D-8-2 is the corporate investment status for the representative of a venture company that established (or is preparing) a venture with outstanding technology such as owned intellectual property and obtained venture confirmation (or pre-venture confirmation), or whose technology was assessed as excellent. You prepare the business registration certificate and corporate registry copy, the venture or pre-venture confirmation, IP proof such as patent certificates or an excellent-technology assessment report, and the office lease; the maximum stay per grant is 2 years.
Key Summary
- Eligible: representative of a company with venture (or pre-venture) confirmation, or a company assessed as technologically excellent
- Pre-venture: preparing incorporation or business registration, or within 6 months of founding
- Confirmation bodies: Korea Technology Finance Corporation, the SME promotion corporation, Korea Venture Capital Association; technology assessment: Korea Technology Finance Corporation or the SME promotion corporation
- Maximum stay 2 years (same as D-8-4); registered E-1, E-3, E-4, E-5 holders may do venture activity in their own field as out-of-status activity
1. What is D-8-2?
The D-8 sub-status for venture company representatives. Instead of an investment amount requirement, it focuses on technology (intellectual property), venture confirmation and technology assessment.
2. Who is eligible?
A person who established (or is preparing) a venture with outstanding technology such as owned intellectual property and who is the representative of a company with venture (or pre-venture) confirmation, or of a company assessed as technologically excellent. Companies preparing incorporation or business registration, or within 6 months of founding, count as pre-venture companies.
3. Where do I get confirmation and assessment?
Confirmation of venture or pre-venture status is carried out by the Korea Technology Finance Corporation, the SME promotion corporation or the Korea Venture Capital Association. Technology assessments are those obtained from the Korea Technology Finance Corporation or the SME promotion corporation.
4. Which documents are needed?
- Application, passport, alien registration card (if applicable), standard photo
- Copy of the business registration certificate and corporate registry copy
- Venture confirmation or pre-venture confirmation
- IP proof (copies of patent, utility model, design, trademark or copyright registrations) or an excellent-technology assessment report
- Proof of residence, office lease, business performance proof (export/import records, etc.)
5. Stay period and out-of-status activity
D-8-2 and D-8-4 have a maximum stay of 2 years per grant. If registered E-1, E-3, E-4 or E-5 holders meet D-8-2 requirements, only venture activity related to their own research or field is allowed as out-of-status activity.
6. Common problems
- Applying before the venture confirmation is issued
- IP proof stuck at the application stage and thin evidence
- Missing the pre-venture window (within 6 months of founding)
7. How A-One Certified Administrative Agent can help
We check whether D-8-2 or D-8-4 fits, the preparation order for confirmations and assessments, and the submission package. No result can be promised, and we do not handle litigation or court representation (outside the scope of an administrative scrivener).
Official Basis
"Among persons who established (or are preparing) a venture company under the Act on Special Measures for the Promotion of Venture Businesses with outstanding technology such as owned IP: the representative of a company with venture (or pre-venture) confirmation, or of a company assessed as technologically excellent" — Residence Manual by Status, Corporate Investment (D-8), Venture Investment (D-8-2) requirements (summarized from the Korean original)
"Confirmation of venture or pre-venture status is carried out by the Korea Technology Finance Corporation, the SME promotion corporation or the Korea Venture Capital Association."
Basis: Ministry of Justice Residence Manual by Status (as of September 2026). Immigration offices decide each case and may request additional documents; no outcome can be promised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without a venture confirmation?
Representatives of companies assessed as technologically excellent are also covered. Which route fits needs case-by-case checking.
Are pre-venture companies eligible?
Yes, pre-venture confirmation for companies preparing incorporation or business registration, or within 6 months of founding, also qualifies.
Where is venture confirmation issued?
By the Korea Technology Finance Corporation, the SME promotion corporation or the Korea Venture Capital Association.
How long is the stay?
D-8-2 has a maximum stay of 2 years per grant.
Can a researcher run venture activity alongside?
Registered E-1, E-3, E-4 or E-5 holders meeting the requirements may carry out venture activity related to their own research or field as out-of-status activity.
Related Guides
Consultation
에이원 행정사사무소 (A-One Certified Administrative Agent) is an administrative office that supports document preparation and filing with the authorities. Fees vary by case and are explained during a consultation. Phone 02-309-3107 · Contact: https://investkorea.co.kr/en/contact