The maximum stay per grant under Corporate Investment (D-8) is 5 years for investing in a corporation (D-8-1) and investing in a sole proprietorship (D-8-3), and 2 years for venture investment (D-8-2) and tech startup (D-8-4). Registered foreigners with Professor (E-1), Research (E-3), Technology Instruction (E-4) or Professional (E-5) status who meet the D-8-2 or D-8-4(S) requirements may engage only in activity related to their own research or field, as activity outside their status.
Key Summary
- Maximum stay per grant: 5 years for D-8-1 and D-8-3, 2 years for D-8-2 and D-8-4
- Outside-status activity covers registered foreigners meeting D-8-1/D-8-3 requirements and E-1, E-3, E-4, E-5 holders meeting D-8-2/D-8-4(S) requirements
- E-1, E-3, E-4, E-5 holders: only D-8-2/D-8-4(S) activity related to their own research or field
- Documents follow the visa issuance and status change standards; points-system applicants are exempt from education proof
1. How long is D-8 granted?
The maximum stay that can be granted at once is 5 years for D-8-1 and D-8-3 and 2 years for D-8-2 and D-8-4. The actual period is set during review.
2. Who may carry out activity outside status?
Registered foreigners meeting the D-8-1 and D-8-3 requirements, and registered foreigners with Professor (E-1), Research (E-3), Technology Instruction (E-4) or Professional (E-5) status who meet the D-8-2 and D-8-4(S) requirements.
3. What is the scope for E-1, E-3, E-4 and E-5 holders?
Only D-8-2 and D-8-4(S) activity related to your own research or field is allowed. Startup activity in an unrelated field is outside this scope.
4. Which documents are submitted?
For each of D-8-1, D-8-2, D-8-3 and D-8-4, the document standards for visa issuance and status change apply. Points-system applicants are exempt from education-requirement proof.
5. Points to check before filing
- Whether your current status (E-1, E-3, E-4, E-5, etc.) matches the field of the startup activity
- Planning around the 2-year limit for D-8-2 and D-8-4
- Whether you fall under the points system or an exemption
6. Common problems
- Starting a business unrelated to your research field and exceeding the activity scope
- Mixing up the 5-year and 2-year limits
- Over-preparing education proof when exempt
7. How A-One Certified Administrative Agent can help
We check the link between your current status and the startup field, the stay schedule and 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
What is the maximum for D-8-1?
The maximum stay per grant is 5 years.
And for D-8-2 and D-8-4?
The maximum stay per grant is 2 years.
Can an E-3 researcher pursue startup activity?
Only if the D-8-2 or D-8-4(S) requirements are met and the activity relates to your own research or field.
Which status holders are covered?
Registered foreigners with Professor (E-1), Research (E-3), Technology Instruction (E-4) or Professional (E-5) status.
Must I submit education proof?
Points-system applicants are exempt from education-requirement proof.
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