South Korea D-8 Visa Guide | Pearson & Partners Korea

If you're considering entering the South Korean business landscape, understanding the visa process is essential. The Business Investment Visa, or D-8 visa, is a key entry point for professional experts involved in foreign-invested enterprises. Here's a breakdown of eligibility, classifications, and the application process for this visa.

1. Eligibility for a D-8 Visa

The D-8 visa is designed for professionals in strategic management, corporate governance, manufacturing, engineering, or research within foreign-invested enterprises, as outlined by the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. However, general managers, engineers, and service providers who can be replaced by local manpower are not eligible.

Key Professional Experts:

- Specialists: Highly skilled individuals crucial for research, design, and technology.

- Senior Managers: Oversee company operations or departmental objectives.

- Executives: Control business administration and decision-making, reporting to the Board of Directors and shareholders.

2. Application and Issuance

To obtain a D-8 visa, submit required documents to an overseas diplomatic mission or acquire a certificate of confirmation from the immigration control office. The visa is valid for up to one year.

Essential Paperwork for a Business Investment (D-8-1) Visa:

- Dispatch order for employees sent to Korea

- Shareholders modification description (master copy)

- Recent quarter's corporation registration certificate

- Copy of foreign-invested company registration certificate

- Copy of business registration certificate

- Certificate of tuberculosis examination for high-risk countries

- Visa application or confirmation form

- Passport, passport photo, and service charges

- Employment certificate for employees sent to Korea

- Educational certificates for critical professionals

- Statement proof of tax payment

- Proof of residence

- Introduction of investment funds

- Various documents for different investment types and amounts

D-8-1 Incorporated Enterprise Visa

For those investing in a foreign-invested company under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, with a minimum investment of 100 million KRW and at least 10% of total capital stocks.

Essential Paperwork:

- Valid passport

- Visa application form

- Fee

- Dispatch order with period

- Photocopy of business registration certificate

- Documents reflecting capital movement

- Foreign investment report or investment company registration certificate

D-8-2 Business Venture Visa

For commercial enterprises under the Special Act on the Growth of Business Ventures (excluding China and Cuba).

Essential Paperwork:

- Business Venture Confirmation

- Photocopy of Business Registration Certificate

- Fee

- Passport, photo, and visa application

- Proof of copyrights or matching expertise

D-8-3 Unincorporated Enterprise Visa

For foreigners investing in a company run by a Korean national.

Documents Required:

- Fee

- Visa application form

- Passport and photo

- Copy of investment company registration or foreign investment report

- Documentation validating startup capital use by a Korean co-founder

- Business Partnership Agreement

- Business Registration Certificate photocopy

- Documents showing investment transfer

- Additional paperwork for individual investors below 300 million KRW investment

Conclusion

Understanding the South Korean Business Investment Visa (D-8) is crucial for professionals aiming to enter this dynamic market. From eligibility to the detailed application process, this overview ensures you are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the D-8 visa.

Pearson & Partners, with its expertise in incorporation and visa services, is here to assist you. Our team is adept at handling the specific requirements and documentation needed for a successful application. For personalized guidance tailored to your business aspirations in South Korea, contact us today for a comprehensive approach to achieving your business investment goals.

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