D-9 — International Trade and Business Visa (D-9)

South Korea•Asia

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D-9 — International Trade and Business Visa (D-9)

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

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 weeks

Estimated Cost

KRW ₩60,000

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Overview

Permits foreign entrepreneurs and trade managers to operate independent businesses or oversee trade operations in South Korea for up to one year.

The International Trade (D-9) visa is designed for individuals engaged in international trade, the management of a foreign-invested company, or the installation and maintenance of imported machinery. It serves as a primary vehicle for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish and operate their own individual businesses in South Korea, as well as for specialists dispatched by foreign companies to oversee technical projects or trade operations. The visa's purpose is to facilitate cross-border commerce and ensure that technical expertise is available for the operation of foreign-sourced equipment.

This visa is ideal for individual business owners who do not meet the specific corporate structure requirements of the D-8 Corporate Investment visa but possess significant capital to invest in the Korean market. It is also frequently used by technical consultants and trade managers who need to reside in Korea for extended periods to fulfill contractual obligations related to the export or import of industrial goods. A key distinguishing feature of the D-9 is its flexibility in covering both high-level management and specialized technical field services within a single visa category.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

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 be engaged in international trade, business management, or specialized technical supervision (e.g., shipbuilding, equipment installation).

Must meet a minimum score of 60 points out of 160 on the Trade Visa scoring system (for certain categories).

Must have a business registration in the applicant's name (for private entrepreneurs).

Must possess a Trade Business Code issued by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).

Must have a physical, commercial office space (virtual offices are generally prohibited).

Must not have violated immigration laws within the past three years.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Visa application form and passport.

Business Registration Certificate.

Trade Business Code certificate (from KITA).

Lease agreement for a commercial office space.

Proof of trade performance (e.g., export/import records, contracts, purchase orders).

Proof of scoring system qualification (if applicable).

Degree certificate or proof of professional expertise.

Criminal background check.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Renewable annually with no stated cap on total duration
Direct pathway to PR after residence period (convertible to kr-f5)
Single-entry visa valid 91+ days, reducing re-entry complexity
Bachelor's degree is sole education requirement (no higher qualification needed)
Flexible work authorization covering business ownership, trade, and technical roles
No job offer requirement for entrepreneurs and trade professionals
Spouse can work under restricted conditions for visa validity