Korea D-8 Visa Guide 2026: Corporate Investment & OASIS Startup
The D-8 corporate investor visa is the holy grail for expat entrepreneurs looking to build a business in South Korea. Here is the honest truth about setting up a company in 2026: immigration scrutiny has significantly tightened, but the actual pathways for both high-net-worth investors and brilliant tech founders have never been more defined. Let's break this down without the jargon, so you know exactly which route fits your profile.
๐ This article provides general legal/regulatory information. For personal legal or corporate setup advice, consult a qualified Korean immigration attorney.
The Two Core Paths: D-8-1 vs. D-8-4
The South Korean D-8 Visa offers two main routes: the D-8-1 Corporate Investment path requiring a 100 million KRW capital injection, and the D-8-4 Tech Startup path utilizing the OASIS points system for founders without high capital (as of April 2026).
The D-8-1 Route: The KRW 100 Million FDI Minimum
To qualify as a traditional corporate investor, you must establish a local company and inject a highly specific minimum amount of capital.
This 100 million KRW threshold (roughly $75,000 USD) must strictly qualify as Oegugin tuja (์ธ๊ตญ์ธํฌ์ - Foreign Direct Investment). It cannot merely be cash sitting in a domestic Korean bank account. The funds must be transferred from overseas and formally registered through an authorized Korean foreign exchange bank.
Additionally, you must secure your Bupin deunggi (๋ฒ์ธ๋ฑ๊ธฐ - Corporate registration), proving that you own at least 10% of the voting shares of this newly formed entity.
The D-8-4 Route: Tech Startups & The OASIS Point System
What if you do not have $75,000 sitting in a foreign bank? Korea desperately wants global tech talent, which is why they created the Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System (OASIS).
Instead of cash, the D-8-4 relies on a points-based evaluation. You must accumulate a minimum of 60 to 80 points depending on your specific profile. Points are awarded for registering intellectual property in Korea, completing authorized OASIS courses, and securing venture capital. Even if you lack the capital, you must hold at least a Bachelorโs degree (from any country) to be eligible.
For official course schedules and points breakdowns, always refer to the OASIS Korea Official Site โ or the master immigration hub at HiKorea E-Government โ.
Setting Up the Company & Common 2026 Pitfalls
Even if you have the points or the capital, your D-8 visa application revolves around proving that your business is not a facade. Immigration officials actively scrutinize your Sa-eop-jang (์ฌ์ ์ฅ - Physical business workplace).
"Investments lacking substantive business operations, such as paper companies utilizing virtual residential address services, face immediate and rigorous visa denial under current 2026 directives." โ Korea Immigration Service Operations Manual.
To avoid a painful rejection, ensure that your application includes these non-negotiable items:
High-Capital vs. High-Tech (The Breakdown)
Navigating the requirements can be overwhelming. Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you visualize the core differences as of April 2026.
| Visa Requirement | D-8-1 (Corporate Investor) | D-8-4 (Tech Startup) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Capital | KRW 100 Million (Overseas FDI) | No strict minimum (Focus on IP value) |
| Education Level | No specific degree required | Minimum Bachelor's degree |
| Core Metric | Holding โฅ 10% voting shares | Securing 60-80 OASIS points |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Korean won saved in my local bank for the D-8-1?
No, domestic funds do not qualify. It is called Foreign Direct Investment for a reason. You must trace the capital directly from an overseas account into your newly registered Korean corporate account.
Does the D-8 visa allow me to bring my family?
Yes, absolutely. Your legal spouse and underage children are eligible to join you in Korea under the F-3 dependent visa. However, they are strictly prohibited from working under that status.
How does the D-10-2 visa fit into this process?
It is your runway prior to launch. The D-10-2 is a Startup Preparation Visa. Foreign founders frequently use it to legally reside in Korea while attending OASIS courses and accumulating the points necessary for the final D-8-4 upgrade.
Setting up your official corporate footprint in Korea requires serious commitment, but locking down the D-8 visa opens up an incredible Asian market. Make sure you organize your capital trails and point certificates early, and you'll clear the immigration desks seamlessly.
โป All information is based on 2026 statutory rates and official publications. Individual circumstances may vary. This is not professional financial, medical, or legal advice.