Starting a Business in Korea as a Foreigner: D-8 (Corporate Investor) & OASIS Startup Visa Roadmap (2026)
Step-by-step roadmap for incorporating a company in South Korea. Covers Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 100M KRW notification, D-8 corporate investor visa, OASIS tech points, and commercial bank account setup.
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- Overview: Key requirements and essential steps for Work & Business
- Source Authority: Based on South Korean government and ministry public guidelines
- Action: Review key details below before submitting applications or visiting
01 Overview of Foreign Entrepreneurship & Visa Options in Korea
South Korea actively encourages foreign direct investment (FDI) and innovative startups through robust tax incentives, free economic zones, and streamlined visa categories.
Foreign entrepreneurs primarily utilize two visa frameworks: the D-8 Corporate Investor Visa (capital investment model) and the D-8-4 OASIS Tech Startup Visa (points-based incubator model).
02 Route 1: D-8-1 Corporate Investment Visa (The 100M KRW FDI Model)
To qualify for a D-8-1 Corporate Investor Visa, you must meet statutory Foreign Direct Investment Act standards:
1) Capital Requirement: Invest at least 100,000,000 KRW (~$75,000 USD) in a newly established Korean corporation (Chusik Hoesa or Yuhan Hoesa).
2) Equity Requirement: The foreign investor must own at least 10% of the voting shares with management rights.
3) FDI Notification: Report the investment to KOTRA (Invest Korea) or a designated foreign exchange bank in Korea prior to wiring the capital from an overseas bank account in the investor's name.
2026 해외송금 수수료 & 중개료 전수 비교 시뮬레이터
시중 5대 은행 SWIFT 망 대비 핀테크 실시간 추가 수령액 비교
Expat Visa & Welfare All-in-One Administrative Matrix
Essential administrative matrix for municipal officers & expats: work scope, safety audit, HiKorea deadlines & local clinics.
Non-Professional Employment (EPS)
Target Group: 제조업, 농축산업, 어업, 건설업, 일부 서비스업 현장 근로자
Strictly limited to the assigned workplace approved under the EPS employment permit. Unauthorized transfers prohibited (workplace transfer permitted only with Job Center approval).
Family accompaniment (F-3 dependent visa) is generally not permitted.
Mandatory National Health Insurance (Employee plan from day 1). Free tuberculosis and basic health checkups at local public health centers.
Alien Registration: within 90 days of arrival. Change of Residence: within 14 days. Employment changes: within 15 days on HiKorea.
Immigration Act Enforcement Decree Art. 92-2: Civil servants exempt from reporting visa status during public health treatments, wage theft remedies, or crime reporting.
⚠️Crucial Compliance Checklist & Pitfalls
- •Leaving designated workplace without approval results in illegal status & re-entry bans
- •Private recruiter fees and verbal contracts are strictly illegal under EPS law
- •Excessive dormitory fee deductions can be petitioned at Ministry of Employment (1350)
03 Route 2: D-8-4 Technology Startup Visa (The OASIS Points System)
For technology founders who lack 100M KRW in initial capital, the Ministry of Justice operates the Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System (OASIS).
Founders accumulate points (minimum 80 points required out of 438 total) through OASIS training courses, patent/intellectual property registrations in Korea, winning government startup competitions (e.g., K-Startup Grand Challenge), or securing Korean VC investment.
04 Company Incorporation & Commercial Bank Account Setup
Once capital is received at the escrow bank, complete commercial court incorporation registration (Beobwon Deunggi-so) through a licensed judicial scrivener (Beobmusa).
Next, obtain your Corporate Business Registration Certificate (Saeopja Deungrok-jeung) from the jurisdictional District Tax Office (Semuso) and convert your escrow capital into a standard commercial corporate checking account.
Detailed Information Matrix
| Item / Parameter | Category / Scope | Details & Criteria | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum FDI Capital | D-8-1 Visa | Minimum 100,000,000 KRW wired from overseas under investor's name | Official Link ↗ |
| OASIS Point Threshold | D-8-4 Tech Visa | Minimum 80 points required (Patents, OASIS incubator courses, VC funding) | Official Link ↗ |
| FDI Notification Agency | Government Bureau | KOTRA Invest KOREA Plaza / Foreign Exchange Commercial Banks | Official Link ↗ |
| Tax Office Business Registration | Tax Compliance | Issued within 3 business days at District Tax Office (Semuso) | Official Link ↗ |
NordVPN Business & Nomad Security
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GearUP Ultra-Low Latency Network
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Temu Influencer & Affiliate Partner Program
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Editorial Disclosure: Living in Korea is an independent, reader-supported publication. When you select and register through our verified partner links, we may receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. We exclusively recommend services rigorously vetted for regulatory compliance and everyday expat utility in South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QCan a foreigner start a Sole Proprietorship (Saeopja) instead of a Corporation?
Sole proprietorships are generally restricted to long-term residency visas (F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6). Foreigners on temporary or overseas visas must incorporate as a legal corporate entity (Chusik Hoesa or Yuhan Hoesa) to sponsor a D-8 visa.
QDo I need a physical office space to incorporate a Korean business?
Yes. The district tax office strictly requires a verified commercial lease agreement under the corporation's name. Virtual or shared offices are scrutinized to ensure real operational substance.
QWhat tax incentives are available for foreign-invested companies in Korea?
Companies in Foreign Investment Zones or high-tech sectors may qualify for local property and corporate tax exemptions, cash grants for job creation, and customs duty exemptions on capital goods.
References & Official Sources
※ This guide is drafted in adherence to official notices from South Korean ministries and authorized public agencies.
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