What is the D-8 Corporate Investment Visa?
The D-8 (Corporate Investment) visa allows foreign nationals to establish or invest in Korean corporations and engage in management activities. It is issued to executives and investors of foreign-invested companies registered under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
D-8 Visa Subtypes
- D-8-1: Executives of foreign-invested companies
- D-8-2: Essential professional staff dispatched to foreign-invested companies
- D-8-3: Foreigners introducing technology under a technology guidance contract with a Korean firm
- D-8-4: Startup founders meeting specific criteria (startup immigration visa)
D-8-4 Startup Visa Requirements (2026)
For foreign entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Korea, the D-8-4 key requirements include:
- Minimum investment amount as of the application date (subject to change per foreign exchange regulations)
- Confirmation of technological innovation of the business idea (via Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development or designated evaluators)
- Submission and approval of a business plan
Specific investment amount thresholds may change annually. Fees vary by case — contact us for an accurate quote during a free consultation.
Required Documents
Common Documents
- Visa issuance authorization application
- Passport copy
- Corporate registration document (after establishment)
- Foreign investment declaration (via KOTRA or foreign exchange bank)
- Business registration certificate
D-8-4 Additional Documents
- Startup business plan
- Technology evaluation certificate
- Investment remittance proof
Application Process
- Establish a Korean corporation or acquire equity in an existing one
- File foreign investment declaration (via KOTRA InvestKorea or foreign exchange bank)
- Apply for visa issuance authorization at immigration office
- Apply for visa at Korean consulate/embassy abroad
- Register as foreigner after entry
Visit KOTRA InvestKorea for the latest foreign investment information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I run multiple corporations on a D-8 visa? A. Generally, activity is limited to the declared corporation. Multiple entities require additional declarations.
Q2. Must investment funds be remitted from abroad? A. Yes. To qualify as foreign investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, funds must be remitted from overseas in foreign currency.
Q3. How long from company setup to visa issuance? A. Company registration: ~1–2 weeks. Investment declaration: ~1 week. Visa authorization review: ~2–4 weeks.
Vision Immigration Law Office handles the full D-8 process — from company formation and investment declaration to visa issuance. Initial consultation is free.