Set up or manage a foreign-invested company in South Korea.
Stay Duration
Up to 2 years per issuance (renewable)
Processing
2–4 weeks
Visa Fee
$74.63 (status change) / $44.78 (extension)
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
The D-8 visa is issued to foreign investors who have made a qualifying investment in a Korean company and intend to manage or oversee their Korean business operations. It is one of the most common visas for entrepreneurs and business executives from overseas who are establishing or operating a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) in Korea.
Foreign nationals who have invested at least ₩100 million (approximately USD 75,000) in a Korean company — typically as the founder, CEO, or major shareholder of a foreign-invested enterprise registered with KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency). Also applicable to employees dispatched by overseas investors to manage their Korean business.
Foreign investment of at least ₩100 million in a Korean company (registered as a foreign-invested enterprise with KOTRA)
Investment must be in the form of equity (cash investment into a Korean corporation or limited company)
The applicant must be the investor, a shareholder-director, or a designated representative of the foreign investor
Bachelor's degree or higher, OR at least 3 years of relevant business experience
No criminal record
Valid passport + completed visa application form + passport photo
Foreign investment certificate (외국인투자신고서) issued by KOTRA or a Korean bank
Korean company's business registration certificate
Proof of investment (bank transfer records, equity certificates)
Degree certificate or evidence of business experience
Criminal background check (apostilled, issued within 3 months)
Company's articles of incorporation
Register as a foreign investor (KOTRA / bank)
Report your investment to KOTRA or a designated Korean bank and receive a Foreign Investment Certificate. This registers your company as a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE).
Incorporate your Korean company
Establish a Korean corporation (주식회사 or 유한회사) through a Korean attorney or incorporation agent. You'll need the investment funds transferred to a Korean bank account before registration.
Apply for the D-8 visa
Submit your D-8 application at the Korean consulate with your investment certificate, company registration, and other required documents.
Arrive and register
Register at the immigration office within 90 days of arrival to obtain your ARC. Your business address will be verified.
Need help with your D-8 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles D-8 applications.
Unfamiliar with a term?
Start a Business in Korea — Complete Guide
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