1. Overview
The D-8 visa is a long-term residence status granted to foreigners who invest at least 100 million KRW under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act and operate a corporation in Korea. Vision Administrative Agent handles every step from capital declaration to D-8 visa issuance. For official guidelines, see HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) and the Korea Immigration Service.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Valid passport and ID documents (passport copy, recent photos)
- Visa-specific eligibility (education, experience, capital, income)
- Korean business location or employer/sponsor verification
- No prior immigration violations or unpaid taxes
- Health check results (visa-specific)
3. Required Documents
Specific documents per case will be advised in your free consultation.
4. Procedure
- Free 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. What is the minimum investment required for a D-8 visa in Korea?
A. The minimum investment is KRW 100 million (approximately USD 75,000) under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. This must be a foreign currency remittance into a Korean corporate bank account. Additional capital may be required depending on the business sector.
Q. Can I apply for a D-8 visa before incorporating a company in Korea?
A. No. A registered Korean corporation with at least KRW 100 million in foreign investment must be established first. Our office handles the entire process from company incorporation and capital registration to D-8 visa issuance.
Q. What types of businesses qualify for the D-8 corporate investor visa?
A. Most sectors qualify, including manufacturing, IT services, consulting, food and beverage, and trade. Restricted sectors include gambling, certain entertainment businesses, and tobacco manufacturing. The key requirement is that the business is actually operated by the visa holder.
Q. How long is the D-8 visa valid and can it be renewed?
A. The D-8 visa is typically issued for 1 year initially. Extensions of 1–3 years are possible as long as the business remains operational and the investment is maintained. There is no upper limit on the number of renewals.
Q. Can my family members accompany me on a D-8 visa?
A. Yes. A spouse and unmarried children under 19 may be granted an F-3 dependent visa. Family members must apply separately after the primary D-8 holder's visa is approved.
Q. What is the difference between a D-8 visa and a D-7 intra-company transfer visa?
A. The D-8 is for foreign nationals who establish and operate their own Korean corporation. The D-7 is for employees dispatched from an overseas parent company to a Korean branch or affiliate. D-8 holders must maintain their ownership stake; D-7 holders must retain their employment relationship with the overseas entity.
Q. Can a D-8 visa holder transition to permanent residency (F-5)?
A. Yes. After holding D-8 status for 5 years with a qualifying investment level, D-8 holders may apply for F-5 permanent residency (Investor category). Requirements include maintaining minimum investment capital, tax compliance, and no immigration violations.
Q. How long does the D-8 visa application process take?
A. From company incorporation to D-8 visa issuance typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on document preparation speed and immigration office workload. Expedited handling is possible for well-prepared cases. Contact us for a case-specific estimate.