자 — For foreign investors
- KRW 100M+ investment in a registered Korean corporation
- Must own 10%+ of voting shares OR have executive appointment
- Stay period: 5 years
- Best for: Foreign companies investing in existing Korean entities
D-8-2
Venture Company Founder
벤처투자 — Venture-certified companies
- Must have IP rights + venture company certification (벤처확인)
- Certification from KIBO, KOSMES, or KVCA
- Stay period: 2 years (6 months for preliminary stage)
- Best for: Tech founders with established venture certification
D-8-3
Investment in Korean Individual’s Business
개인기업 투자 — Co-business with Korean national
- KRW 100M+ investment, 10%+ stake in a Korean individual’s business
- Must be co-registered as representative on business registration
- Korean partner must also have KRW 100M+ in business capital
- Best for: Partnership ventures with a Korean co-founder
D-8-4
Tech Startup Founder ★ Most Common
기술창업 — For foreign tech entrepreneurs
- Korean associate degree+ OR overseas bachelor’s degree
- Must have IP rights or equivalent technology capability
- Must establish a Korean corporation
- Stay period: 2 years
- Best for: Individual foreign founders starting tech companies in Korea
D-8-4S
Startup Korea Special Visa
스타트업 코리아 특별비자 — Fast track
- Must pass Startup Korea Special Visa private evaluation committee
- Must receive recommendation from Minister of SMEs and Startups
- Company establishment can happen after entry (within 6 months)
- Stay period: 2 years
- Best for: High-potential founders with strong tech credentials
2. D-8-1: Investing in a Korean Corporation
📋 Source: March 2026 manual, p.103–104, 109
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment target | A fully registered Korean corporation (설립완료 법인). Unregistered entities or individual businesses do not qualify. |
| Minimum investment | KRW 100,000,000 (1억원) or more |
| Ownership threshold | 10% or more of voting shares, OR ownership of shares combined with executive appointment rights (임원 파견·선임 계약) |
| Investment funds | Must be in the applicant’s own name in principle. Spouse and minor children’s names accepted with exceptions. Parents’ names accepted only if investment is KRW 300M+. |
| Who is excluded | Employees hired domestically in Korea are excluded — this is for investors and executives parachuted from overseas, not local hires. |
| Stay period | 5 years per issuance |
Required documents
- Visa application form (별지 17호) + passport + photo + fee
- Foreign investment company registration certificate (외국인투자기업등록증)
- Business registration certificate (사업자등록증)
- Corporate registration certificate (법인등기사항전부증명서)
- Shareholder change records (주주변동상황명세서)
- Investment fund transfer documentation (송금확인증, 외환매입증명서 etc.)
- For investments under KRW 300M: capital usage records, office existence proof, and relevant business experience documentation
3. D-8-2: Venture Company Founder
📋 Source: March 2026 manual, p.104–105
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Company type | Must be established under the Venture Business Promotion Act (벤처기업육성에 관한 특별조치법) and have received official venture company certification (벤처기업확인) |
| Who qualifies | The representative (대표자) of a certified venture company, or the representative of a company evaluated as technologically excellent |
| IP requirement | Must hold IP rights (patent, utility model, design, trademark, copyright) demonstrating superior technology |
| Preliminary stage | Preliminary venture company status (예비벤처기업) also qualifies — including companies preparing for establishment or within 6 months of founding |
| Certification bodies | Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KIBO), Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSMES), Korea Venture Capital Association (KVCA) |
| Stay period | 2 years (fully certified company) / 6 months (preliminary venture company) |
Required documents
- Venture company certificate (벤처기업확인서) or preliminary venture company certificate
- IP proof — patent certificate, utility model certificate, design registration, trademark registration, or copyright registration
- OR: Technology excellence evaluation certificate from KIBO or KOSMES
- Business registration + corporate registration
📌 China nationals: D-8-2 has additional restrictions
The manual specifically notes that D-8-2 has country-specific exclusions. Chinese nationals face additional requirements or restrictions for this subcategory. If you are a Chinese national planning to establish a venture company in Korea, confirm the current status with the Korean embassy or immigration directly before proceeding.
4. D-8-3: Investing in a Korean Individual’s Business
📋 Source: March 2026 manual, p.105–106
This subcategory is for foreign nationals co-investing with a Korean individual (not a corporation) to establish a joint business. It’s relatively rare and has specific co-ownership requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment target | A business operated by a Korean individual (국민 경영 기업) — not a corporation |
| Minimum investment | KRW 100M+ from the foreign investor, with 10%+ ownership stake |
| Korean partner requirement | The Korean co-business partner must also have KRW 100M+ in business capital |
| Registration requirement | The foreign investor must be co-registered as representative (공동대표) on the business registration certificate — not just as an investor |
| Stay period | 5 years |
5. D-8-4: Tech Startup Founder — Most Common for Foreign Entrepreneurs
📋 Source: March 2026 manual, p.106–107
D-8-4 is the visa most individual foreign founders will use. It’s designed for foreign nationals who want to start a technology-based company in Korea — without the large investment capital required by D-8-1 or the venture certification required by D-8-2.
