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
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📌Table of Contents[접기 / 펼치기]
- Overview of Foreign Entrepreneurship & Visa Options in Korea
- Route 1: D-8-1 Corporate Investment Visa (The 100M KRW FDI Model)
- Route 2: D-8-4 Technology Startup Visa (The OASIS Points System)
- Company Incorporation & Commercial Bank Account Setup
- Key Information Matrix
- 🛠️ Recommended Expat Toolkit & Services
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Official Sources & References
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.
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 ↗ |
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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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