South KoreaBusiness and self-employment

South Korea startup visa (D-8-4)

D-8-4 technology start-up visa and D-8-2 venture business visa

In short

D-8-4 is Korea's start-up visa for founders of a corporation who hold intellectual property or equivalent technology and have a degree (a Korean associate degree or higher, or a bachelor's degree or higher from abroad) or a recommendation from a central government agency. D-8-2 is for founders of a confirmed venture company.

Apply on Korea Visa Portal (Ministry of Justice) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Fee
US$60Basic Korean visa fee for a single entry of 91 days or more (USD 40 up to 90 days, USD 70 double entry, USD 90 multiple entry). Some passports pay adjusted fees or are exempt, and missions may set the payment method.
Processing time
Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
Work
Running the start-up company
Family
Spouse and minor children via F-3
Path to permanent residence
D-8-4 holders with 3 years of stay who attract KRW 300 million of investment and employ two or more Koreans can qualify for F-5
Where to apply
Korean embassy or consulate for your place of residence, or change of status inside Korea (often from D-10-2 or D-2)

D-8-4 requirements

According to the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, D-8-4 is granted to founders of a corporation recognised by the Minister of Justice who hold intellectual property rights or equivalent technological capability and who either obtained an associate degree or higher in Korea, a bachelor's degree or higher abroad, or are recommended by the head of a central administrative agency as having excellent technology. Points earned through OASIS programmes, patents and similar achievements are used in the assessment.

From D-10-2 to D-8-4

Many founders first stay on D-10-2 to prepare: they join OASIS education and mentoring, file intellectual property applications and incorporate the company, then change to D-8-4 at the immigration office. D-8-2 is an alternative for founders whose company has been confirmed as a venture company or preliminary venture company under the Special Measures for the Promotion of Venture Businesses.

  1. Prepare your degree and IP evidence; consider entering on D-10-2 first to complete OASIS programmes and incorporate the company.
  2. Check the application rules of the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence and book an appointment if it requires one.
  3. Fill in the visa application form and prepare original documents; papers issued in Korea should be originals.
  4. Submit the application as the mission requires and pay the visa fee.
  5. Wait for the decision; processing times differ between missions, so apply well before travel.
  6. Enter Korea within three months of issue and register as a foreign resident within 90 days of entry.

Alien registration after arrival

Anyone staying longer than 90 days must register at the immigration office for their place of stay within 90 days of entry and receive a residence card (fee KRW 35,000). If you do not register, the visa is treated as invalid. A change of address must be reported within 15 days to the local district office or the immigration office. Single-entry long-stay visa holders need a re-entry permit before travelling abroad unless they hold a multiple-entry status.

Permanent residence

The Enforcement Decree lets D-8-4 holders who have stayed in Korea for three years or more, attracted at least KRW 300 million from investors and employ two or more Korean nationals, among other Ministry of Justice requirements, qualify for F-5 permanent residence.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Original passport valid at least six months beyond travel, plus a copy

Work

  • Proof of intellectual property or equivalent technology (patent, design, OASIS certificates)
  • Corporate registration of the Korean company and business plan

Study

  • Degree certificate (apostilled) or recommendation from a Korean central government agency

Other

  • Completed visa application form and one recent colour photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • If you are not a national of the country where you apply: proof of legal residence there

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a patent for D-8-4?

You need intellectual property rights or equivalent technological capability; patents, designs and OASIS achievements are typical evidence.

Can a foreign bachelor's degree qualify?

Yes, a bachelor's degree or higher obtained abroad meets the education condition.

What is the difference between D-8-2 and D-8-4?

D-8-2 requires confirmation as a venture or preliminary venture company; D-8-4 is based on your degree and technology, assessed through points.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for South Korea

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days
  • Investor visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Period of stay granted according to the study programme; register within 90 days
  • Language course visa Maximum stay: Granted per course term; register within 90 days if staying longer
  • Researcher visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
  • Job seeker visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
  • Intra-company transfer visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Family

  • Spouse and partner visa Processing time: Usually a month or more; longer if documents are checked, an interview or field investigation is needed
  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Residence

Online travel permits

Protection

South Korea visa guide