South Korea•AsiaD-8 — Corporate Investment Visa (D-8)
At a Glance
2 weeks – 1 month
USD $150
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
For foreign investors and entrepreneurs who invest KRW 100 million+ in a Korean foreign-invested company and actively manage its operations.
The D-8 Corporate Investment Visa is South Korea's main route for foreign nationals who invest capital and operate a business in Korea. Issued under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, it requires a minimum inward investment of KRW 100 million in a Korean entity registered as a foreign-invested company.
Sub-categories cover several profiles: D-8-1 for corporate investors and dispatched executives, D-8-2 for founders of certified venture or technology startups, D-8-3 for joint investments with a Korean co-representative, and D-8-4 for high-tech entrepreneurs. The visa is renewable and can lead to F-2 long-term residence and F-5 permanent residence.
This visa is ideal for foreign entrepreneurs, venture founders, and corporate executives who want a long-term operating base in Korea backed by a verified investment and a real office.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
South KoreaSouth KoreaRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must invest a minimum of KRW 100 million in a South Korean business entity (registered as a foreign-invested company).
Must own at least 10% of total voting shares issued by the Korean corporation (D-8-1).
Must be actively engaged in management, administration, production, or technology of the foreign-invested company.
Investment funds must be inwardly remitted from abroad and verifiable in source.
Must register the entity as a foreign-invested enterprise under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
Must have a physical (non-residential) business office in Korea.
Status changes to D-8 are not permitted from C-3, D-3, E-9, H-2, or H-1 statuses.
KEY CRITERIA
Investment
100,000,000 KRW
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Visa application form
Passport and photo
Foreign Investment Declaration Certificate
Certificate of Registration for Foreign-Invested Companies
Business Registration Certificate
Corporate Registration (Certified copy)
Proof of investment fund remittance (e.g., bank confirmation, customs declaration)
Proof of business premises (e.g., office lease agreement, photos of office/signage)
Shareholder status document
Dispatch order or employment certificate (if applicable)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Long-term residency with renewable status tied to active business operations.
- Clear path to F-2 long-term residence and F-5 permanent residence.
- Spouse and minor children qualifying for F-3 dependent visas.
- Fast-track immigration lane at airports for D-8 holders.
- Exempt from KRW 100,000 status-change and KRW 60,000 extension fees.
Worth Knowing
- Minimum KRW 100 million inward investment (around USD 75,000) must be verifiable.
- Must register a foreign-invested enterprise and maintain a physical office.
- Cannot change to D-8 from C-3, D-3, E-9, H-2, or H-1 statuses.
- Immigration may inspect business premises to confirm real operations.
- Loss of active business activity can trigger visa cancellation.
Application Process
Register the foreign-invested company in Korea.
Obtain a Business Registration Certificate and Corporate Registration.
Remit investment funds from abroad to a designated Korean bank.
Apply for the D-8 visa at a Korean embassy/consulate or change status at a local immigration office if already in Korea.
Receive the visa and apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) upon arrival.
Application Forms
| Visa Application Form | — |
Related visas
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Malta
- New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (新資本投資者入境計劃)
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