Starting a Business in Korea as a Foreigner: D-8 (Corporate Investor) & OASIS Startup Visa Roadmap (2026)
Step-by-step roadmap for incorporating a company in South Korea. Covers Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 100M KRW notification, D-8 corporate investor visa, OASIS tech points, and commercial bank account setup.
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📌Table of Contents[접기 / 펼치기]
- Overview of Foreign Entrepreneurship & Visa Options in Korea
- Route 1: D-8-1 Corporate Investment Visa (The 100M KRW FDI Model)
- Route 2: D-8-4 Technology Startup Visa (The OASIS Points System)
- Company Incorporation & Commercial Bank Account Setup
- Key Information Matrix
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Official Sources & References
01 Overview of Foreign Entrepreneurship & Visa Options in Korea
South Korea actively encourages foreign direct investment (FDI) and innovative startups through robust tax incentives, free economic zones, and streamlined visa categories.
Foreign entrepreneurs primarily utilize two visa frameworks: the D-8 Corporate Investor Visa (capital investment model) and the D-8-4 OASIS Tech Startup Visa (points-based incubator model).
02 Route 1: D-8-1 Corporate Investment Visa (The 100M KRW FDI Model)
To qualify for a D-8-1 Corporate Investor Visa, you must meet statutory Foreign Direct Investment Act standards:
1) Capital Requirement: Invest at least 100,000,000 KRW (~$75,000 USD) in a newly established Korean corporation (Chusik Hoesa or Yuhan Hoesa).
2) Equity Requirement: The foreign investor must own at least 10% of the voting shares with management rights.
3) FDI Notification: Report the investment to KOTRA (Invest Korea) or a designated foreign exchange bank in Korea prior to wiring the capital from an overseas bank account in the investor's name.
03 Route 2: D-8-4 Technology Startup Visa (The OASIS Points System)
For technology founders who lack 100M KRW in initial capital, the Ministry of Justice operates the Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System (OASIS).
Founders accumulate points (minimum 80 points required out of 438 total) through OASIS training courses, patent/intellectual property registrations in Korea, winning government startup competitions (e.g., K-Startup Grand Challenge), or securing Korean VC investment.
Plan your arrival and travel in Korea
- Day-1 Arrival Lifesaver
Cut 1: Landing at Incheon Airport with zero cellular data
Stepping off the long-haul flight at Incheon Airport, struggling to connect to airport Wi-Fi, unable to pull up hotel addresses, Kakao T, or message your host.
Download an Airalo 5G Korea eSIM before boarding. The moment wheels touch down, your smartphone connects seamlessly to Korea's ultra-fast SK Telecom or KT networks with zero physical SIM swapping.
Get Airalo Korea 5G eSIM [$3 Off Code: COGROW] ➔ - 43-Min Downtown Transit
Cut 2: Stuck in Seoul rush-hour taxi traffic vs AREX Express
Facing an 80,000 KRW taxi line and enduring a grueling two-hour highway gridlock into downtown central Seoul after an exhausting transpacific flight.
Board the AREX Non-Stop Express Train directly inside Incheon Airport Terminal 1 or 2, gliding straight to Seoul Station in only 43 minutes with comfortable reserved seating and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Book AREX Express Ticket [$7.50 Special Fare] ➔ - Exclusive Passport Privilege
Cut 3: Waiting in massive ticket lines at theme park gates
Arriving at Lotte World or Everland only to face a 40-minute general admission queue and paying full gate price at ticket booths.
Show your foreign passport or ARC alongside a verified mobile Klook voucher to enjoy up to 48% off foreigner-exclusive rates and walk directly through the expedited turnstiles.
Claim Foreigner Theme Park Passport Deal ➔ - Seamless Korea Exploration
Cut 4: Planning a day trip to Nami Island
Planning a Nami Island day trip, but unsure about transfers, pickup points, and the stops included in a tour.
Compare the Nami Island, Petite France, and Garden of Morning Calm day-trip options. Check the selected itinerary, pickup point, language, and cancellation terms before booking.
Compare Nami Island Day-Trip Options ➔
Partner links: we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Check current prices and terms on the seller’s page.
04 Company Incorporation & Commercial Bank Account Setup
Once capital is received at the escrow bank, complete commercial court incorporation registration (Beobwon Deunggi-so) through a licensed judicial scrivener (Beobmusa).
Next, obtain your Corporate Business Registration Certificate (Saeopja Deungrok-jeung) from the jurisdictional District Tax Office (Semuso) and convert your escrow capital into a standard commercial corporate checking account.
Detailed Information Matrix
| Item / Parameter | Category / Scope | Details & Criteria | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum FDI Capital | D-8-1 Visa | Minimum 100,000,000 KRW wired from overseas under investor's name | Official Link ↗ |
| OASIS Point Threshold | D-8-4 Tech Visa | Minimum 80 points required (Patents, OASIS incubator courses, VC funding) | Official Link ↗ |
| FDI Notification Agency | Government Bureau | KOTRA Invest KOREA Plaza / Foreign Exchange Commercial Banks | Official Link ↗ |
| Tax Office Business Registration | Tax Compliance | Issued within 3 business days at District Tax Office (Semuso) | Official Link ↗ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QCan a foreigner start a Sole Proprietorship (Saeopja) instead of a Corporation?
Sole proprietorships are generally restricted to long-term residency visas (F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6). Foreigners on temporary or overseas visas must incorporate as a legal corporate entity (Chusik Hoesa or Yuhan Hoesa) to sponsor a D-8 visa.
QDo I need a physical office space to incorporate a Korean business?
Yes. The district tax office strictly requires a verified commercial lease agreement under the corporation's name. Virtual or shared offices are scrutinized to ensure real operational substance.
QWhat tax incentives are available for foreign-invested companies in Korea?
Companies in Foreign Investment Zones or high-tech sectors may qualify for local property and corporate tax exemptions, cash grants for job creation, and customs duty exemptions on capital goods.
References & Official Sources
※ This guide is drafted in adherence to official notices from South Korean ministries and authorized public agencies.
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