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Education | ONE of: ① Korean associate degree or higher, ② Overseas bachelor’s degree or higher, ③ Recommendation from a central government ministry |
| IP rights or technology | Must hold Korean IP rights (patent, utility model, design, trademark, copyright) OR have been selected in a government startup support program with a qualifying startup idea |
| Company establishment | Must establish a Korean corporation (법인) and complete corporate registration + business registration. Must be the representative (대표자). |
| Stay period | 2 years |
| Investment capital required? | No minimum investment capital requirement — unlike D-8-1 (KRW 100M) |
💡 D-8-4 is accessible without large capital
Unlike D-8-1 which requires KRW 100M investment, D-8-4 has no minimum investment amount. What it requires instead is demonstrable technology or IP — a patent application, a registered trademark, or selection in a Korean government startup support program. For most foreign tech founders, D-8-4 is the realistic entry point.
6. D-8-4S: Startup Korea Special Visa
📋 Source: March 2026 manual, p.107–108
The Startup Korea Special Visa (스타트업 코리아 특별비자) is a fast-track version of D-8-4 with one major advantage: you don’t need to establish the company before entry.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to qualify | Must pass the Startup Korea Special Visa private evaluation committee review AND receive official recommendation from the Minister of SMEs and Startups (중소벤처기업부 장관) |
| Company establishment timing | Can enter Korea first — establish the company within 6 months of entry. Standard D-8-4 requires establishment before application. |
| Documents needed | Startup Korea Special Visa recommendation letter (중소벤처기업부 발급). If company not yet established: corporate registration documents submitted within 6-month period after entry. |
| Stay period | 2 years |
| How to apply for evaluation | Through the Global Startup Immigration Center (글로벌창업이민센터) and the OASIS program |
7. What Counts as IP Rights or “Equivalent Technology”
📋 Source: March 2026 manual, p.107
For D-8-4, you need either registered Korean IP rights OR qualifying technology capability. Here’s exactly what each means:
Registered Korean IP Rights (지식재산권)
Patent (특허권)
Korean Intellectual Property Office (특허청)
Utility Model (실용신안권)
Korean Intellectual Property Office (특허청)
Design Right (디자인권)
Korean Intellectual Property Office (특허청)
Trademark (상표권)
Korean Intellectual Property Office (특허청)
Copyright (저작권)
Korea Copyright Commission (한국저작권위원회)
Patent Application
Patent application certificate (출원사실증명서)
📌 Patent applications count — you don’t need a granted patent
A patent application at the Korean Intellectual Property Office (특허청) qualifies — you don’t need to wait for the patent to be granted. The application certificate (출원사실증명서) serves as proof. This significantly speeds up the D-8-4 qualification timeline for tech founders.
Equivalent Technology (이에 준하는 기술력)
If you don’t have registered IP, you can qualify through selection in a qualifying government startup support program. The key one is:
- OASIS Program (글로벌창업이민센터) — selection, completion, or awards from the OASIS startup support system managed by the Global Startup Immigration Center
- Other government-designated startup support programs under the Small and Medium Business Startup Support Act (중소기업창업지원법)
- The startup idea must belong to the individual applicant — selection on behalf of someone else does not qualify
8. The OASIS Program: Korea’s Startup Support System
For many foreign founders without Korean IP rights, the OASIS (Online Assessment System for Immigration and Startup) program is the most practical pathway to D-8-4 eligibility.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What OASIS is | A Korean government-operated startup incubation and evaluation system specifically for foreign entrepreneurs run by the Global Startup Immigration Center (글로벌창업이민센터) |
| How it qualifies you | Selection, completion certificates, awards, or government recommendation letters from OASIS directly substitute for IP rights in the D-8-4 application |
| What OASIS provides | Business incubation support, mentoring, networking, Korean government connections, and the immigration documentation needed for D-8-4 or D-8-4S |
| Who should consider it | Foreign founders who have a viable tech startup idea but haven’t yet registered IP in Korea. OASIS is the bridge between “startup idea” and “D-8-4 eligibility.” |
| Where to apply | Through the Global Startup Immigration Center — search “글로벌창업이민센터” or “OASIS startup Korea” for current intake information |
9. How to Apply for D-8-4: Step by Step
-
1
Establish your IP or technology qualification
File for a Korean patent, trademark, or copyright — or apply to the OASIS program. A patent application (출원) is sufficient; you don’t need a granted patent. Search “KIPRIS” (kipris.or.kr) to verify your IP filing status.
