1. Overview
A Korean branch is the local arm of a foreign corporation that can conduct business activities. Set up under the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act with domestic branch installation notification. The branch has no separate legal entity and can serve as the Korean entity to which essential personnel are dispatched under the D-7 (Intra-Company Transferee) status.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- At least one year of employment at a public body, organization or company abroad (head office, branch or other business site), followed by dispatch to its affiliate, subsidiary, branch or office in Korea as essential personnel
- The one-year requirement does not apply in some cases, for example national key industries or state projects, or dispatch to a Korean branch of a foreign company with a business-fund inflow record of US$500,000 or more
- Essential personnel means executives, senior managers or specialists
- The branch or liaison office must be established and operating normally, shown by its installation permit and fund-inflow or tax records
- Persons who qualify for Corporate Investment (D-8) are excluded from D-7
3. Required Documents
The head of the overseas mission may add or omit documents during review. Specific documents per case will be advised in consultation.
4. Procedure
- Consultation and visa eligibility assessment
- Case-specific document preparation guidance
- Foreign investment declaration or business registration (if applicable)
- Visa Issuance Certificate or direct immigration application
- Visa issuance at Korean embassy in home country
- Alien registration upon arrival (within 90 days)
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does the process take?
A. Processing time varies depending on the competent Immigration Office.
Q. What are the benefits of using an administrative agent?
A. We provide case-by-case review, document preparation, and immigration accompaniment in 4 languages.
Q. What if my application is denied?
A. Depending on the denial reason, additional documents, appeals, re-applications, or judicial review are possible options. Strategy varies by case — we recommend consultation first.