D-8 Corporate Investor Visa: Capital Requirements and Company Establishment

1. Overview of the D-8 Corporate Investor Visa

The D-8 Corporate Investor Visa is issued to foreigners who wish to invest in South Korea. This visa supports foreign investors in conducting economic activities through business operations and the establishment of a corporation in Korea. The D-8 visa is granted to foreigners who invest a specific amount of capital, establish a corporation, and operate a business.

2. Capital Requirements for the D-8 Visa

For the D-8-1 (corporate investment) and D-8-3 (individual business) categories, the basic requirement is an investment of KRW 100 million or more together with holding at least 10% of the voting shares (or of the total capital contribution for D-8-3). For D-8-1, a share-holding combined with a contract to dispatch or appoint officers is also recognized. Documents proving that the investment funds were brought in (e.g., remittance confirmation or a foreign exchange purchase certificate) must be submitted during the visa application process.

3. Company Establishment Procedures

The procedure for establishing a corporation includes the following steps:

1. Develop a Business Plan: Clearly define the purpose and direction of the business, along with the necessary capital and resource planning.
2. Decide on Company Name and Draft Articles of Incorporation: Choose a name for the corporation and draft the articles of incorporation detailing the business operations.
3. Open a Bank Account: Open a bank account to deposit the capital.
4. Apply for Business Registration: Submit a business registration application to the local tax office.
5. Register the Corporation: Secure legal status as a corporation through registration.

4. Essential Documents for Company Establishment

The following documents are required for establishing a corporation:

• Business Plan
• Articles of Incorporation
• Lease Agreement (for the business address)
• Copy of the Representative's ID
• Documents proving capital (e.g., remittance confirmation, foreign exchange purchase certificate)

5. Visa Application Process

The visa application is processed after the corporation has been established. Required documents must be prepared and submitted to the immigration office, and the processing time varies by the competent Immigration Office. The documents to be submitted during application include:

• Visa Application Form
• Corporate Registration Certificate
• Documents proving capital
• Business Registration Certificate
• Copy of Passport

6. Requirements to Maintain the D-8 Visa

To extend the D-8 visa, documents such as the business registration certificate, corporate registration certificate, proof of investment fund introduction, proof of tax payment, business performance records (e.g., import/export records) and proof that the business premises exist are submitted. The exact documents may vary by category, so please confirm with the competent Immigration Office.

7. Conclusion

The D-8 Corporate Investor Visa is a crucial visa for foreigners wishing to operate a business in South Korea. Meeting the capital requirements and following the correct procedures for corporation establishment are essential. This ensures smooth business operations in South Korea. For more detailed information or consultations regarding visa applications, please contact Vision Administrative Office.

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