D : Non-Professional

• D-8 : Investment
  • D-8-4 : Technology start-up
  • Technology start-up
    
    The points-based technology start-up visa (D-8-4) is available to individuals who meet one of the following criteria: 1) have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher in South Korea and possess intellectual property rights or comparable technical skills; 2) have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher outside of South Korea and possess intellectual property rights or comparable technical skills; or 3) have been recommended by the head of a relevant central administrative agency and possess intellectual property rights or comparable technical skills. In this case, only those who have already obtained their degree will be recognized, and those who are scheduled to obtain it will be excluded.
    Intellectual property rights refer to patent rights, utility model rights, and design rights, while comparable technical skills refer to the start-up ideas of foreign nationals selected for government support programs. In addition, applicants must establish a South Korean corporation and complete the registration of the corporation and business license. In this case, the term corporation refers to a newly established corporation, and it does not apply to cases where an existing corporation is acquired. Furthermore, according to the technology start-up points system, applicants must score 80 points or more out of a total of 368 points (with at least one mandatory item satisfied).
    When applying for a technology startup visa (D-8-4), the required documents include the application form, a copy of the passport, alien registration card, one photo, a copy of the business registration certificate, a copy of the corporate registration certificate, a proof of all corporate registration details, a degree certificate, a recommendation letter from the head of a relevant central administrative agency, proof of score for relevant items in the point system (such as a copy of patent, utility model or design registration certificate for intellectual property rights registrants, or a certificate of patent application issued by the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office for patent applicants, or a certificate of completion of the relevant item in the Entrepreneur Immigration Comprehensive Support System (OASIS) issued by the head of the Global Entrepreneur Immigration Center designated by the Minister of Justice), proof of residence, a lease agreement for office space, and proof of business performance and import/export performance.
    In order for a holder of a technology startup visa (D-8-4) to apply for permanent residency (F-5), the following three requirements must be met: First, the applicant must have continuously resided in Korea for three years or more with a technology startup (D-8-4) visa as of the application date for permanent residency. Second, the applicant must have attracted 300 million won or more in investment from domestic or overseas investors, or have secured capital equivalent to this amount. If the sum of the investment and the capital of the corporation exceeds 300 million won, it will also be recognized. Third, the applicant must have continuously employed at least two Korean citizens in regular positions for six months or more prior to the application date for permanent residency.