A person working as essential personnel at a foreign-invested enterprise under D-8 who receives a dispatch (transfer) order to work at a Korean branch, subsidiary, representative office or other affiliate designated by the Minister of Justice that is set up by an affiliated foreign company can apply for a change of status to intra-company transferee (D-7). You submit the application, statement of reasons, dispatch order issued by the foreign head office (or an employment-scheduled certificate), proof of the affiliation, proof of business funds brought in, the office lease and a list of foreigners working there; a field investigation is mandatory for newly established branches and applicants with past Immigration Act violations.
Key Summary
- Eligible: lawful residents working as D-8 essential personnel who receive a dispatch (transfer) order to a Korean branch, subsidiary or representative office of an affiliated foreign company
- Documents: statement of reasons, dispatch order (or employment-scheduled certificate), proof of affiliation, proof of business funds brought in, office lease, list of foreigners working there
- An out-of-status-activity route for doing D-7 work is also described separately (consent of the original employer, branch permit documents)
- Field investigation is mandatory for newly established branches and applicants with past Immigration Act violations
1. What situation is this about?
When D-8 essential personnel at a foreign-invested enterprise move to another Korean operation of an affiliated foreign company, this is the procedure to change status to D-7 (intra-company transferee).
2. Who is eligible?
A lawful resident working under D-8 as essential personnel at a foreign-invested enterprise who has received a dispatch (transfer) order to work at a Korean branch, subsidiary, representative office or affiliate designated by the Minister of Justice set up by an affiliated foreign company.
3. Which documents are needed?
- Application (Form No. 34), passport and alien registration card, standard photo, fee
- Statement of reasons
- Original dispatch order issued by the foreign head office, or an employment-scheduled certificate
- Copy of the Korean branch permit or liaison office permit of the foreign company
- Proof of the affiliated foreign company (corporate registry copy, etc.)
- Annual tax certificate or proof of business funds brought in (foreign exchange purchase certificate, etc.) for the workplace
- Original office lease and a list of foreigners working there
- If needed, an individual tax payment certificate (withholding receipt or income certificate)
4. Can it be done as out-of-status activity?
The manual also separately describes out-of-status activity in which a D-8 holder does D-7 work within an affiliated company. In that case you submit the application, dispatch order, affiliate proof, business registration copy, documents on the Korean branch report (permit), the original employer's consent and business performance proof (corporate tax payment certificate, etc.). Which route fits needs case-by-case confirmation.
5. What matters in review?
A field investigation is mandatory for newly established branches and applicants with past Immigration Act violations. It is important to show the affiliation, the track record of bringing in business funds and the reality of the office consistently in documents.
6. Common problems
- The dispatch order lacks a clear period or workplace
- Unable to prove affiliation through the corporate registry and shareholder structure
- A new branch with thin proof of office and business funds
7. How A-One Certified Administrative Agent can help
We check which route fits, status change or out-of-status activity, and the affiliation proof and 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
"A lawful resident holding D-8 and working as essential personnel at a foreign-invested enterprise who has received a dispatch (transfer) order to work at a Korean branch, subsidiary, representative office or affiliate designated by the Minister of Justice set up by an affiliated foreign company" — Residence Manual by Status, Intra-company Transferee (D-7), change of status from D-8 to D-7 within affiliated foreign companies (summarized from the Korean original)
"A field investigation is mandatory for newly established branches and applicants with past Immigration Act violations."
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 change from D-8 to D-7?
Lawful residents working as D-8 essential personnel who receive a dispatch (transfer) order to a Korean branch, subsidiary or representative office of an affiliated foreign company are eligible for a change of status.
Where do I get the dispatch order?
Submit the original dispatch order issued by the foreign head office or an employment-scheduled certificate.
How is affiliation proven?
With documents such as the corporate registry copy proving the affiliated foreign company.
Is there a field investigation?
The manual says one is mandatory for newly established branches and applicants with past Immigration Act violations.
Is there another way besides changing status?
Out-of-status activity in which a D-8 holder does D-7 work within an affiliated company is also described separately.
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