Immigration Control
D8 Corporate Investment Visa
Invitation to the head of the resident
D8 Visa Corporate Investment
D8 visa corporate investment is when a foreign individual or corporation remits a minimum of KRW 100 million in capital to the country in accordance with the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.,
This is a representative investment visa applied for to perform management and administration duties of a foreign investment corporation established by securing 10% or more of voting shares.
Practical Overview and Requirements
1. Things to keep in mind when sending money overseas (sender's name)
The first thing to check is whether overseas remittances to Korea are possible from that country.
This is because each country's foreign exchange management laws may impose remittance limits or restrictions. When remittances are made, the remittance recipient must meet the following criteria.
• Principle: Remittances can only be made in the name of the investor, spouse, or minor children.
• Exception: If the investment amount is 300 million won or more, you can transfer money in the name of yourself or your spouse's parents.
• Corporate Investment: If you are investing as a corporation, you must transfer the funds in the name of the corporation.
2. Proving transparency of investment sources
The key to the D-8 visa review is how legitimate and transparent the ‘source of funds’ is.
Applicants must prepare the following supporting documents to prove that the assets are legitimate assets that they have personally created:
(Additional supplementary requests may be requested depending on the situation).
3. Evaluation of the authenticity of business operations
Immigration authorities conduct a very thorough review of the substance of a business to prevent companies from being established simply as a means to obtain a visa.
Career Relevance: Applicants must demonstrate how their past business experience or expertise is related to the business they intend to pursue in Korea.
Business Plan: Submitting a professional business plan, including specific and practical domestic business operations and future sales plans, is essential.
type
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D-8-1 (Corporate Investment)
The most common type requires an individual or foreign company to invest at least 100 million won in capital to establish a foreign investment corporation in Korea.
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D-8-2 (venture company)
The target audience is the representative of a company that has received a venture business certificate from the Korea Technology Credit Guarantee Fund, the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, etc.
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D-8-3 (Personal Business Investment)
This is when a Korean citizen invests more than 100 million won in a company managed by the Korean people and is listed as a co-CEO.
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D-8-4 (Technology Startup)
This applies to those who possess domestic intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, etc.) and have established a corporation and completed business registration.
D8 visa procedures
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1Foreign investment reporting and remittance of investment funds
Proceed through a foreign exchange bank or KOTRA.
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2Incorporation registration
It is carried out with the assistance of a legal practitioner or administrative attorney.
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3Business license
Obtain the necessary permits and licenses for each industry.
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4Issuance of business registration certificate
It takes about 2 days after application.
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5Foreign investment company registration
It takes approximately one day to issue a foreign investment company registration certificate.
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6D8 visa application and approval
Proof of investment remittance, business plan, etc. must be submitted, and it takes at least one month to obtain approval.
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7Alien registration
It will be completed within approximately 1-2 weeks after visa approval.
Why You Need a Trustworthy Administrative Attorney
The D-8 visa process goes beyond simply submitting documents; it requires legally demonstrating the flow of funds and the true nature of the business. In practice, there are frequent cases where independent applicants are denied approval and are forced to seek professional help later.
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1. Responding to strict screening criteria
When remitting funds overseas, the remittance name is limited to the investor, spouse, or minor children. Furthermore, if the investment amount is less than 300 million won, remittances under parents' names are also restricted, resulting in numerous practical restrictions. Professional administrative agents review these detailed remittance regulations and review points in advance to prevent mistakes.
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2. Proof of source of funds
The supporting documentation required varies depending on the nature of the funds, such as business income, earned income, or proceeds from the sale of real estate. The relevant authorities may request various supplementary documents, so you must logically respond accordingly. This process is handled by an administrative scrivener who communicates with the immigration office.
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3. Preventing huge economic losses incurred in the event of rejection
The D-8 visa system requires first establishing a corporation in Korea and investing capital before applying for the visa. If the visa application is denied due to lack of thorough preparation, not only will the company's operations be rendered impossible, but the invested capital and time could also lead to significant financial losses. Administrative attorneys help manage these risks in advance, ensuring a stable business launch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the investment amount have to be at least 100 million won?
A: Yes, for the general D-8-1 (corporate investment) visa At least 100 million wonCapital investment is a prerequisite.
Q: How long does it take to issue a visa?
Q: What are the most important documents to have when applying for a visa?
December 20, 2025
Seum Administrative Attorney Firm
Written by: Sangyoon Kim, Administrative Scrivener
