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FDI · Korea Company Incorporation

Foreign Investment Company Setup in Korea 2026
FDI Registration · Incorporation · D-8 Visa — Complete Guide

Setting up a foreign investment company in Korea means establishing a Korean corporation under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA) with at least KRW 100 million remitted from overseas. The resulting Foreigner Investment Enterprise Certificate is the gateway to the D-8 corporate investment visa and various FDI incentives available only to registered foreign investors.

Quick Summary

  • Minimum investment: KRW 100 million (approx. USD 75,000) remitted from overseas
  • Foreign equity: at least 10% of the Korean corporation
  • Timeline: approximately 6–10 weeks end-to-end
  • Key output: Foreigner Investment Enterprise Certificate → required for D-8 visa
  • Legal basis: Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA), Article 2

1. What Is a Foreign Investment Company in Korea?

A foreign investment company (외국인투자기업, FIE) is a Korean legal entity in which a foreign investor holds at least 10% equity and has invested at least KRW 100 million from overseas. This definition comes from the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA, 외국인투자촉진법) Article 2.

The key distinction between a simple Korean corporation and an FIE is the Foreigner Investment Enterprise Certificate (외국인투자기업 등록증) — a document issued by KOTRA or an authorized foreign exchange bank once FDI registration is complete. Without this certificate, the D-8 corporate investment visa is not available.

ItemForeign Investment Company (FIE)Regular Korean Corporation
Minimum capitalKRW 100M from overseasNo minimum (KRW 10M+ common)
FIE CertificateIssuedNot applicable
D-8 visa eligibilityYesNo
FDI incentivesTax exemptions, land support possibleNot available

2. Eligibility Requirements

Requirements are set by the Foreign Investment Promotion Act and enforced by KOTRA and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

RequirementStandard
Minimum investment amountKRW 100 million (approx. USD 75,000)
Foreign equity share10% or more of the Korean corporation
Source of fundsRemitted from overseas via an authorized Korean foreign exchange bank
Corporation typeStock company (주식회사, Co., Ltd.) or limited liability company (유한회사)
Business sectorMost sectors open; some restricted (see Section 5)
⚠ Critical: FDI capital must be remitted from an overseas bank account through a Korean foreign exchange bank (Hana, Shinhan, Woori, KB, etc.). The bank issues a Capital Deposit Certificate, which is a mandatory document for both FIE registration and D-8 visa application. Domestic loan funds do not qualify.

3. Step-by-Step Setup Process

The standard process for foreign investment company setup in Korea involves five key stages. Engaging a licensed administrative attorney (행정사) or attorney is strongly recommended to navigate Korean bureaucracy efficiently.

1
FDI Notification (2–5 business days)

Submit the FDI notification form to KOTRA's Invest KOREA portal, an authorized foreign exchange bank, or a designated administrative office. Receive an FDI notification acceptance letter.

2
Capital Remittance (1–5 business days)

Wire KRW 100M+ from an overseas account to the pre-incorporation Korean corporate account at an authorized foreign exchange bank. Obtain the Capital Deposit Certificate from the bank.

3
Corporation Registration (1–2 weeks)

File articles of incorporation at the district court registry. Obtain the corporate registration certificate (법인등기부등본). Register for a Korean business license (사업자등록증) at the tax office.

4
Foreigner Investment Enterprise Certificate (1–2 weeks)

Apply to KOTRA or the foreign exchange bank for official FIE registration. Receive the Foreigner Investment Enterprise Certificate (외국인투자기업 등록증) — the prerequisite for D-8 visa application.

5
D-8 Visa Application (2–4 weeks)

Apply for the D-8 Certificate of Visa Issuance at the local immigration office (if abroad), then pick up the visa at a Korean consulate. If already in Korea, apply for a status-of-stay change to D-8 at the immigration office.

4. Required Documents

The following documents are typically required for foreign investment company setup and D-8 visa application. Additional documents may be required depending on your nationality and business type.

  • Passport (original + copy)
  • FDI Notification Acceptance Letter (from KOTRA or foreign exchange bank)
  • Capital Deposit Certificate (issued by the foreign exchange bank)
  • Corporate Registration Certificate 법인등기부등본 (within 3 months of issue date)
  • Business Registration Certificate 사업자등록증 (copy)
  • Foreigner Investment Enterprise Certificate 외국인투자기업 등록증
  • Director Appointment Certificate or Shareholder Registry
  • Proof of Address (lease agreement or accommodation certificate)
  • Overseas bank statements showing source and transfer of funds
  • Apostille-certified documents from your home country (if required)

For a full document checklist by nationality, see D-8 Visa Required Documents →

5. Restricted Business Sectors

Under FIPA, most industries are fully open to foreign investment. The following sectors are either restricted or require advance verification:

SectorStatus
Defense industryRestricted
Terrestrial/cable broadcastingPartially restricted (max. 49% foreign equity)
Certain financial servicesLicensing required; some restricted
Casino / gamblingRestricted (special approval needed)
Agriculture / fishery (certain types)Partially restricted
Most manufacturing, IT, servicesFully open

6. Foreigner Investment Enterprise Certificate

The Foreigner Investment Enterprise Certificate (FIE Certificate) is the official government document confirming your company is a registered foreign investment enterprise under FIPA. It is issued by:

  • KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) via Invest KOREA portal
  • Authorized Korean foreign exchange banks (Hana, Shinhan, Woori, KB)

This certificate is not automatically issued — you must specifically apply for it after corporation registration is complete and the capital has been confirmed. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks. The certificate is the single most important document for the D-8 visa application and must remain valid throughout your stay.

