The Startup Korea special visa (D-8-4S) is for a person reviewed by the private evaluation committee who obtains a recommendation from the Minister of SMEs and Startups for a tech startup status change and applies for stay within the recommendation’s validity period. A corporation in the technology field reviewed by the committee must be established; if it is not yet established, the corporate registry certificate and business registration copy may be omitted but must be submitted within 6 months together with a stay extension.
Key Summary
- Eligible: those approved by the private evaluation committee for the Startup Korea special visa recommendation
- Requirement: ministerial recommendation for the tech startup status change, applying within its validity period
- Corporation: established in the technology field reviewed by the committee
- Submit: basic documents plus the ministerial recommendation; if not yet incorporated, registry and business registration may be omitted but are due within 6 months with an extension
1. What kind of status is D-8-4S?
A category within Tech Startup (D-8-4) for Startup Korea special visa persons. Instead of the points system it proceeds through the private evaluation committee and a ministerial recommendation.
2. Who is covered?
A person reviewed by the private evaluation committee to obtain the Startup Korea special visa recommendation and who has been recommended by the Minister of SMEs and Startups for the tech startup status change. You must apply for stay within the recommendation’s validity period.
3. Which corporation must be established?
A corporation in the technology field reviewed by the committee. A business unrelated to the reviewed technology makes the requirement hard to meet.
4. Which documents are submitted?
The basic documents plus the ministerial recommendation. The basics are the application form, passport, standard photo, proof of address (lease, etc.), corporate registry certificate and business registration copy, and a copy of the degree certificate or a recommendation from the head of a relevant central agency.
5. What if the corporation does not yet exist?
If incorporation is not complete, the registry certificate and business registration copy may be omitted, but both must be submitted within 6 months together with a stay extension. This applies to persons under the points system and to Startup Korea special visa persons.
6. Common problems
- Applying for stay after the recommendation’s validity has lapsed
- Establishing a company in a field different from the reviewed technology
- Missing the 6-month deadline after omitting documents before incorporation
7. How A-One Certified Administrative Agent can help
We check the recommendation validity and the incorporation and submission schedule, and organize the documents. No result can be promised, and we do not handle litigation or court representation (outside the scope of an administrative scrivener).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does D-8-4S go through the points system?
The manual describes it as a special category proceeding through committee review and ministerial recommendation instead.
By when must I apply once I have the recommendation?
You must apply for stay within the recommendation’s validity period.
Can I apply before the company exists?
The registry certificate and business registration copy may be omitted, but they must be submitted within 6 months with a stay extension.
In which field should the corporation be?
It must fall within the technology field reviewed by the committee.
What extra document is needed?
The basic documents plus the ministerial recommendation.
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