Technology Startup Visa

The Technology Startup Visa (D-8-4) allows foreign nationals with advanced technology or intellectual property to establish and operate a corporation in South Korea. It is a subcategory of the D-8 Corporate Investment residence status. There are two pathways: the standard D-8-4 route, which uses a points-based evaluation system requiring a bachelor's degree and 60+ points, and the newer Startup Korea Special Visa (D-8-4(S)), introduced in November 2024, which replaces the point-based evaluation with a qualitative business plan assessment and removes the degree requirement. The visa targets foreign entrepreneurs who can contribute to economic revitalization and job creation through technology-based startups.

Standard D-8-4 pathway:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from a recognised institution (or Korean associate/vocational-college degree)
• Score 60+ points on the Startup Immigration Points System (maximum 300 points, roughly 180 in mandatory/technical items and 120 in optional items)
• Must establish a new corporation based on intellectual property or equivalent technical capabilities
• Must be the founder of the corporation

The points system requires at least one mandatory item. Point values include:

• Registered patent — 60 points
• Registered utility model or design — 30 points
• Patent application — capped at 10 points regardless of the number filed
• Government startup-support beneficiary, or completion of OASIS-6/9 — 30 points
• 3+ years on E-1 (professor) or E-3 (researcher) status — 60 points
• Investment of KRW 100 million+ from an accelerator, VC firm, or policy-finance institution — 60 points

Optional items add to the score: individual OASIS courses (10–15 points each), a master's degree or higher (10 points), and TOPIK Level 5+ or KIIP Level 5 Korean-language proficiency (10 points).

D-8-4(S) Startup Korea Special Visa:

• No academic qualifications required
• Business plan evaluated by a private screening committee on viability, innovation, team capability, Korean market entry potential, and economic contribution
• 10-minute pitch presentation with Q&A required

Standard D-8-4:

• Application form, passport copy, photograph
• Degree certificate with apostille
• Corporate registration certificate and business registration certificate
• Business plan
• Proof of points (patent/utility model certificates, OASIS completion certificates, investment proof)
• Proof of residence and office lease contract

D-8-4(S):

• Business plan and supporting documents on startup viability and innovation
• Team information
• Recommendation letter from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups or designated evaluator (issued after successful evaluation)

The visa is granted for a maximum of 1 year initially, extendable up to 2 years per issuance for applicants who have filed intellectual property applications or score 35+ points. Extension applications must be filed before the current period expires and require updated business performance records, tax compliance documentation, and an updated business plan. The D-8-4(S) recommendation letter is valid for 6 months, during which the applicant must incorporate and apply for the visa.

Spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 19) may apply for F-3 Dependent Family status. Family relationship documents (marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children) must undergo apostille or consular authentication and be translated into Korean or English. F-3 holders may not engage in employment without obtaining separate activity permission.

Foreign nationals residing in South Korea for 183+ days in a tax year are considered tax residents and are subject to Korean income tax. Corporate income tax applies to the startup at progressive rates: 9% on income up to KRW 200 million, 19% on KRW 200 million to 2 billion, 21% on KRW 2 to 20 billion, and 24% above KRW 20 billion. National Health Insurance enrollment is mandatory for all foreign nationals with residence status of 6 months or more. Tax incentives may be available through Free Economic Zones and government startup support programmes.

Standard D-8-4: Most applicants begin with a D-10-2 (Startup Preparation) visa, providing up to 2 years to prepare the startup while in South Korea. During this period, applicants participate in OASIS courses, develop their business plan, file intellectual property applications, and register a corporation. Once 60+ points are accumulated and the corporation is registered, applicants change their status to D-8-4 at the local immigration office (status change processing takes about 10 business days). Aside from the points system, selection among the K-Startup Grand Challenge TOP 20 or as a government startup-support beneficiary are also recognised routes to D-8-4.

D-8-4(S): Applicants submit a business plan through the K-Startup Portal or Global Startup Center website during open application rounds; they may apply even before incorporating. The startup must fall within a new-industry or technology-startup category and be within 7 years of establishment (10 years for new-industry fields). Shortlisted applicants deliver a 10-minute pitch presentation with Q&A before a private screening committee. Successful applicants receive a recommendation letter valid for 6 months, during which they must incorporate and apply for the visa at a Korean embassy or immigration office (the visa can be obtained within 6 months of establishing the corporation). Since September 2025, local governments and accredited private accelerators can also issue recommendations, not just the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

After 3+ years of continuous residence on D-8-4 status, holders may apply for F-5-24 permanent residency if they have attracted KRW 300 million or more in investment and continuously employed 2 or more Korean nationals for 6+ consecutive months. Upon arrival, an Alien Registration Card must be obtained within 90 days.