D-8 Corporate Investment
Foreign investors and essential staff of a foreign-invested company established in Korea.
The D-8 Corporate Investment is a South Korean business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry)) and processing time (~2-4 weeks after foreign-investment registration), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the D-8 Corporate Investment is for
Foreign investors and essential staff of a foreign-invested company established in Korea.
Investors can pursue F-2 residence and F-5 permanent residence (including investor PR tiers).
D-8 Corporate Investment - eligibility criteria
- Foreign direct investment of at least ₩100 million (general D-8-1)
- Registered foreign-invested enterprise in Korea
- Hold an essential professional or executive role
- Tech-startup track (D-8-4) requires IP or recognised innovation
D-8 Corporate Investment cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the D-8 Corporate Investment (South Korea) is ~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry), with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 weeks after foreign-investment registration. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at HiKorea (Korea Immigration).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside Korea (consulate) after issuance confirmation, or change of status inside Korea |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Management or essential roles in the invested company |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside the role |
| Government fee | ~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry) |
| Processing time | ~2-4 weeks after foreign-investment registration |
| Route to PR | Investors can pursue F-2 residence and F-5 permanent residence (including investor PR tiers). |
Pathway & next steps
Investors can pursue F-2 residence and F-5 permanent residence (including investor PR tiers).
Many applicants also compare D-9 · D-9 Trade Management / International Trade, D-10 · D-10 Job Seeker / Job-Seeking, F-5 · F-5 Permanent Residence. Run a free VisaChief check to see which South Korean route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common D-8 Corporate Investment pitfalls we fix
D-8 Corporate Investment - frequently asked questions
How much does the D-8 Corporate Investment cost?
The D-8 Corporate Investment government fee is ~₩80,000 / US$60 (long-term single-entry). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at HiKorea (Korea Immigration) before applying.
How long does the D-8 Corporate Investment take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 weeks after foreign-investment registration. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the D-8 Corporate Investment lead to permanent residence?
Investors can pursue F-2 residence and F-5 permanent residence (including investor PR tiers).
Can I work on the D-8 Corporate Investment?
Work rights: Management or essential roles in the invested company.
Who can apply for the D-8 Corporate Investment?
Foreign investors and essential staff of a foreign-invested company established in Korea.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official South Korea government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- HiKorea (Korea Immigration) - official South Korea immigration authority