D-8 Startup Visa Korea 2026 — How Foreign Entrepreneurs Can Launch a Business
Foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish and manage a company in Korea need the D-8 (Corporate Investment) visa.
Under Immigration Control Act Enforcement Decree Schedule 1-2, the D-8 status permits foreigners to conduct investment or startup activities in Korea under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
What is the D-8 Visa?
The D-8 visa is granted to foreigners establishing investment corporations, launching startups, or investing in existing corporations to take executive roles.
D-8 holders can receive salary from the corporation they invested in or founded.
D-8 Startup Visa Eligibility
Capital requirement: 100 million KRW or more in paid-in capital after filing foreign investment notification
Startup special track: Ministry of Justice OASIS program participants — technology/idea-based founders may qualify under reduced capital requirements
Korean Company Registration Process
- Choose entity type: Stock corporation or limited liability company
- File foreign investment notification through Korea Eximbank
- Remit and pay in capital from overseas
- Company registration at district court registry
- Business registration at local tax office
- D-8 application at immigration office or Korean consulate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does the 100M KRW capital have to be in a Korean account? Yes, capital must be remitted through designated financial institutions after filing foreign investment notification.
Q2. Can I receive salary on a D-8 visa? Yes, receiving salary as an executive in your invested company is permitted.
Q3. Can D-8 be renewed if startup has no revenue? Business progress documents and plans are important in early stages. Fees vary by case — accurate guidance provided during free consultation.
Q4. What is the OASIS program? A Ministry of Justice startup immigration support system allowing technology/idea-based founders to obtain D-8 with lower capital requirements.
Q5. Is Korean language ability required for D-8? No Korean language requirement exists for D-8. Professional support for legal and tax matters is typically needed.
Vision Administrative Office provides one-stop D-8 visa, company setup, and startup support. Get Expert Consultation →