Korea D-8 Startup Visa Guide 2025: Requirements, Tax Benefits, and Investment Conditions for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Korea Startup Visa (D-8) in 2025: How Foreign Founders Qualify, Tax Incentives & Investment Conditions

Korea Startup Visa (D-8) in 2025: How Foreign Founders Qualify, Tax Incentives & Investment Conditions

South Korea has become one of Asia’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, offering foreign founders strong incentives to launch innovative ventures. The D-8 visa—issued under the HiKorea system—is designed for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and technology specialists who wish to establish or invest in Korean startups. This article summarizes the latest official requirements (as of 2025) for the D-8 visa, related startup programs, tax benefits, and investment attraction criteria confirmed by the KOTRA (Invest Korea) and the Ministry of Justice.

1. Understanding the D-8 Visa Categories

  • D-8-1 (Corporate Investor Visa): For foreigners investing at least KRW 100 million (approx. USD 73,000) into a registered Korean corporation. The investor must hold at least 10% of company shares or become an executive position holder.
  • D-8-4 (Technology Startup Visa): Specifically created for foreign founders who do not yet have KRW 100 million in capital but can demonstrate technological innovation and potential for commercialization under Korea’s OASIS Startup Support Program.

2. Key Eligibility Requirements (2025)

To apply for a D-8 visa, applicants must meet the following minimum conditions as outlined by the Korea Immigration Service:

  • Establish a corporate entity in Korea (LLC or Corporation).
  • Secure an office lease contract in compliance with local business registration rules.
  • Provide investment proof or evidence of technology-based business viability (for D-8-4).
  • Maintain a clean legal and financial record in home and host countries.

OASIS Points System (for D-8-4 Applicants)

The OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System) allocates points based on innovation capacity, patents, university degree, and participation in government startup programs. A total of 80 points or higher out of 340 is required to qualify for D-8-4 visa issuance. Points can be earned through:

  • Completion of K-Startup or OASIS training courses (up to 30 pts)
  • Patent or intellectual property ownership (up to 50 pts)
  • Investment attraction or incubator admission (up to 40 pts)

3. Tax Benefits & Startup Incentives

Foreign startup founders with D-8 status may qualify for a range of tax exemptions and grants provided by the Korean government. The National Tax Service and KOTRA outline several incentives:

  • Corporate Tax Reduction: Up to 50% exemption for 5 years if located in designated foreign investment zones or startup clusters.
  • Local Tax Exemption: Up to 100% for property acquisition and registration within free economic zones (FEZs).
  • Cash Grants: Available for technology R&D, job creation, or facility investments approved by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE).
  • Employment Subsidy: For hiring Korean staff, up to KRW 1 million per employee per month (for eligible startups).

Foreign investors may also apply for support through K-Startup, a central platform connecting founders to national incubation programs and seed funding opportunities.

4. Investment Attraction & Compliance Conditions

To maintain D-8 visa status, foreign entrepreneurs must continue to meet the business activity requirements defined by the Ministry of Justice:

  • Maintain active business registration and tax filings in Korea.
  • Hold at least a 10% ownership stake or retain a managerial position.
  • Demonstrate tangible operations (sales, R&D, or employment of staff).
  • Annual review and renewal by immigration authorities based on compliance.

Failure to meet ongoing requirements can lead to visa downgrade or cancellation, but compliant founders can later apply for F-2 (Long-Term Residency) or F-5 (Permanent Residency) after 3–5 years.

5. Practical Steps for Applicants

  1. Prepare a detailed business plan in English or Korean.
  2. Secure startup space within an incubator or designated startup hub (e.g., Pangyo Techno Valley, Seoul Startup Hub, Busan FEZ).
  3. Register your corporation via Start-Biz Korea.
  4. Apply for the D-8 visa through HiKorea.
  5. Enroll in the OASIS program for additional support and visa extension benefits.

References & Credible Sources

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