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D-8 — Corporate Investment Visa (D-8)

Investment PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

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At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 1 month

Estimated Cost

USD $150

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work not allowed

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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

Single-entry visa (91+ days)USD $60

Multiple-entry visaUSD $90

TotalUSD $150

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

South Korea

F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)

Validity3 years

Processing1–2 months

View Visa Details

South Korea

F-5 — Permanent Residence (F-5)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing2–3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

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.