Category: Investor / Business / Startup Visa
Overview: South Korea offers D-8 visas for foreign investors establishing businesses or D-8-4 for innovative startups. These visas facilitate foreign direct investment and entrepreneurship, providing a pathway to legally operate and reside in South Korea.
Eligibility: D-8: Minimum investment (e.g., $100k-$300k+), establish a corporation. D-8-4: Graduate of startup incubation program (OASIS), innovation assessment, viable business plan. All require a clear business purpose.
Processing Time: ~75 days
Visa Duration: 12 months
Renewable: Yes
Work Authorisation: true
Remote Work Allowed: Yes
Dependants Allowed: No
Path to Residency: Yes
Path to Citizenship: Yes
Sponsor Required: No
Official Government Page: https://www.hikorea.go.kr/
Summary: South Korea's D-8 series visas (Investment/Startup) enable foreign nationals to establish and operate businesses. Key criteria include substantial investment or participation in startup programs like OASIS. Benefits include legal residency and business operation.