Minimum investment
$70,000
Company capital
Stay
24
months, renewable
Application fee
$90
Tax
Worldwide
Korea progressive tax (6-45%)
Path to staying
- Residence permit24 months
- Renew24 months at a time
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshipafter 5 years
- Permanent residency 5 years
- Citizenship 5 years
- Dual citizenship not allowed
- Language required for citizenship B1
Overview
- Country
- South Korea
- Program
- South Korea Startup Visa (D-8-4S)
- Local name
- Startup Korea Special Visa
- Type
- Startup
- Status
- Active
- Initial duration
- 24 months
- Renewable
- Yes (24 mo)
Visa for foreign entrepreneurs launching innovative businesses in Korea, evaluated on business feasibility rather than academic credentials.
Investment options
| Type | Min amount | USD equivalent | Holding | Returnable | Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company capital | KRW 100,000,000 | $70,000 | — | Yes | Required |
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18+
- Criminal record check required
- Health check not required
- Health insurance not required
- Endorsement Committee
Work rights
- Employment not allowed
- Self-employment allowed
- Own a business allowed
- Work permit included
Family and dependents
- Dependents allowed
- Yes
- Spouse included
- Yes
- Max child age
- 18
- Parents allowed
- No
Benefits and mobility
- Bank account can open
- Property purchase allowed
- Public healthcare access granted
- Must be primary residence required
Tax
- Tax regime
- Worldwide
- Regime name
- Korea progressive tax (6-45%)
- Foreign income taxed
- Yes
- Capital gains taxed
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- online
- Processing time
- 30–90 days
- Apply from abroad
- Yes
Notes
Launched Nov 2024. Evaluated on innovation and business feasibility (not degrees). Submit business plan, pitch to panel. Recommendation letter valid 6 months, must incorporate during that period. OASIS program alternative: points-based (80 points needed). From Sep 2025, local govts and private accelerators can also issue recommendations. Minimum capital $70K-$200K.
Also in South Korea
South Korea also offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers