1. Overview
D-7 and D-8 are both visas for foreign executives and managers in Korea, but they differ in eligibility and conditions. D-7 (Intra-Company) is for essential personnel dispatched from a foreign head office or branch to a Korean affiliate, subsidiary, branch or office, and generally requires 1+ years of service there (with some exceptions); persons who fall under D-8 are excluded. D-8-1 (Corporate Investment) covers essential personnel of a foreign-invested Korean corporation and requires an investment of KRW 100 million or more.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Valid passport and ID documents (passport copy, recent photos)
- Visa-specific eligibility (for D-7: service at the foreign head office, dispatch to a Korean affiliate, essential-personnel status; for D-8-1: investment requirements)
- Korean business location or employer/sponsor verification
- No prior immigration violations
3. Required Documents
Specific documents differ by case; please confirm with the competent Immigration Office.
4. Procedure
- Consultation and visa eligibility assessment
- Case-specific document preparation guidance
- Foreign investment declaration or business registration (if applicable)
- Visa Issuance Certificate or direct immigration application
- Visa issuance at Korean embassy in home country
- Alien registration upon arrival (within 90 days)
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does the process take?
A. Processing time varies depending on the competent Immigration Office.
Q. What are the benefits of using an administrative agent?
A. We provide case-by-case review, document preparation, and immigration accompaniment in 4 languages.
Q. Can I request a consultation?
A. Yes. Consultations are available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese via KakaoTalk · WeChat · LINE · WhatsApp.
Q. What if my application is denied?
A. Depending on the denial reason, additional documents, appeals, re-applications, or judicial review are possible options. Strategy varies by case — we recommend consultation first.