-
2
Establish a Korean corporation (법인설립)
Engage a Korean legal services firm or 법무사 to establish your Korean corporation. You’ll need: articles of incorporation, corporate registration at the district court, and business registration at the tax office. Budget KRW 300,000–800,000 in government fees plus service fees.
-
3
Prepare your visa application documents
Standard package: visa application form (별지 17호), passport, photo, fee, corporate registration, business registration, degree certificate (apostilled and translated if overseas), IP proof or OASIS certification, and the D-8-4 score sheet if applicable.
-
4
Apply at the Korean embassy in your home country
The D-8-4 is applied for at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship before entering Korea. Processing time: 2–4 weeks typically.
-
5
Enter Korea and register your ARC
After entering Korea, register your Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) within 90 days at your local immigration office. The ARC is required for opening a corporate bank account, signing contracts, and operating your business.
10. D-8 vs D-10-2 vs E-7: Which Path Is Right for You?
| Your situation | Best visa | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| I have a startup idea and want to explore Korea first before committing | D-10-2 (Job Seeker — Startup Preparation) | Planning stage only — can research, prepare for incorporation, file patent applications. Cannot run business yet. |
| I have a startup idea, IP or OASIS selection, and want to establish a company | D-8-4 (Tech Startup) | Degree + IP rights or OASIS + Korean corporation established |
| I have a strong startup with government backing and want fast-track entry | D-8-4S (Startup Korea Special) | MSV Ministry evaluation + recommendation. Company can be set up within 6 months of entry. |
| I have venture capital backing and want official venture certification | D-8-2 (Venture Company) | IP rights + 벤처확인 certificate from KIBO/KOSMES/KVCA |
| I have KRW 100M+ to invest in an existing Korean corporation | D-8-1 (Corporate Investment) | KRW 100M+ investment, 10%+ equity stake |
| I want to work for a Korean company (not my own) | E-7 (Specific Activity) | Korean employer sponsorship required. Not a D-8 case. |
11. Common Questions
Q: Can I switch from D-8 to E-7 or F-2-7 later?
Yes. After operating your business on D-8 for a period and building income history in Korea, you can potentially transition to F-2-7 (long-term residency) if you meet the point system requirements — including income, age, and Korean language. The standard 3-year residency requirement or the KRW 40M income waiver applies. D-8 time in Korea counts toward your total residency period.
Q: Do I need to file Korean taxes on my company’s income?
Yes. Once you establish a Korean corporation and operate it as a D-8 visa holder, your company pays Korean corporate tax and you pay Korean income tax on any salary drawn from the company. You’re subject to the same tax obligations as any Korean business. Engage a Korean 세무사 (tax accountant) from the start — accounting and tax compliance is mandatory.
Q: Can my family come with me on D-8?
Yes. Your immediate family members (spouse and unmarried minor children) can apply for F-3 (dependent/family stay) visas to join you in Korea. They can live in Korea but have no independent work rights on F-3 — they would need their own work authorization to work separately.
Q: What’s the difference between D-8-4 and D-10-2?
D-10-2 is for the preparation stage — you’re not yet operating a company. You can use it to research the Korean market, prepare for incorporation, file patent applications, and participate in the OASIS program. Once you’ve established your Korean corporation and are actively operating the business, you transition to D-8-4. D-10-2 is the bridge; D-8-4 is the operational visa.
✅ D-8 at a glance
- D-8-1: KRW 100M+ investor in Korean corporation — 5-year stay
- D-8-2: Venture company founder with IP + 벤처확인 — 2-year stay
- D-8-3: Co-investor with Korean individual — KRW 100M each, co-registered — 5-year stay
- D-8-4: Tech startup founder — degree + IP or OASIS — 2-year stay (most common)
- D-8-4S: Startup Korea Special Visa — MSV Ministry recommendation — can establish company after entry
- D-8-4 has no minimum investment capital — it’s qualification by technology, not money
- Patent applications count — you don’t need a granted patent
- OASIS program is the alternative path if you don’t have registered IP yet
Related: D-10-2 Startup Preparation Visa →
Related: E-7 Visa: If You Want to Work for a Korean Company Instead →
Related: Complete Guide: Working in Korea as a Foreigner →
Disclaimer: D-8 visa requirements are based on the 사증민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 (March 2026, p.103–109). Country-specific restrictions (notably for Chinese nationals on D-8-2) may apply. Investment amounts, eligibility conditions, and document requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at hikorea.go.kr or the Korean embassy in your country before proceeding.