Overview

When an alien(foreigner) enters the Republic of Korea, he/she shall hold a valid passport and a visa issued by the Minister of Justice(Article 7 (Entry of Aliens) subarticle 1 of the IMMIGRATION ACT). According to the ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT Article 12 and the pursuant Appendix 1(2) “Long-Term Stay Status”, foreigners eligible to apply for a D-8 VISA must either be:

1. key professional experts involved in the management, corporate governance, manufacturing, engineering fields according to the FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION ACT.
2. persons who have established a venture business pursuant to Article 2-2(1) 2 c of the ACT ON SPECIAL MEASURES FOR THE PROMOTION OF VENTURE BUSINESS.
3. corporate founders recognized by the Minister of Justice in possession of intellectual property rights or equivalent technical skills, who have either graduated with a Bachelor’s degree overseas or with a 2-year college degree in Korea, or has been recommended by related government agencies.

People pertaining to “B” can apply for the D-8-2 VISA; people pertaining to “C” can apply for the D-8-4 VISA; people pertaining to “A” can apply for the D-8-1 or D-8-3 VISA. The limitation period of stay(5 years maximum for “A”; 2 years maximum for “B” and “C”) and required documents vary for each specific VISAs. Since D-8-1 and D-8-3 VISA for people pertaining to “A” are most common, this article will focus on how foreign “key professional experts” can attain the D8 VISA.

D8 VISA for Key Professional Experts

You can be a “key professional expert” either by 1) being dispatched from an overseas company, or 2) becoming a “key professional expert” yourself in a company that you incorporate or a Korean company(or a Korean with sole proprietorship) that is already in existence. The following provides a list of documents and/or eligibility standards for each case. Show More

 Review Period

About 1.5~3 months

Where to Apply

Ministry of Justice Korea Immigration Service of your jurisdiction(https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/index.do) and KOTRA Foreign Investment Administration Support Center.

Benefits

☞Fees for Permission to Engage in Activities Other than the Status of Residence(120,000 KRW) and Alien Registration Certificate Issuance Fee(2,000) is not exempted.

• • Issuance of the D-8 VISA is not delegated to the Embassy. Therefore, you need to obtain an Immigration VISA Issuance Certificate from the immigration office prior to applying for the VISA.
  • Fast-Track Immigration Service
  • Exemption of Various Fees
    • Alien Registration Card Issuance Fee (30,000 KRW), Fees for Application to Extend Period of Stay(60,000 KRW), Application to Change Status of Residence(100,000 KRW), Change of Workplace and/or Additional Permits(120,000 KRW), Re-Entry Permit(30,000~50,000 KRW)
  • Immigration Preferential Card (according to the type of business you are engaging in, if applicable)
  • Tax Reduction Benefits (if applicable)