1. Overview
The D-8 Corporate Investment Visa is a long-term residency status granted under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act to foreign investors who have invested KRW 100 million or more in a Korean corporation and are actively operating that corporation. Vision Administrative Law Office (VISASKOREA) provides one-stop service covering the entire process from foreign investment reporting and corporation establishment to D-8 visa issuance.
2. Requirements
- Investment of KRW 100 million or more in a completed Korean corporation, holding 10% or more of its voting shares (or holding shares together with an executive dispatch/appointment contract), under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act
- Proof of legal source of investment funds (overseas remittance records)
- Essential professional personnel (management/administration or production/technology) of the foreign-invested corporation; persons recruited in Korea are excluded (D-8-1)
3. Required Documents
4. Application Process
- Consultation — review of investment scale and corporation type
- Foreign investment report at foreign exchange bank
- Establish Korean corporation (registered capital KRW 100M+)
- Open corporate bank account and deposit investment funds
- Register as foreign-invested enterprise
- Apply for visa issuance confirmation (or status change if already in Korea)
- Obtain D-8 visa at Korean embassy in home country (or change of status)
- Register as foreigner within 90 days of entry
5. FAQ
Q. Can the KRW 100M investment be cash or in-kind?
A. The Ministry of Justice manual lists supporting documents for both cash investment and in-kind contribution; the documents differ for each.
Q. Can family members reside together?
A. Yes. A spouse and minor children may reside together under the F-3 (dependent) status accompanying the D-8 holder.
Q. How long is the D-8 visa valid?
A. The maximum period of stay granted at one time is 5 years for D-8-1 and D-8-3 and 2 years for D-8-2 and D-8-4. The actual period is decided by the immigration office.
Q. Can D-8 be converted to F-2 or F-5?
A. Possibly, if you meet the requirements of the target status (for example the F-2-7 points system or an F-5 category). Check eligibility with the immigration office before applying.