D8 Investor Visa and Investment-Based Residence Visas in Korea
In relation to the D-8 Investor Visa, following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the Korean government enacted the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA) in order to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI). Through this legislation, regulations on foreign investment were significantly relaxed, tax incentives were expanded, and a comprehensive support system for foreign investment was established. In addition, Foreign Investment Zones (FIZs) were designated to attract large-scale foreign investments, and the government began providing various forms of support to foreign-invested companies operating within these zones.
As a result, foreign nationals who establish and operate businesses in Korea under the provisions of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act may obtain an appropriate residence status for business activities.
Types of Corporate Investment Visas
D-8-1 (Corporate Investment)
This visa is granted to essential professional personnel who engage in management, administration, production, or technical activities in a Korean corporation that has been established or jointly established through foreign investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
D-8-2 (Venture Investment)
This visa is available to:
- Founders of venture companies that have obtained official venture business certification; or
- Representatives of companies that have been evaluated as possessing excellent technological capabilities.
D-8-3 (Private Business Investment)
This visa is granted to essential professional personnel who engage in management, administration, production, or technical activities in a business operated by a Korean national (individual proprietor) that qualifies as a foreign-invested company under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
D-8-4 (Technology Start-up)
This visa is available to corporate founders who:
- Have obtained at least an associate degree in Korea; or
- Have obtained at least a bachelor’s degree abroad; or
- Have been recommended by the head of a relevant central government agency,
and who possess intellectual property rights or technological capabilities equivalent thereto.
In all of the above cases, foreign investors contribute to the Korean economy by operating businesses, promoting industrial development, and creating economic growth. However, Korea also operates programs that allow foreign nationals to obtain a residence visa (F-2) more directly through substantial investments.
The principal residence visas based on investment include:
- High-Value Investment (F-2-5)
- Tourism and Leisure Facility Investment (F-2-8, F-2-81)
- Public Interest Investment (F-2-12, F-2-13, F-2-14)
F-2-5 (High-Value Investor Residence Visa)
This residence status may be granted to:
- Foreign nationals who have invested at least USD 500,000 and have continuously resided in Korea under a D-8 Investor Visa for at least three years;
- Employees or executives dispatched by a foreign corporation that has invested at least USD 500,000 in a Korean foreign-invested enterprise and who have continuously resided in Korea for at least three years; or
- Foreign nationals who have invested at least USD 300,000 and employ two or more Korean nationals.
F-2-8 / F-2-81 (Tourism and Leisure Facility Investors)
The Ministry of Justice has reformed the former Real Estate Investment Immigration Program, renaming it the Tourism and Leisure Facility Investment Immigration Program.
Although the original purpose of the real estate investment immigration scheme was to attract investment into Korea’s tourism and leisure industries, concerns arose in some regions regarding excessive real estate speculation and negative public perceptions toward foreign property investment. Consequently, the government changed the program’s name and increased the minimum investment threshold to KRW 1 billion.
F-2-12, F-2-13, F-2-14 (Public Interest Investment Immigrants)
These residence statuses may be granted to foreign nationals, corporate executives, shareholders, and their accompanying family members who complete investments exceeding the prescribed amount in projects designated by the Minister of Justice.
Investors who maintain their investment and residence status (F-2) for at least five years may become eligible for the F-5 Permanent Residence Visa, subject to meeting certain requirements.
In addition, foreign investors who prefer to visit Korea periodically without residing in the country may be issued a multiple-entry C-3 visa valid for three years, facilitating convenient entry and exit.
Categories of Public Interest Investment Immigration
Depending on the type of investment, public interest investment immigration programs are classified as follows:
Principal-Protected, Interest-Free Investment
Foreign investors deposit the required investment amount into a fund established by a policy financial institution designated by the Ministry of Justice.
Profit-and-Loss Investment
Foreign investors contribute capital above the prescribed threshold to development projects being carried out in underdeveloped regions.
Investment Thresholds
General Investment Immigration
- Eligible upon an investment of KRW 500 million or more.
Retirement Investment Immigration (Age 55 or Older)
- Eligible upon an investment of KRW 300 million or more.
Combined Investment Recognition
- Eligibility may also be recognized when the combined amount invested under the Tourism and Leisure Facility Investment Program and the Public Interest Investment Immigration Program meets or exceeds the applicable investment threshold for the designated investment area.
Because investment immigration programs involve various pathways depending on an applicant’s financial capacity and circumstances, it is advisable to consult with a qualified immigration or investment specialist before proceeding.