The South Korea Startup Visa (D-8-4) is a work visa for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish technology-based startups in South Korea. What makes it unique is the Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System (OASIS) – a government-operated program providing training, mentoring, incubation support, and a structured pathway to visa qualification.
Key Program Characteristics:
Step 1: D-10-2 (Startup Prep Visa)
Step 2: D-8-4 (Technology Startup Visa)
South Korea is attractive to startups due to its technology leadership, comprehensive government support, strategic market access, and cost advantages. The country offers world-leading digital infrastructure, near-universal smartphone penetration, leadership in 5G, and a strong innovation ecosystem anchored by global firms such as Samsung, LG, Kakao, Naver, and Coupang, as well as dominance in gaming, entertainment technology, and advanced manufacturing. Founders benefit from free English-language entrepreneurship training through OASIS, national programs such as the K-Startup Grand Challenge, government grants and loans, over 300 incubators and accelerators, and the Seoul Global Startup Center launched in 2024. Korea provides access to a high-spending domestic market of 52 million people, serves as a strategic gateway between China and Japan, and offers efficient manufacturing and export capabilities across Asia. Costs are significantly lower than Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and most Western capitalsโthough higher than some emerging hubsโdelivering advanced infrastructure at a reasonable price. However, founders should consider trade-offs such as the Korean-language business environment, a more complex two-step visa process, point-based eligibility requirements, patent filing obligations, greater bureaucracy than European programs, and a smaller English-speaking talent pool compared to Singapore or major European startup hubs.
The South Korea Technology Startup Visa program was introduced in 2017 and further enhanced in December 2024 with the launch of the new D-8-4(S) โSpecial Visaโ track for high-potential startups supported by a government recommendation. This visa is designed for technology entrepreneurs willing to complete a structured training program, bachelorโs degree holders or founders with strong business plans, entrepreneurs capable of obtaining a design or utility patent, and English speakers, as the OASIS program is conducted in English. It is particularly suitable for founders interested in accessing the Korean and broader Asian markets while operating from a moderately priced Asian base with strong government support.
D-10-2 (Startup Preparation): 6 months to 2 years while completing the OASIS program D-8-4 (Startup Visa): Initial 2-year grant, renewable in 2-year periods Designed specifically for technology-driven founders entering the Korean market
Eligible to sponsor F-3 dependent visas for spouse and children Dependents can reside in South Korea for the full visa duration Dependent visa holders may work with a separate work permit
Full authorization to work on and operate your startup No minimum salary requirement Freedom to establish, register, and manage a Korean company
Easy travel across Asia from a central hub Long-term pathway to citizenship South Korean passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries (upon citizenship)
Fast track: Eligible after 3 years on D-8-4 F-5-24 PR: โฉ300M+ investment raised and 2+ Korean employees for 6+ months Alternative: General F-5-1 PR after 5 years on qualifying visas Citizenship: Possible after 5 years as a permanent resident
Free, government-funded entrepreneurship training in English One-on-one mentorship with Korean founders and industry experts Networking with investors, accelerators, and global founders Patent filing support (design/utility patents) Incubation workspace and structured business development Direct access to grants and Korean funding channels
Worldโs fastest internet (200+ Mbps average) Ubiquitous high-speed public Wi-Fi 99%+ smartphone penetration and advanced mobile payments Robust cloud, data center, and logistics infrastructure Same-day or next-day delivery as standard
Seamless access to Korean and Chinese manufacturing hubs World-class electronics and hardware production Rapid prototyping and iteration cycles Highly integrated Asian supply chains
Ranked among the top global economies for ease of doing business Online company registration in 1โ2 days Highly digitized government services Strong IP protection and reliable contract enforcement
Corporate tax: 10โ25% progressive 50% startup tax reduction for qualifying tech companies (first 5 years) R&D tax credits of up to 30โ40% No annual wealth tax Moderate progressive personal income tax
Extremely safe, low crime environment Universal healthcare with affordable premiums World-class public transport and urban infrastructure Renowned food culture at all price points Access to K-pop, gaming, entertainment, and creative industries Clean, efficient, and highly organized cities
Most business and government processes operate in Korean English usage is growing in tech hubs but remains limited elsewhere Learning Korean significantly improves integration and success
Applicants first choose an OASIS startup program offered by Seoul Global Startup Center or regional centers such as Incheon, Busan, or Daejeon. The application includes a business idea summary, motivation letter, CV, passport, and educational documents. After review (2โ4 weeks), successful applicants receive an OASIS acceptance letter.
With OASIS acceptance, applicants apply for the D-10-2 Startup Preparation Visa either from abroad or within Korea. This visa allows legal residence in Korea to prepare a startup. Applicants must show proof of funds, valid passport, education certificates, and background documents. Once approved, they enter Korea and complete alien registration.
During the D-10-2 period, founders complete OASIS courses to accumulate 60+ eligibility points, file patents or IP, develop a full business plan, and build networks. Activities include mentoring, market validation, prototype development, and securing early traction or investor interest.
