Korea D-8 Corporate Investment Visa Requirements and Procedures 2026

1. What is the D-8 Visa?

The D-8 visa (corporate investment) is a stay qualification established under Appendix 1, Item 24 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act. It is granted to investors or executives of foreign-invested companies under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act who are engaged in management, administration, production, or technical work in Korea.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• Investment requirement: Investor or executive of a foreign-invested company under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act
• Investment amount: KRW 100 million or more (Article 2 of Foreign Investment Promotion Act)
• No disqualifying factors: No criminal record or immigration law violations
• Investment business: Industry legally permitted in Korea

3. Investment Amount Standards

To be recognized as a foreign investment under Article 2 of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, the following requirements must be met.

• Investment amount: Acquisition of shares or equity in a Korean corporation or business of KRW 100 million or more
• Investment method: Foreign investment reporting through a foreign exchange bank after remitting foreign currency
• Equity ratio: Holding 10% or more is the basic standard for recognition as a foreign-invested company (exceptions apply for executive dispatches)

4. Required Documents

• Visa application form
• Passport copy
• Foreign investment declaration certificate (issued by KOTRA or foreign exchange bank)
• Corporate registry extract (invested company)
• Business registration certificate copy
• Employment certificate or executive appointment confirmation
• Investment fund remittance confirmation (foreign exchange transaction proof)
• Business plan (for new investments)

5. Application Procedure

1. Foreign investment declaration: KOTRA (Invest Korea) or foreign exchange bank
2. Establish a Korean corporation or acquire shares of existing company
3. Apply for D-8 visa at overseas mission or domestic immigration office
4. Visa review and issuance (approximately 2–4 weeks)
5. Foreigner registration after entering Korea (if staying 91+ days)

6. Stay Duration and Activities

• Duration: Up to 3 years (1–2 years may be granted depending on circumstances)
• Permitted activities: Management and administration of invested company, board meeting attendance, head office dispatched work
• Restricted activities: Employment at companies other than the invested company (dual employment prohibited)