Your Guide to the D-8-4 Technology Startup Visa in South Korea
- FLip Korea
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 25
South Korea is one of Asia’s most dynamic environments for startups, especially in the tech and creative sectors. The Korean government supports foreign entrepreneurs through a unique visa system that begins with the D-10-2 Startup Visa and progresses to the D-8-4 Technology Startup Visa. This pathway allows you to live and build your business in Korea long-term.
This guide covers every step in your journey:
Understanding the visa pathway
Participating in OASIS programs
Incorporating your business
Fulfilling professional and legal requirements
Applying for the D-8-4 visa
STEP 1: Apply for the D-10-2 Startup Visa
The D-10-2 visa is your entry point into Korea’s startup ecosystem.
Purpose
The D-10-2 visa allows foreigners time to develop a viable business model, file intellectual property (IP), and prepare to register a company in Korea.
Who Can Apply?
You must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
Be a graduate of a Korean university
Hold a relevant visa transitioning to D-10-2
Take OASIS classes
Required Documents
To apply, you need:
Passport & photo
Proof of education or work experience
Basic startup idea plan
OASIS certificate
Financial proof (around KRW 6 million+ in bank account)
Accommodation information/contract (Airbnb, hotel, lease)
Application forms (from HiKorea.go.kr)
Validity
The D-10-2 visa is valid for 6 months, extendable to 2 years.
STEP 2: Participate in OASIS Startup Programs
OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System) is a government-led program offering education and support to foreign founders in Korea.
Why It Matters
OASIS is tied to Startup Immigration Points, essential for qualifying for the D-8-4 visa.
It offers education on business, legal matters, IP, and funding.
You have the opportunity to pitch and win government grants.
Program Levels
| OASIS Level | Purpose |
|-------------|---------|
| OASIS 1 | Basic Intellectual Property |
| OASIS 2 | Advanced Intellectual Property |
| OASIS 3 | Intellectual Property Application Support and Prototype Production Support |
| OASIS 4 | Basic Start-up Class |
| OASIS 5 | Start-Up Coaching & Mentoring |
| OASIS 7 | Graduation from Start-Up Incubation |
You earn up to 15 points toward your D-8-4 application by completing OASIS levels 1-9.
How to Apply
Visit the website: https://www.oasis2025.kr/eng/
Search for classes
Register and upload your business idea
STEP 3: Open a Corporation in Korea
Once you have a refined idea and completed the OASIS programs, you’ll need to register your company to qualify for the D-8-4 visa.
Business Types
| Type | Korean Name | Details |
|------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Corporation| 주식회사 (Chusikhoesa) | Required legal structure |
Minimum Requirements
Capital: Depends on you and your lawyer.
Director: You (no Korean cofounder required).
Commercial address: Must be a legal business space (coworking spaces are acceptable).
Incorporation Steps
Secure office address (get a lease or coworking agreement).
Make your own seal/stamp.
Open a temporary bank account.
Deposit capital.
Register at tax office (Business Registration Certificate).
Court registration (Incorporation Certificate).
Convert bank account to business status.
Processing time: Approximately 1 week.
Our advice is to try to use alawyer. It makes the process easier. The lawyer's fee can be up to 3 million won, depending on the services.*
STEP 4: Work with Professionals (Highly Recommended)
To avoid delays or mistakes, hire specialized professionals.
Patent Attorney (변리사)
File a patent, utility model, or design to gain visa points.
Even a pending patent application counts.
Administrative Office (행정사) or Startup Law Firm
Handle business registration.
Manage visa paperwork.
Create shareholder agreements.
Ensure immigration compliance.
Where to Find Them
OASIS partner agencies.
K-Startup Center.
Coworking hubs like Heyground, D.Camp, or Seoul Startup Hub.
Search online on Naver.
STEP 5: Fulfill D-8-4 Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the D-8-4 visa, you need to score at least 60 points under Korea’s Startup Immigration Points System.
Points Breakdown (Sample)
Total your score before applying. If below 60, improve your score through more OASIS participation.
STEP 6: Apply for the D-8-4 Visa
Where to Apply
The immigration office (no reservation required, but check your immigration office in advance).
Required Documents
Passport and alien registration.
Certificate of incorporation.
Business registration certificate.
Office lease.
Bank statement (capital proof).
Patent certificate (or filing application).
OASIS completion certificates.
Startup plan.
Education documents (ensure they have an apostille if from a foreign country).
Points calculation form.
Application form (from immigration).
Processing Time
3-4 weeks on average.
Visa Duration
Up to 1 year, renewable if the business is sustained (potentially indefinitely).
Timeline Overview
| Phase | Duration |
|-----------------------------|-----------------|
| D-10-2 Visa | 1 month |
| OASIS Completion | 1-10 months |
| Business Incorporation | 1-2 weeks |
| Patent/IP Filing | 1-4 weeks - application |
| Patent/IP Certificate receiving | 6 months - 3 years |
| D-8-4 Visa Processing | 3–4 weeks |
| TOTAL | 3–6 months (typical) |
Tips for Success
💰 Accelerator support helps with funding and points.
📍 Register your company in Seoul, Pangyo, or Incheon for regional benefits.
🧑🤝🧑 You don’t need a Korean partner, but local help is useful for banking and legal tasks.
📝 Ensure your patent or design is linked to your actual business idea.
Summary Checklist
✅ Valid D-10-2 Visa
✅ OASIS 1–7 Certificate
✅ Business Idea & Plan
✅ Seal/Stamp
✅ Registered Corporation with capital
✅ Patent or IP certificate (or filing/application)
✅ Lease agreement (commercial)
✅ Points Score ≥ 60
✅ D-8-4 Application via Immigration Office
Check our other articles for more information on the D-10-2 visa or business!
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