Korea Company Registration for Foreign Investors — Complete Guide 2026
Foreign investors looking to establish a business presence in South Korea have several options, each with distinct legal requirements and advantages. This guide covers everything you need to know about company registration in Korea.
Types of Business Entities Available to Foreign Investors
1. Corporation (주식회사, Jusik-hoesa)
The most common form for foreign investors, a Korean corporation (株式會社) offers:
- Limited liability protection
- Minimum capital: KRW 100 million for FDI qualification
- Required: at least 1 director and 1 auditor
- Share issuance and transferability
2. Limited Liability Company (유한회사, Yuhan-hoesa)
- Simpler structure with fewer disclosure requirements
- Minimum 1 member (shareholder)
- More flexible governance
3. Branch Office (지점)
- Extension of the foreign parent company
- No separate legal entity
- Parent company liable for branch obligations
4. Liaison Office (연락사무소)
- Non-commercial activities only (market research, PR)
- Cannot generate revenue in Korea
- Simpler registration requirements
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Pre-Registration Preparation
- Determine business type and structure
- Prepare articles of incorporation
- Obtain apostille/legalization for foreign documents
- Open a temporary bank account for capital deposit
Step 2: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Notification
- File FDI notification with Korea Exchange Bank or designated bank
- Minimum USD 100,000 (or equivalent) for FDI status
- Receive FDI certificate
Step 3: Corporate Registration
File with the district court registry office:
- Articles of incorporation (정관)
- Minutes of inaugural general meeting
- Director/auditor appointment documents
- Capital verification certificate
- Resident registration or alien registration copies of directors
Step 4: Business Registration
- File with the National Tax Service (국세청) within 20 days
- Submit lease agreement for business address
- Receive business registration certificate
Step 5: Post-Registration Requirements
- Register with National Pension Service, National Health Insurance
- Register with Employment Insurance if hiring employees
- Open corporate bank account
Required Documents from Abroad
| Document | Purpose | Authentication |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate registry extract | Prove parent company existence | Apostille |
| Articles of incorporation | Parent company structure | Apostille |
| Board resolution | Authorize Korean establishment | Apostille |
| Power of attorney | Authorize Korean representative | Notarized |
| Passport copies | Director identification | Certified copy |
Costs Overview
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration fees | KRW 600,000–1,500,000 |
| Notarization/apostille | USD 200–500 |
| Legal/administrative fees | KRW 3,000,000–8,000,000 |
| Capital requirement (FDI) | USD 100,000 minimum |
Key Considerations
Tax Implications: Korean corporations are subject to corporate income tax (10–25%), VAT (10%), and local taxes. Foreign-invested companies may qualify for tax incentives.
D-8 Visa: Foreign investors who invest USD 100,000+ and employ at least 2 Korean nationals may qualify for the D-8 corporate investment visa.
Registered Address: A Korean business address is mandatory. Virtual offices are generally accepted for initial registration.
FAQ
Q: Can a single foreign individual register a Korean company? A: Yes. A single foreign national can establish a corporation as the sole shareholder and director, provided all documentation requirements are met.
Q: How long does registration take? A: Typically 4–8 weeks from initial consultation to receiving the business registration certificate.
Q: Do I need to be physically present in Korea? A: Not necessarily, if a power of attorney is granted to a Korean representative or legal agent.
비전행정사사무소 | 외국인 투자 법인설립 전문 상담: invest@f6visa.com