Realistic business plan
Whether the business can actually operate once rent, fit-out and salaries are considered.
D-8 INVESTMENT VISA
How Much Do You Need to Invest for a Korean D-8 Visa?
The starting point for a D-8 (corporate investment) visa is KRW 100 million or more per foreign investor. To qualify as foreign investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, you must invest at least KRW 100 million and hold at least 10% of the voting shares. However, KRW 100 million is only the minimum—investing that amount alone does not guarantee a visa.
Contact an expert ↗The legal threshold: KRW 100 million + 10% of shares
• Amount: at least KRW 100 million per foreign investor (if two people invest jointly, each must invest at least KRW 100 million)
• Shareholding: at least 10% of the voting shares
• Below 10%: it may still count as foreign investment if you invest at least KRW 100 million and actually take part in management by dispatching or appointing an executive.
• Shareholding: at least 10% of the voting shares
• Below 10%: it may still count as foreign investment if you invest at least KRW 100 million and actually take part in management by dispatching or appointing an executive.
What kind of money counts?
- It must be your own funds remitted from abroad. Income earned in Korea or money borrowed in Korea is generally not accepted.
- Specify 'foreign investment' as the purpose of the remittance and file a foreign investment report with a foreign exchange bank or KOTRA.
- If the amount converted into won falls even slightly short of KRW 100 million, the requirement is not met—send a buffer that allows for exchange-rate movements.
- The money trail must be documented continuously: remittance, investment report, capital payment and foreign-invested company registration.
Is KRW 100 million enough? Points immigration checks
Genuine business premises
Whether there is an independent office or store; address-only arrangements often receive requests for more documents.
Use of invested funds
At extension, whether the capital was used for the stated business purpose.
Extension review
Without sales, tax filings or hiring of Korean staff, extensions can become difficult.
Summary
Immigration looks at whether a real business exists, not only at the amount invested. Depending on the industry, investing more than KRW 100 million from the start is often better for long-term stay. Requirements for long-term residence (F-2, F-5) depend on individual circumstances, so we explain them in a separate consultation.
The process at a glance
Foreign investment report
File in advance with a foreign exchange bank or KOTRA.
Remit the investment
Send the funds from abroad for investment purposes and obtain a foreign currency purchase certificate.
Company registration
Register the incorporation at the registry office for the head office location.
Business registration and bank account
Register with the tax office and transfer the capital to the corporate account.
Foreign-invested company registration
Register within 60 days of completing the capital payment.
Apply for D-8
Apply for a visa at a Korean consulate or change status within Korea.
Frequently asked questions
If we invest jointly, is KRW 100 million in total enough?
No. Each foreign investor must invest at least KRW 100 million.
Can I invest with money in my Korean bank account?
In principle, the funds must come from abroad. Domestic funds may be assessed differently depending on their source, so consult before remitting.
Will I get the visa as soon as I invest KRW 100 million?
The investment is only a basic requirement; the business plan, premises and proof of funds are reviewed together.
Note
This article is general information. Actual requirements may vary by nationality, industry, the law at the time of application and the immigration review. We recommend having your structure reviewed before remitting funds.
Check your D-8 investment structure before you remit
Tell us your planned investment amount, business type and current status, and we will explain the required steps and documents.
Request a D-8 consultation ↗
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