The KRW 100M Threshold
The minimum investment of KRW 100 million is set by Korea's Foreign Investment Promotion Act (외국인투자촉진법). It applies to both new company incorporations and additional investments in existing Korean companies. Without meeting this threshold, KOTRA will not issue the FDI Registration Certificate (외국인투자기업등록증) required for the D-8 visa application.
The KRW 100 million must represent:
- Equity capital (출자금) in the Korean company — paid into the company's capital account
- At least 10% of the total issued shares of the company, OR at least KRW 50 million in equity value if the investor holds less than 10%
The Overseas Remittance Rule
Perhaps the most important — and most frequently misunderstood — aspect of the D-8 investment requirement is that the money must come from outside Korea.
What Counts as "Foreign Investment"
- Wire transfer from a foreign bank account to a Korean bank account, converted to KRW at the Korean bank
- Transfer in foreign currency (USD, EUR, JPY, etc.) to a Korean corporate account
- Multiple transfers totaling KRW 100M from overseas sources
What Does NOT Count
- Money already held in Korean bank accounts (even if originally from abroad)
- Korean wages earned while on another visa type
- Transfers between two accounts at the same Korean bank
- Cash deposits at a Korean bank without a foreign wire trail
- Loans from Korean banks to fund the investment capital
How to Prove the Investment
Primary Document: Foreign Wire Transfer Certificate (외국환매입증명서)
This certificate is issued by the Korean bank that received the wire transfer from overseas. It confirms:
- The amount received in foreign currency
- The date of receipt
- The foreign bank origin of the wire
- The Korean won equivalent at the time of conversion
This is the indispensable document for KOTRA FDI registration. Without it, the investment cannot be recognized regardless of how much money is in the company's account.
Supporting Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Overseas bank statement (6–12 months) | Shows funds were available in the foreign account before transfer |
| Swift/wire transfer confirmation | From the overseas sending bank, confirming the international transfer |
| Korean corporate bank account statement | Shows the arrival of funds in the company account |
| Company paid-in capital proof (자본금납입증명서) | Bank certificate confirming capital deposited for incorporation |
Multiple Investors & Share Requirements
Can Multiple Investors Share the KRW 100M?
No. Each D-8 visa applicant must individually satisfy the KRW 100 million threshold. Two investors in the same company cannot split a single KRW 100M investment to each obtain a D-8 visa. Each D-8 holder needs their own minimum KRW 100M investment from their own overseas funds.
Can One Investor Qualify Two D-8 Holders?
No. The investment must be linked to the specific individual applying for D-8. A company shareholder cannot "lend" their qualifying investment to support a D-8 visa for a different person.
Share Ownership Requirement
The D-8 applicant must hold either:
- 10% or more of the company's total issued shares, OR
- KRW 50 million or more in share value (even if below 10%)
In a company with total shares worth KRW 100M (the minimum), the sole investor holds 100% and easily satisfies both thresholds. If there are multiple investors, each must hold enough shares to qualify individually.
What Happens After Investment
Ongoing Compliance
After the initial investment qualifies you for D-8, the Korean company must maintain genuine business activity. At D-8 renewal (typically every 1–2 years), immigration officers may review:
- Company financial statements — is there revenue or business activity?
- Tax filings — are corporate tax returns being filed?
- Employee records — does the company have staff?
- Office lease — does the company maintain a physical presence?
Capital Reduction After Operations
If the company spends its capital on genuine operations and the bank balance drops below KRW 100M, this does not automatically void your D-8 status — the original investment has been deployed into the business. However, a company with no remaining assets and no revenue will face scrutiny at renewal. Keep audited financial records demonstrating how capital was used.
Special Investment Zones & Exceptions
The standard D-8 threshold of KRW 100M applies to most investors in most industries. However, Korea provides preferential treatment in designated areas:
Foreign Investment Zones (외국인투자지역)
In government-designated Foreign Investment Zones — industrial complexes in provinces, Free Economic Zones (자유경제구역), and special development areas — the investment threshold may be lower, or qualifying investment types may be broader. These zones offer tax incentives (corporate and individual income tax exemptions for up to 15 years) in addition to lower entry barriers.
Technology-Based Startups
Foreign investors forming a startup in designated high-tech sectors may access the D-8-4 sub-type or other special visa routes with different investment/qualification criteria. Contact KOTRA's Invest Korea division for sector-specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment for a D-8 visa in Korea?
KRW 100 million (~USD 75,000), remitted from outside Korea and documented with a foreign wire transfer certificate. The investor must hold at least 10% of shares or KRW 50M in equity value.
Can I use money already in Korea to meet the KRW 100M requirement?
No. The KRW 100M must come from outside Korea via international wire transfer. Funds already in a Korean bank account, Korean wages, or local loans do not qualify. The foreign wire transfer certificate is mandatory proof.
What if my company's equity falls below KRW 100M after operations?
The original KOTRA FDI registration remains valid if the initial wire transfer is documented. However, at renewal, immigration officers review financial health. Significant capital erosion with no revenue may require additional explanation of your business plan.
Can multiple investors share the KRW 100M threshold?
No. Each D-8 visa holder must individually invest at least KRW 100M from their own overseas funds. Two investors cannot split a single KRW 100M investment to obtain two D-8 visas.
Is KRW 100M the only way to qualify for D-8?
It is the standard route. Foreign investors in designated Foreign Investment Zones or qualifying high-tech startups may access different thresholds or sub-types. Consult KOTRA or an immigration attorney for sector-specific options.
How do I prove the source of the KRW 100M investment?
The primary proof is the foreign wire transfer certificate (외국환매입증명서) from the Korean receiving bank. Overseas bank statements showing the funds prior to transfer are also typically required by KOTRA.