Applicants refine a comprehensive business plan covering product, market, IP strategy, revenue model, financial projections, and growth milestones. Patent or IP filing (design or utility) is a critical scoring element and is usually completed during this phase with support from OASIS resources or IP attorneys.
Founders register their Korean company by reserving a name, preparing incorporation documents, securing office space, and depositing startup capital (minimum โฉ10M, recommended โฉ50M+). Registration is completed with the Commercial Registry and National Tax Service, typically within a few days.
Before applying for the main startup visa, applicants confirm they meet the 60-point requirement, supported by OASIS certificates, educational qualifications, IP filings, and incorporation documents. All legal, financial, and operational readiness is verified.
Applicants submit their D-8-4 visa application at the immigration office with company registration documents, OASIS completion certificates, IP proof, business plan, office lease, and financial evidence. Processing typically takes 2โ8 weeks.
Upon approval, the D-8-4 visa grants full legal status to operate a business in South Korea. Founders receive a new Alien Registration Card and can officially run their startup without restrictions tied to preparation status.
After visa issuance, founders begin full operationsโopening bank accounts, hiring staff, generating revenue, and working toward long-term residency goals. Qualified startups may also access a fast-track D-8-4(S) option, allowing experienced founders to bypass OASIS and move directly to operating status.
60+ points from documented sources, prerequisite items included, OASIS certificates obtained, point calculation verified.
Attended all required classes, completed assignments, engaged with mentorship, received positive recommendations, demonstrated commitment.
Clear technology/innovation component, Korean market focus, realistic financial projections, strong team plan, scalable business model.
Legitimate design or utility patent, related to business concept, properly filed with KIPO, demonstrates innovation.
Legal incorporation complete, sufficient paid-up capital (โฉ50M+ recommended), real office address, proper corporate structure.
Dedication during OASIS program, learning Korean, building local network, testing product in Korea, clear long-term plans.
Yes, for the standard D-8-4 path, OASIS completion is required to earn the 60+ points needed for visa qualification.
D-8-4(S) Special Visa (New Dec 2024):
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Alternative point sources:
Bottom line: 95%+ of D-8-4 applicants complete OASIS program. It’s the designed pathway.
Yes, but not immediately on D-10-2.
During D-10-2 (Startup Prep) phase:
After transitioning to D-8-4:
F-3 visa holders:
Parents:
Not required for visa approval, but highly beneficial for success.
For visa:
For business success:
Recommendation:
Survival without Korean:
Patent/IP is a prerequisite – you must have at least one prerequisite item to qualify.
Options if struggling with patent:
Reality: Design patent is the standard path for 80%+ of applicants. It’s designed to be accessible.
For D-8-4 visa: Zero Korean required โ
For F-5 PR (Fast track 3 years): No Korean requirement โ
For F-5 PR (General 5 years): TOPIK Level 2 OR KIIP completion required
TOPIK Levels explained:
TOPIK Level 2:
KIIP (Korea Immigration & Integration Program):
Timeline for PR:
For D-10-2: Yes – standard process is to apply at Korean embassy in home country
For D-8-4: Technically yes, but practically difficult
Most common path:
Can you do OASIS remotely?
Alternative:
Tourist visa strategy:
Estimated success rate: 70-80% for D-8-4 applications meeting 60+ point requirement
Why relatively high:
OASIS acceptance rate: Not disclosed, estimated 50-70% depending on program
D-8-4 approval (if 60+ points): Estimated 80-90%
Overall funnel:
Success rate by preparation:
Comparison:
Highest success rates:
Technology/Software (Very High Success):
Hardware/Electronics (High Success):
Entertainment/Content (High Success):
Biotech/Healthcare (Moderate-High Success):
Moderate Success:
Lower Success:
Korea-specific advantages:
Indefinitely, if you continue renewing successfully.
Timeline:
Most transition to permanent residency:
Typical path:
Maximum on D-8-4 alone: Theoretically unlimited with renewals, but most get PR by Year 3-5
Alternative:
No, D-8-4 is exclusively for running your own startup.
You cannot:
You CAN:
If caught working for others:
Alternative if you want to work:
During D-10-2 (Startup Prep):
After D-8-4 (Operating):
Options if startup fails:
Protection:
Reality:
South Koreaโs startup visa pathway offers innovative founders access to one of Asiaโs most advanced technology ecosystems, backed by strong government support and a structured evaluation framework. Through programs such as the D-8-4 Startup Visa and the OASIS points system, qualified entrepreneurs can build and scale their businesses in Korea with a clear, criteria-based pathway toward long-term residence. While the process requires preparationโmeeting education, innovation, and commercialization benchmarksโthe rewards include access to global tech corporations, government R&D funding, accelerator programs, and a gateway to the broader Asian market.
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Deep Visa helps immigration lawyers and consultants support their entrepreneur clients at every stage of the South Korea startup visa processโfrom refining innovation-driven business plans and patent strategies to navigating OASIS training, point assessments, and D-8-4 visa requirements with confidence and precision.
