South Korea investor visa (D-8-1)

The visa goes to essential personnel engaged in management, administration, production or technology at the foreign-invested company, as recognised by the Minister of Justice. Investors in businesses run by foreigners that are not incorporated, and people hired locally in Korea, are excluded from D-8-1; sole proprietorships use D-8-3.

Under Article 2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, foreign investment means investing KRW 100 million or more and either owning at least 10 percent of the voting shares of a Korean company or holding shares while dispatching or appointing an executive. Where two or more foreigners invest together, the amount is counted per person. The company must be registered as a foreign-invested enterprise.

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.

Spouses and minor children can join on F-3. Under the Enforcement Decree, foreign investors who have invested USD 500,000 or more under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act and employ five or more Korean nationals are eligible for F-5 permanent residence; adults who have stayed five years or more on statuses from D-7 to E-7, which include D-8, also qualify if other conditions are met.