Korea D-8 Business Investor Visa Guide (2026)
The D-8 is Korea's visa for foreigners who invest in and actively run a business here. It centers on a capital threshold, a rule that the money must come from abroad, and a requirement that you genuinely manage the company — not invest passively. This page explains the 2026 requirements and the startup-track alternative honestly, and points you to the official sources that decide each case.
Who the D-8 visa is for
The D-8 is for foreign investors and founders who put capital into a Korean company and take part in running it. The two routes below are an orientation — your exact category and requirements are set by immigration.
D-8-1 — Corporate investment
D-8-4 — Technology startup
The core requirements (D-8-1, 2026)
The items below reflect widely reported 2026 requirements for the corporate-investment route. They are an orientation, not a guaranteed checklist — confirm each with immigration.
| Requirement | Reported 2026 detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment | KRW 100 million (≈ US$75,000) baseline |
| Per-investor rule | Each foreign investor must separately meet the threshold |
| Ownership | Hold a qualifying stake (commonly cited as at least 10% of voting shares) |
| Fund origin | Capital must come from outside Korea and be remitted in |
Thresholds, ownership rules, and conditions are set officially and change. Verify the current figures on HiKorea before relying on any of them.
Where the money must come from
A defining feature of the D-8 is that the capital generally must originate from outside South Korea and be remitted in. Expect to provide documentation such as a Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate or a bank confirmation of overseas remittance, and possibly evidence that the funds were legally earned (for example, home-country bank statements). The exact proofs are set officially — confirm before moving any money.
Active management is required
The D-8 is for investors who actively run or oversee the business. Passive, hands-off investment generally does not qualify. For smaller investments, immigration may conduct a site visit to confirm a real office and your role in it. Expectations and enforcement can change, so confirm the current standard officially.
D-8-1 vs D-8-4: which route?
If you are bringing capital and incorporating or investing in a company, D-8-1 is the usual route. If you are a qualified founder building a technology startup around intellectual property — possibly without large upfront capital — the points-based D-8-4 track may fit better. The two have very different tests; confirm which applies to your case with immigration.
How to apply & after arrival
Typically you incorporate or invest in the Korean company, complete foreign-investment registration, then apply for the D-8 at a Korean embassy abroad — or change status via HiKorea if already in Korea. After arriving you must register and obtain a Residence Card if staying over 90 days; see our Residence Card (ARC) registration guide. Because this visa is document- and process-heavy, verify the current checklist officially and consider professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much must I invest?
The D-8-1 baseline is widely reported as KRW 100 million (≈ US$75,000) into a Korean company. With multiple foreign investors, each must separately meet the threshold. Verify the current figure officially.
Where must the money come from?
Generally from outside Korea, remitted in, with documents such as a Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate or bank confirmation — and possibly proof the funds were legally earned. Confirm the exact proofs officially.
Does it require active management?
Reportedly yes — passive investment generally does not qualify, and immigration may do a site visit for smaller investments. Confirm current expectations officially.
What's the difference between D-8-1 and D-8-4?
D-8-1 is the mainstream capital-investment route; D-8-4 is a points-based startup track (OASIS) for founders with qualifications and IP, often without fixed minimum capital. Confirm which fits your case.
How do I apply?
Usually: incorporate/invest, complete foreign-investment registration, then apply at an embassy abroad or change status via HiKorea. Register for a Residence Card after arrival. Verify the checklist officially.