D-8 Visa Korea — Corporate Investment Visa Complete Guide 2026
The D-8 Corporate Investment Visa (기업투자) is designed for foreign nationals who invest in or establish a business in South Korea. It is one of the most sought-after long-term visas for entrepreneurs and corporate executives.
What is the D-8 Visa?
The D-8 visa allows foreign investors to reside in Korea while managing their investment. Unlike other work visas, the D-8 is tied to investment activity rather than employment with a Korean employer.
D-8 Visa Requirements
Minimum Investment Threshold
- General: USD 100,000 (approximately KRW 130,000,000)
- Technology/Special industries: USD 50,000 may qualify
- Investment must be registered as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with the Korea Exchange
Employment Requirement
- Must employ at least 2 full-time Korean national employees
- Employment must be maintained throughout the visa period
Business Activity Requirement
- Active business operations in Korea
- Not applicable to passive investments (stocks, real estate only)
Application Process
1. Establish the Company
Complete Korean company registration and obtain:
- Business registration certificate (사업자등록증)
- Corporate registration (법인등기사항전부증명서)
- FDI certificate
2. Prepare Application Documents
Required documents for D-8 visa:
- Visa application form
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Photo (3.5×4.5cm)
- Business registration certificate
- Corporate registration extract
- FDI certificate
- Financial statements (if existing business)
- Proof of investment (bank transfer records)
- Proof of employment of Korean nationals (employment contracts, payroll records)
3. Submit Application
- Apply at the nearest Korean Embassy/Consulate (if abroad)
- Apply at the Immigration Office (if already in Korea on another visa status)
D-8 Visa Duration and Renewal
| Status | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial issuance | Up to 2 years |
| First renewal | Up to 2 years |
| Subsequent renewals | Up to 3 years |
Renewal requires continued investment and employment of Korean nationals.
D-8 to Permanent Residency Path
After holding D-8 status for 5+ years with continuous business activity:
- May qualify for F-2 (long-term residence) visa
- Eventually eligible for F-5 (permanent residence) through points system
Common Rejection Reasons
- Insufficient evidence of active business operations
- Employment of fewer than 2 Korean national employees
- Investment amount below threshold
- Business address issues (virtual office concerns)
- Poor financial status of the company
Related Visas
| Visa | Description |
|---|---|
| D-7 | Intracompany transferee (dispatched from overseas parent) |
| D-9 | Trade and business visa |
| E-7 | Specially designated activities (hired professional) |
FAQ
Q: Can my spouse and children accompany me on a D-8 visa? A: Yes. Dependents can obtain F-3 (accompanying family) status.
Q: What if my company's financial performance is poor in the first year? A: Renewal may still be possible if you demonstrate continued operations and meet employment requirements.
비전행정사사무소 | D-8 비자 전문 상담: 02-363-2251