Contents
1. Overview: D-7 and D-8
Both the D-7 and D-8 are Korean business visas for foreign nationals with a corporate presence in Korea. However, they serve very different purposes:
- D-7 (주재): For employees of a foreign company who are dispatched to a Korean branch or subsidiary. The key is an existing employment relationship — you're sent by your overseas employer.
- D-8 (기업투자): For foreign nationals who personally invest capital to establish or operate a Korean company. You're an investor, not just an employee.
2. Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | D-7 (주재) | D-8 (기업투자) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa name | Corporate dispatch / Intra-company transfer | Corporate investor |
| Who applies | Employee dispatched by foreign company | Foreign investor in a Korean company |
| Capital requirement | None | Minimum KRW 100M (≈ USD 75,000) |
| Korean entity required | Yes — pre-existing branch or subsidiary | Can establish new; minimum setup required |
| Employer | Foreign parent company | Applicant is investor/owner |
| Overseas company required | Yes — must be dispatched by foreign company | No — independent investment |
| Minimum overseas tenure | 1 year at dispatching company | None |
| Business freedom | Limited to dispatch role / Korean entity | Can manage and operate invested company |
| Stay period | Up to 2 years (max 5 total) | Up to 2 years (renewable) |
| Family allowed | F-3 dependent visa | F-3 dependent visa |
| Path to PR | Via F-2-7 or F-5 after long residence | Via F-5-5 (investor KRW 500M+) or F-2-7 |
| Best for | MNC executives, regional managers, specialists | Entrepreneurs, startup founders, SME investors |
3. D-7 Intra-Company Transfer: Details
The D-7 visa is the right choice when:
- You work for a multinational company that has (or plans to open) a Korean branch or subsidiary
- Your overseas employer is formally dispatching you to Korea for a set period
- You have worked at the overseas company for at least 1 year
- You are an executive, manager, or technical specialist
- You do not want to personally invest capital in Korea
D-7 Sub-types
- D-7-1: General corporate dispatch to Korean branch/subsidiary/affiliate
- D-7-2: Trade company employee dispatched to manage Korean trade operations
4. D-8 Corporate Investor: Details
The D-8 visa is the right choice when:
- You want to establish or have already established a Korean company
- You are investing your own capital (minimum KRW 100M) in the Korean company
- You want to manage and operate the company as its investor/representative
- You do not have an overseas employer dispatching you
D-8 Sub-types
- D-8-1: General corporate investment (KRW 100M+)
- D-8-2: Qualified foreign investment (foreign investment promotion law)
- D-8-3: Tech startup (recognized by TIPS or equivalent program)
- D-8-4: Startup via recognized startup visa program (reduced capital requirements)
5. Which Visa Is Right for You?
| Your Situation | Recommended Visa |
|---|---|
| My company is sending me to manage our Korean office | D-7-1 |
| I work for a foreign trade company and will manage Korea trade operations | D-7-2 |
| I want to start my own business in Korea with personal capital | D-8-1 |
| I'm a tech entrepreneur with a startup | D-8-3 or D-8-4 |
| I want to invest KRW 500M+ and eventually get PR | D-8-2 → F-5-5 |
| I was laid off from D-7 role and want to stay in Korea | D-10 (job seeker) or change to E-7 |
6. Can I Switch Between D-7 and D-8?
Yes, status changes between D-7 and D-8 are possible in certain circumstances:
- D-7 → D-8: If you are currently on D-7 and want to personally invest in and establish a Korean company, you can apply to change status to D-8. You must meet the investment requirements and register a Korean company.
- D-8 → D-7: Less common, but possible if your Korean company becomes a subsidiary of a foreign parent and you are formally dispatched. Requires proper corporate restructuring documentation.
Do Not Work Under the Wrong Visa
Working at a Korean company as an investor/owner while on D-7 (which only allows the dispatch role), or claiming to be a dispatched employee while actually running an independent Korean company on D-8, are both visa violations. Make sure your visa type accurately reflects your role.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the main difference between D-7 and D-8 visa?
The D-7 is for employees dispatched by a foreign company to a Korean branch or subsidiary — no personal capital investment required. The D-8 is for foreign nationals who personally invest capital in a Korean company. D-7 is employment-based; D-8 is investment-based.
Q. How much investment is required for a D-8 visa?
The minimum investment for the D-8 visa is KRW 100 million (approximately USD 75,000). For D-8-4 (technology startups), a reduced minimum may apply with additional qualifications such as a recognized startup certificate.
Q. Can I switch from D-7 to D-8?
Yes. If you are currently on D-7 and want to establish your own Korean company and manage it as an investor, you can apply to change status to D-8. You will need to meet the minimum investment requirements and establish a properly registered Korean company.
Q. Do I need a Korean partner for D-8?
No. The D-8 visa does not require a Korean business partner or co-investor. You can be the sole foreign investor and owner of the Korean company.
Q. Which visa is better for a multinational company sending an executive to Korea?
D-7 is the right choice. It is specifically designed for intra-company transfers and does not require capital investment. The employee retains their employment relationship with the overseas company and is dispatched to the Korean branch or subsidiary.
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