Contents
1. Document Categories Overview
The D-8 visa requires documents in four main categories. You must complete each category before submitting your application:
- Personal documents: Your identity, qualifications, and background
- Korean company documents: Proof the Korean company is established and operational
- Investment proof: Confirming the minimum KRW 100M investment has been made
- Overseas company documents: Required only for D-8-2 and corporate investment cases where a foreign parent company is investing
Unlike some visas where you apply before setting up the business, the D-8 requires that your investment is already registered and the Korean company is established before you can apply for the visa. Do not try to apply before completing this step.
2. Personal Documents
| Document | Requirements | Apostille Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | At least 6 months validity; original + copy of all pages | No |
| Visa application form (통합신청서) | Completed, signed | No |
| Passport-size photo | White background, recent (within 6 months) | No |
| Application fee | KRW 130,000 (single) / KRW 90,000 (multiple) | N/A |
| Educational certificates | University degrees; relevant business/professional qualifications | Yes + Korean translation |
| Personal criminal background check | From country of citizenship; recent (within 6 months) | Yes + Korean translation |
| Business experience proof | Work history documents showing relevant business experience (employment certificates, tax records) | Yes + Korean translation |
3. Korean Company Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Korean business registration certificate (사업자등록증) | Must be in applicant's name or show applicant as representative |
| Corporate registration (법인등기부등본) | Full corporate registry document from the court registry |
| Articles of incorporation (정관) | Company charter/bylaws |
| Shareholder registry | Showing applicant's ownership stake |
| Company seal certificate (법인인감증명서) | From the court registry |
| Business plan | Detailed description of business activities, target market, revenue plan, and employee hiring plan |
| Office lease / property ownership | Proof of actual place of business (real lease contract, not virtual office for D-8-1) |
| Financial statements | If company has been operating: most recent audited financials |
4. Investment Proof Documents
These are the most critical documents for the D-8 application, as they prove the investment requirement has been satisfied.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (외국인투자기업등록증명서) | Issued by KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) or the relevant regional office. This is the central document confirming FDI registration. |
| Bank transfer records (remittance proof) | SWIFT transfer records showing foreign funds remitted to Korea from overseas bank account. Must match the registered investment amount. |
| Korean company bank account statement | Showing receipt of investment funds into the Korean company account |
| Investment contract (if applicable) | Formal investment agreement between the investor and the Korean company |
| Capital injection certificate | Notarized proof of capital contribution into the Korean company |
Before applying for the D-8 visa, you must complete Foreign Investment Registration (외국인투자 신고) with KOTRA or a designated bank. This registration process confirms your investment meets the legal requirements. The resulting certificate (외국인투자기업등록증명서) is mandatory for the visa application.
5. Overseas Company Documents (D-8-2 / Corporate Investment)
If the investment is made by a foreign legal entity (not an individual), or if you are applying under D-8-2 (qualified foreign investment), additional overseas company documents are required:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Foreign company registration / incorporation certificate | Official proof the overseas company is legally incorporated; apostille required |
| Financial statements (overseas company) | Most recent 1–2 years of audited financials |
| Board resolution authorizing Korea investment | Corporate board decision approving the Korean investment; apostille required |
| Relationship proof | Documents showing applicant's authorized role in the overseas company |
6. Apostille & Translation Requirements
| Document Type | Apostille/Auth Required | Korean Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign personal documents (degrees, criminal check) | Yes — apostille (Hague countries) or consular authentication | Certified Korean translation required |
| Overseas company documents (incorporation, financials) | Yes — apostille or consular authentication | Certified Korean translation required |
| Korean company documents | No (issued in Korea) | No (already in Korean) |
| Investment registration certificate (KOTRA) | No (issued in Korea) | No (already in Korean) |
| Bank transfer records | No | Bank statements in foreign language need Korean translation |
All Korean translations must be done by a certified translator or a government-recognized translation service. Self-translations are not accepted. Use a translation company registered with the Korean court or immigration authorities.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
We help foreign investors prepare the full D-8 document package — from KOTRA registration to apostille coordination — entirely in English.
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