Changing to corporate investment (D-8) inside Korea from statuses that do not permit it is in principle not allowed; only with special grounds, such as recognized genuineness and an investment of 300 million won or more or substantial investment results, may the head of the competent immigration office allow it after close review. Irish, French and UK nationals who entered under D-3, E-9, E-10, H-2, G-1 or H-1 are listed as not allowed to change (nationals of other countries can), Germans who entered visa-free (B-1) may change to any long-term status except D-3, E-9 and H-1, and Chileans on a short-term visit (C-3-4) may change to D-7, D-8 or D-9 if the requirements are met.
Key Summary
- Principle: statuses not permitted to change to D-8 cannot change inside Korea; only special grounds (300 million won or more, etc.) are allowed after close review
- Listed as not allowed: Irish, French and UK nationals who entered under D-3, E-9, E-10, H-2, G-1 or H-1 (others can)
- Germans (B-1 entry): can change to any long-term status except D-3, E-9 and H-1, with the period at the per-status maximum
- Chileans (C-3-4): change permit for D-7, D-8 or D-9 if requirements are met
1. Can I change to D-8 inside Korea?
Changes to corporate investment (D-8) from statuses that do not permit it are in principle not allowed. In such cases you are advised to leave and enter with a visa.
2. Are there exceptions?
With special grounds such as recognized genuineness of the investment (for example an investment of 300 million won or more, or substantial investment results), the head of the competent regional immigration office may allow a change after close review.
3. What differs by nationality?
- Irish, French and UK nationals who entered under technical training (D-3), non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer (E-10), visiting employment (H-2), other (G-1) or working holiday (H-1) are listed as not allowed to change (nationals of other countries can).
- Germans who entered visa-free (B-1) can change to any long-term status except D-3, E-9 and H-1, with the period being the per-status maximum per grant.
- Chileans with a short-term visit status (C-3-4) can receive a change permit under the Korea-Chile FTA if they meet the requirements of intra-company transferee (D-7), corporate investment (D-8) or trade management (D-9).
4. What are the requirements for the Chile FTA change?
Business persons who intend to act as managers or executives or in capacities involving essential technology, mainly engaged in trade in goods or services, or who have invested or are in the process of investing substantial capital and provide advice or essential technical services for establishing, developing, managing or operating that investment. The documents to submit are those that can confirm the qualification.
5. What to check before applying
- Your current status and the type of visa at entry
- Whether a nationality exception (Germany, Chile) applies
- The investment amount and results (300 million won benchmark)
6. Common problems
- Filing without knowing the nationality and entry-status combination is not allowed
- Expecting a change inside Korea despite a small investment
- Not preparing enough documents to confirm qualifications for the Chile FTA route
7. How A-One Certified Administrative Agent can help
We first check whether a change inside Korea is possible for your current status and nationality and, if not, guide the visa-issuance route. No result can be promised, and we do not handle litigation or court representation (outside the scope of an administrative scrivener).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch to D-8 inside Korea after entering as a tourist?
Statuses not permitted to change to D-8 in principle cannot, and only special grounds allow it after close review.
Is it easier for German nationals?
Germans who entered visa-free (B-1) can change to any long-term status except D-3, E-9 and H-1, the manual says.
What about UK, French and Irish nationals?
Those entering under D-3, E-9, E-10, H-2, G-1 or H-1 are listed as not allowed to change, while nationals of other countries can.
And Chileans?
Chileans with short-term visit status (C-3-4) may receive a change permit for D-7, D-8 or D-9 if they meet the requirements.
Is under 300 million won hopeless?
You are advised, wherever possible, to leave and obtain a visa; with 300 million won or more or substantial investment results, it may be allowed after close review.
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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