D-8 individual investors who invest under 300 million won submit, in addition to the basic documents, capital-use proof (receipts for purchased goods, office interior costs, domestic bank account transaction statements, etc.), and may also be asked for home-country documents on business experience in the field. For changing to D-8 inside Korea, the manual advises small investors under 300 million won, wherever possible, to leave and obtain a visa before entering.
Key Summary
- Extra documents: capital-use proof (receipts for goods, office interior costs, domestic bank account statements, etc.)
- Home-country documents on business experience in the field if required
- Status change: with 300 million won or more or substantial investment results, allowed after close review; under 300 million won, small investors are advised to leave and obtain a visa
- Extensions also carry the additional documents for individual investors under 300 million won
1. What changes under 300 million won?
Additional documents are requested beyond the basic ones to confirm in more detail the genuineness of the investment and that the funds were actually used in the business.
2. Which extra documents?
- Capital-use proof: receipts for purchased goods, office interior costs, domestic bank account transaction statements, etc.
- Home-country documents on business experience in the relevant field (if required)
3. What about changing status?
Changes to corporate investment (D-8) from statuses that do not permit it are in principle not allowed. If there are special grounds such as recognized genuineness of investment, with an investment of 300 million won or more or substantial investment results, the head of the competent immigration office may allow it after close review; small investors under 300 million won are advised, wherever possible, to leave and obtain a visa before entering.
4. And at extension?
Extensions for D-8-1 and D-8-3 also include additional documents for individual investors under 300 million won (capital-use proof and, if required, home-country business-experience documents).
5. Preparation tips
- Organize receipts and bank statements by month so the flow of funds is visible
- Keep interior and equipment costs together with contracts, tax invoices and payment records
- If you have a Korean co-owner, note that a remark in the immigration system is required for co-owners or additional owners under 300 million won
6. Common problems
- Capital was brought in but there are no receipts to prove how it was used
- Personal and corporate account flows are mixed so the use is unclear
- Expecting a D-8 change inside Korea without leaving and being refused
7. How A-One Certified Administrative Agent can help
We review how to organize capital-use records and whether changing inside Korea or leaving and re-entering fits. No result can be promised, and we do not handle litigation or court representation (outside the scope of an administrative scrivener).
Official Basis
"Additional documents for individual investors with investment under 300 million won: capital-use proof (receipts for purchased goods, office interior costs, domestic bank account transaction statements, etc.); home-country documents on business experience in the relevant field (if required)" — Residence Manual by Status, Corporate Investment (D-8), documents for change of status (summarized from the Korean original)
"Changes to D-8 from statuses that do not permit it are in principle not allowed … in cases such as investment of 300 million won or more or substantial results, after close review the change may be allowed (small investors under 300 million won are advised, wherever possible, to leave and obtain a visa)."
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 get D-8 with under 300 million won?
It depends on individual review, and individual investors under 300 million won must submit additional documents such as capital-use proof.
What do I submit as capital-use proof?
Receipts for purchased goods, office interior costs, domestic bank account transaction statements, etc.
Can I switch to D-8 inside Korea?
Only in cases such as 300 million won or more or substantial investment results may it be allowed after close review; small investors are advised, wherever possible, to leave and obtain a visa.
Are business-experience documents mandatory?
Home-country documents on business experience in the field are requested if required.
Do I submit the same documents at extension?
The additional documents for individual investors under 300 million won are also listed for extensions.
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