For a D-8 corporate-investor route, InvestKOREA currently lists at least KRW 100 million in qualifying foreign investment and at least a 10% ownership share as key checks. Meeting those figures alone does not guarantee a visa: the investment route, role, funds trail, company documents and immigration review also matter.
간단 요약
- The commonly cited threshold is not the full application test.
- Prepare evidence of funds entering Korea and being spent for the company.
- Tourist and several other status holders cannot switch to D-8 in Korea under the listed rule.
More helpful reads to check
1. What does the KRW 100 million figure mean?
InvestKOREA says a foreigner who brings in at least KRW 100 million from abroad and establishes and operates a corporation under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act may apply for D-8. The foreign investor is generally expected to hold at least 10% of the voting shares or total capital under the described corporate route.
This is an eligibility threshold described by the official investment agency, not a guaranteed approval amount. A different route, business form or visa category can have different rules.
2. What evidence should you plan to keep?
The official checklist includes proof of the investment transfer, foreign-invested company registration, business registration, incorporation records, evidence showing how investment funds were spent and proof of a real business location. Immigration may request more documents based on the case.
3. Can a tourist change to D-8 after arriving?
InvestKOREA lists several statuses that cannot change to D-8 from inside Korea, including a temporary C-3 tourist status and working-holiday H-1. The permitted route can depend on your current status and where you apply, so confirm before entering Korea or resigning from another status.
Do not build a business plan around a visa switch until the immigration office confirms the route in writing. A company registration and a right to stay and work are separate questions.
5. Official sources
- InvestKOREA: D-8 visa eligibility and status-change limits
- InvestKOREA: visa and foreign-investment FAQ
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✅ 결론
Set aside separate estimates for incorporation, translations, registration, professional services, office costs, accounting and required filings.
FAQ — 자주 묻는 질문
Q1. Does investing KRW 100 million guarantee a D-8 visa?
No. The amount is one part of an official route. Ownership, company activity, funds documentation, applicant role and immigration review also matter.
※ Checked October 1, 2026. Terms can change and vary by person, provider or transaction; confirm the current rule with the linked official source before acting.
