1. What Is the D-8-4 Tech Startup Visa?
The D-8-4 (Technology Startup) visa is a sub-category of the D-8 Corporate Investment visa defined in the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act. It allows foreign nationals to establish and operate a technology-based startup company in Korea.
Unlike D-8-1 and D-8-3, which require a minimum investment of KRW 100 million, D-8-4 is assessed on academic qualifications, intellectual property rights, and company incorporation — not the amount invested.
2. Core Eligibility Requirements
Academic Requirement
You must meet one of the following (per the 2026 Immigration Manual):
- Associate degree or higher obtained from a Korean institution, OR
- Bachelor's degree or higher obtained from a foreign institution, OR
- Recommendation from the head of a relevant central administrative agency
> Important: Only degrees already conferred are recognized. Degrees expected to be obtained in the future do not qualify.
Intellectual Property Requirement
You must hold, or possess technology equivalent to, one of the following:
Company Incorporation Requirement
You must have incorporated a Korean corporation and completed both corporate registration and business registration before applying.
3. Certificate of Application — Key Document for D-8-4
If your patent or IP right is still pending (not yet registered), you may submit a Certificate of Application (출원사실증명원) issued by the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) to satisfy the IP requirement.
Key points to verify on the Certificate of Application:
> The Certificate of Application can be issued through KIPRIS (kipris.or.kr) — KIPO's patent information service — or at KIPO service counters.
4. Required Documents
Supporting Documents for Scoring (submit applicable items):
- Registered IP holders: Copy of patent certificate, utility model registration, or design registration
- Pending applicants: Certificate of Application issued by KIPO Commissioner (examination request 'Y')
- OASIS program participants: Certificate of completion, award confirmation, or selection letter from the Global Startup Immigration Center designated by the Minister of Justice
- Others: Applicable supporting documents per scoring item
※ The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive required documents as needed for review (MoJ Visa Manual, March 2026).
5. Application Procedure
Applying from within Korea (Status Change / Extension)
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Local Immigration Office
(Regional office or branch)
→ Submit Application for Change/Extension of Status of Stay + required documents
→ Review
→ Status change/extension approval
→ Alien Registration Card reissued
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6. D-8-4S — Startup Korea Special Visa
D-8-4S is a special track for technology startup founders who have received a recommendation from the Minister of SMEs and Startups through the Startup Korea Special Visa program.
7. Stay Period and Extension
When applying for an extension, you must submit evidence of business operations, company status, and continued satisfaction of scoring criteria.
8. Restricted Business Types
D-8-4 visa status is not granted for the following business types (Immigration Control Act, Article 4; Foreign Investment Promotion Act, Article 4):
- Gambling and gaming businesses regulated under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Regulation and Punishment of Speculative Acts (lottery, prize competitions, roulette, raffles)
- Entertainment establishments under the Food Sanitation Act Enforcement Decree (nightclubs, adult entertainment venues)
9. Vision Administrative Office — D-8-4 Consultation
Vision Administrative Office specializes in D-8-4 technology startup visa applications, company incorporation, and visa renewals. We provide pre-assessment of IP eligibility, guidance on using the Certificate of Application, and preparation of scoring documents — in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Tel: 02-363-2251 (Mon–Fri 09:30–18:30 KST)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What academic qualifications are required for the D-8-4 visa?
A. You must hold an associate degree or higher obtained in Korea, or a bachelor's degree or higher obtained abroad. Degrees already obtained are recognized; anticipated degrees are not. Persons recommended by the head of a relevant central administrative agency also qualify.
Q. Can I apply for a D-8-4 visa while my patent is still pending (not yet registered)?
A. Yes. If your patent or other IP right is under application, you may submit a Certificate of Patent Application (출원사실증명원) issued by the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office. The examination request field must show 'Y' (examination requested).
Q. How long can I stay in Korea on a D-8-4 visa?
A. The maximum stay per grant is 2 years. For D-8-4S (Startup Korea Special Visa) applicants who have not yet incorporated, the initial stay is 6 months.
Q. Do I need to have already incorporated a company before applying for the D-8-4 visa?
A. Yes, in principle you must have completed corporate registration and business registration in Korea before applying. D-8-4S (Startup Korea Special Visa) applicants are an exception and may apply before incorporation, provided they complete incorporation within 6 months of entry.
Q. Where do I apply for the D-8-4 visa?
A. Applications are submitted to the local Immigration Office (Immigration Office or branch) in Korea. Submit the Application for Change/Extension of Status of Stay together with the required documents.
Free Consultation — Vision Administrative Office
Our specialist administrative agents handle D-8-4 tech startup visa cases in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
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