The corporate investment visa for foreigners investing KRW 100 million or more in a Korean national's sole proprietorship, from requirements and documents to extension
The investment in a sole proprietorship (D-8-3) visa is a corporate investment status of stay for foreigners who invest at least KRW 100 million in a sole proprietorship (foreign-invested company) run by a Korean national, hold at least 10% of the total contribution, and are listed with the Korean national as co-representative on the business registration certificate. The Korean co-owner's business capital must also be at least KRW 100 million, and the maximum period of stay granted at one time is 5 years. A-One Certified Administrative Agent handles everything from reviewing the joint business structure and the foreign investment report to the D-8-3 application and extension.
| Who | Foreigners who invest in a sole proprietorship (foreign-invested company) run by a Korean national and are listed as co-representative, and that company's essential professionals (excluding staff hired in Korea) |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Investment of at least KRW 100 million and at least 10% of the total contribution, co-representative listing with a Korean national on the business registration certificate, and at least KRW 100 million in business capital from the Korean co-owner |
| Process | Joint business agreement → foreign investment report → remittance of investment funds → business registration as co-owners → foreign-invested company registration → visa issuance confirmation or change of status → alien registration |
| Documents | Application form, passport, photo, business registration certificate showing the co-owners, original joint business agreement, foreign-invested company registration certificate, proof of the Korean co-owner's business capital, proof of investment fund inflow, proof that the business premises exist |
| Processing time | Varies by the competent immigration office and review status; investments under KRW 300 million involve a review of additional documents |
Each answer starts with the conclusion, then the cases, documents and timing.
You are eligible for D-8-3 if you invest at least KRW 100 million in a sole proprietorship run by a Korean national, hold at least 10% of the total contribution, and are listed with the Korean national as co-representative on the business registration certificate. You submit the original joint business agreement and a business registration certificate showing the co-owners. Simply lending money does not qualify.
Yes. The Korean co-owner's business capital must also be at least KRW 100 million, and you submit documents proving how it was used. If only the foreigner's KRW 100 million is in place and the Korean side's funds fall short, the requirement is not met. The fund records of both partners are organized together from the start.
D-8-1 allows sole investment with at least 10% of a corporation's shares (or an executive dispatch/appointment), while D-8-3 is a structure in which you run a sole proprietorship together with a Korean national as co-representative. For both, the maximum period granted at one time is 5 years. The choice depends on whether you have a partner, the scope of liability and the tax structure.
A cash contribution is proven with a permit to take foreign currency out (if applicable) and records of investment fund inflow such as a remittance confirmation, foreign exchange purchase certificate and customs declaration; an in-kind contribution is proven with a confirmation of completed in-kind contribution and an import declaration certificate. Remittance in your own name is the rule, and a spouse's or minor child's name is accepted as an exception. Funds are sent through the designated channel after the foreign investment report.
You additionally submit proof of capital usage (purchase receipts, interior costs, Korean bank account transaction history) and, if required, documents showing experience in the relevant business. For sole proprietorships the reality of the business premises is examined especially closely, so prepare the office lease agreement and photos of the premises as well.
Once the co-owner business registration and foreign-invested company registration are complete, a certificate of visa issuance confirmation can be applied for in Korea, and you can use it to obtain the visa at a Korean mission abroad and enter. Signing the joint business agreement and similar steps can be prepared abroad. After entry, you complete alien registration.
If you meet the requirements, you can apply for a change of status within Korea. Nationals of the UK, France or Ireland who entered on certain statuses cannot change status and must leave Korea and obtain a visa. For statuses where a change is not allowed, an exception may be granted after in-depth review only where there is a special reason, such as a large investment of KRW 300 million or more, so this is checked in advance.
You submit the business registration certificate showing the co-owners, the joint business agreement, proof of the Korean co-owner's business capital, proof of investment fund inflow, proof of tax payment or VAT tax base, business performance records and proof that the premises exist. The key point is whether the co-representative relationship is maintained. If the partnership has changed, consult in advance.
Because D-8-3 requires co-representative listing with a Korean national, you may lose eligibility if the co-representative leaves. Options include bringing in a new co-owner or converting to a corporation to meet the D-8-1 requirements. Check the impact on your stay before any change.
We review your investment structure and documents and set out the right sub-category and order of steps.
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