7. Connecting to the D-8 Visa

Once your FIE Certificate is issued, you can apply for the D-8 corporate investment visa. D-8 allows you to reside in Korea while managing your investment company. Key facts:

  • Initial stay: 1 year
  • Renewal: 2-year increments (up to 5 years and beyond)
  • Family: Spouse and minor children eligible for F-3 dependent visa
  • PR path: KRW 500M+ investment + 5 employees → eligible for F-5 permanent residency

D-8 Visa Complete Guide →

8. FDI Incentives for Foreign Investors

Korea actively attracts foreign investment through a range of incentives under FIPA. These include:

  • Tax exemptions: Corporate and income tax reduction/exemption for up to 5 years (for designated high-tech sectors and certain regions)
  • Land support: Preferential lease or sale of government land for eligible investors
  • Cash grants: Available for large-scale investments or job creation in designated free economic zones
  • Simplified administrative procedures: One-stop service through KOTRA Invest KOREA
  • Regulatory exception zones: Reduced regulatory burden in Free Economic Zones (FEZs) and Industrial Complexes

Incentive eligibility depends on the amount of investment, sector, location, and job creation. Contact VISION Administrative Office for a tailored incentive analysis.

9. Branch Office vs. Foreign Investment Corporation

Many foreign companies ask whether to set up a branch office or a separate foreign investment corporation in Korea. Key differences:

ItemBranch OfficeForeign Investment Corporation
Legal entityExtension of foreign parent companyIndependent Korean legal entity
Minimum capitalNone (foreign parent's capital used)KRW 100M remitted from overseas
D-8 visaNot available (D-7 applicable)Available (D-8)
LiabilityParent company liableLimited to Korean entity
FDI incentivesLimitedFull access

For companies sending employees from the parent company to manage the Korean branch, the D-7 intra-company transfer visa is more appropriate than D-8.

Free Consultation — Foreign Investment Company Setup

VISION Administrative Office handles the entire process: FDI notification, capital remittance guidance, corporation registration, FIE certificate, and D-8 visa — all in one place.

Get Free Consultation →

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the minimum investment required to set up a foreign investment company in Korea?
Under FIPA, the minimum investment is KRW 100 million (approximately USD 75,000). The foreign investor must hold at least 10% equity. Funds must be remitted from overseas through an authorized Korean foreign exchange bank.
Q. How long does the entire setup process take?
Typically 6–10 weeks from initial preparation to D-8 visa issuance: overseas document prep (2–4 weeks) + FDI notification & remittance (1–2 weeks) + corporation registration (1–2 weeks) + FIE certificate (1–2 weeks) + D-8 visa screening (2–4 weeks).
Q. Can I use a Korean bank loan as the FDI investment capital?
No. FDI capital must come from an overseas bank account and be remitted through a Korean foreign exchange bank. Domestic loan funds are not recognized as FDI capital by KOTRA or the immigration authorities.
Q. What is the Foreigner Investment Enterprise Certificate and why do I need it?
The FIE Certificate (외국인투자기업 등록증) is issued by KOTRA or an authorized foreign exchange bank confirming your company qualifies as a registered foreign investment enterprise. It is the essential document for the D-8 visa application. Without it, D-8 cannot be applied for.
Q. Can I be in Korea on a C-3 visa while setting up the company?
Yes. Many investors come on a C-3 short-term visa to oversee company setup, then apply for a D-8 status change at the local immigration office once the FIE certificate is issued. Careful scheduling with a professional is important to stay within the C-3 permitted stay period.
Q. Do I need to be physically present in Korea during the setup process?
Some steps can be handled by a power-of-attorney representative in Korea. However, for the D-8 visa application and alien registration, you must personally appear. Using a licensed administrative attorney (행정사) greatly reduces the need for in-person visits.
Q. Can I convert my simple Korean corporation to a foreign investment company later?
Yes. If you later invest KRW 100M+ from overseas and your equity is 10%+, you can file for FDI registration and obtain the FIE certificate retroactively. Capital that was already inside Korea, however, does not qualify as FDI capital.
Q. What professional help do I need?
VISION Administrative Office (비전행정사사무소) provides end-to-end foreign investment company setup services: FDI notification, capital remittance coordination, corporate registration, FIE certificate application, and D-8 visa filing — in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. Free consultation →