D-8 Visa Eligibility/Process/Documents
Detailed guide for D-8 Corporate Investment Visa application
Eligible Applicants
FDI Company CEO
Representative of a foreign-invested enterprise with KRW 100 million+ investment
Essential Professional Personnel
Essential professionals in management, administration, production, or technology at the FDI enterprise
Venture Investor
Venture company investor under the Venture Business Act (KRW 300 million+)
Technology Entrepreneur
Foreigner who started a business with intellectual property rights or equivalent technology
Application Procedure
FDI Report & Company Establishment
Complete foreign investment report through KOTRA or foreign exchange bank, complete corporate registration
Business & FDI Enterprise Registration
Business registration at tax office, FDI enterprise registration at MOTIE
Visa Document Preparation
Prepare documents for status change or certificate of visa issuance
Immigration Office Application
Apply for D-8 status change or certificate of visa issuance at the immigration office
Review & Issuance
Visa issued after document review (approximately 2-4 weeks)
Required Documents
Basic Documents
- • Integrated application form (immigration office form)
- • Passport original and copy
- • Standard passport photo 1 (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
- • Fee
- • Copy of FDI enterprise registration certificate
- • Corporate registration certificate
- • Copy of business registration certificate
Additional Documents (Investor/CEO)
- • Copy of foreign investment report
- • Proof of investment fund remittance
- • Shareholder registry
- • Tax payment certificate
- • Business premises lease agreement
Additional Documents (Essential Personnel)
- • Employment contract
- • Career certificate or degree certificate
- • Statement of necessity for the position
Notes
- - Documents must be issued within 3 months of the application date.
- - Foreign language documents require notarized Korean translation.
- - Review period is approximately 2-4 weeks and may be extended if additional documents are requested.
- - Requirements may differ between status change and certificate of visa issuance applications.
D-8 Visa Key Requirements in Detail
Minimum Investment Amount
At least KRW 100 million must be invested under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. Investment funds must be remitted from overseas in foreign currency; funds raised domestically are not recognized.
FDI Enterprise Registration
Registration as a foreign-invested enterprise with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) must be completed. The FDI enterprise registration certificate is required for the visa application.
Physical Business Premises
An actual operating business location is required. A lease agreement or proof of ownership for an office is necessary. Virtual offices without real business operations may result in visa rejection.
Tax Compliance
CEOs may need to prove compliance with tax obligations in Korea or their home country. A tax payment certificate or equivalent document should be prepared.
Professional Personnel Qualifications
Applicants applying as essential professional personnel must have relevant educational qualifications or work experience. A bachelor's degree or higher, or 5+ years of relevant experience, is generally required.
D-8 Visa Renewal & Maintenance
- ▪ The initial period of stay for a D-8 visa is 1-3 years; renewal is possible if requirements are maintained.
- ▪ At renewal, you must demonstrate the company's normal operation (tax payments, employee hiring, actual business activities).
- ▪ If the investment amount changes, a change report must be filed before applying for renewal.
- ▪ The visa may be cancelled if the FDI enterprise registration is revoked or the company is dissolved.
- ▪ After holding a D-8 visa for 5+ years, you may consider transitioning to F-2 (Residence) status.
Frequently Asked Questions (D-8 Visa)
Q. What is the minimum investment for a D-8 visa?
A. At least KRW 100 million is required under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. For venture companies, KRW 300 million or more is required. Funds must be remitted directly from overseas in foreign currency.
Q. Can I apply for a D-8 visa before establishing a company in Korea?
A. No. The D-8 visa is issued to CEOs or essential personnel of companies already registered as foreign-invested enterprises. Please complete company establishment and FDI enterprise registration first.
Q. How long does the D-8 visa process take?
A. After completing company setup and FDI registration, the visa process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Additional document requests can extend this timeline. Plan ahead around major holidays.
Q. Do all documents need to be translated into Korean?
A. Yes, foreign language documents require notarized Korean translation by a certified translator. Some English documents may be accepted without notarization — confirm with your agent beforehand.
Q. Can my family join me on a D-8 visa?
A. Yes. Spouses and minor children of D-8 visa holders can stay under F-3 (Dependent) status. Family relationship documents and proof of the D-8 holder's status are required.
Q. Can I work part-time at another company on a D-8 visa?
A. No. The D-8 visa only allows activities at the relevant foreign-invested enterprise. Working at other companies may violate the Immigration Control Act.
Q. Can I transition from D-8 to permanent residency (F-5)?
A. Yes. After holding the D-8 visa for a certain period and meeting income and investment requirements, you can transition to F-2 (Residence) and then F-5 (Permanent Residency).
Q. What happens to my visa if the company closes?
A. If the FDI enterprise registration is revoked or the company dissolves, the visa may be cancelled. Promptly consider transitioning to another residency status.
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