D-8 Foreign Investment Visa Korea: Complete 2026 Guide

The D-8 visa (Corporate Investment) allows foreign nationals to reside in Korea as investors or executives of a foreign-invested company. This is one of the most popular business visas for entrepreneurs and corporate executives entering the Korean market.

What is the D-8 Visa?

The D-8 visa is issued to foreign nationals who:

• Invest USD 100 million or more in a Korean company
• Hold a position as an executive or manager in a foreign-invested enterprise
• Are dispatched by a foreign company to manage its Korean subsidiary or branch

Key Requirements

Minimum Investment Amount

• Standard: USD 100 million (₩130 million KRW)
• Joint ventures: Meet the minimum threshold collectively

Eligible Applicants

1. Foreign investor who directly invested in a Korean company
2. Executive dispatched by a foreign parent company
3. Spouse and minor children of D-8 visa holders (eligible for F-3)

Required Documents

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Foreign investment registration certificate (외국인투자신고서)
• Corporate registration documents
• Executive appointment letter
• Financial statements of the foreign parent company
• Proof of investment amount

Application Process

Step 1 — Foreign Investment Registration
Register your investment with KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) or a bank authorized for foreign exchange.

Step 2 — Incorporate a Korean Company
Establish a limited liability company (유한회사) or joint-stock company (주식회사) in Korea.

Step 3 — D-8 Visa Application
Apply at the Korean embassy/consulate in your home country, or change status at a Korean immigration office if already in Korea.

Step 4 — Alien Registration
Within 90 days of entry, register at the local immigration office to receive your Alien Registration Card (ARC).

How VISAS KOREA Can Help

Setting up a foreign-invested company and obtaining the D-8 visa involves complex regulatory requirements. Our team of certified administrative lawyers (행정사) provides:

• Company formation assistance
• Foreign investment registration with KOTRA
• D-8 visa application preparation and submission
• Ongoing compliance support

📞 Contact us: 02-363-2251 | Free Consultation →