How to Set Up an FDI Company and Get a D-8 Visa in Korea (100M KRW Investment Guide)

[ON:ON Global Insights]
Navigating Korea's complex administrative and legal landscape can be challenging for foreign investors. Certified Public Translation & Administrative Attorneys Office ON:ON provides seamless, one-stop solutions to protect your interests and accelerate your business in Korea.

Based on the latest Foreign Investment Promotion Act, setting up a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) corporation and securing a D-8 Corporate Investor Visa in South Korea involves a highly structured process. From certified document translation to corporate registration and visa issuance, here is a clear roadmap to successfully launching your business in Korea.

1. FDI Requirements & Pre-Declaration

To be officially recognized as an FDI, two primary conditions must be met:

  • Minimum Investment: At least 100 million KRW per foreign investor.
  • Shareholding Requirement: Acquiring at least 10% of the total voting shares of the Korean corporation.
  • Fund Transfer & Pre-Declaration: Before wiring funds, an FDI pre-declaration must be completed at a designated foreign exchange bank or KOTRA to legally secure your status as a foreign investor. Funds must originate overseas in the investor's name.

2. Certified Translation & Corporate Registration

Any documents issued overseas (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, Power of Attorney) must be legalized via Apostille or Consular Authentication. To hold legal validity in Korea, these documents must be accompanied by a Certificate of Translation issued by a Licensed Administrative Attorney.

At ON:ON, we provide direct in-house certified translation and notarization agency services. Through our partnered judicial scriveners (Beommusa), we ensure the corporate registry is filed flawlessly and swiftly, preventing any costly delays.

3. D-8 Visa Issuance & Settlement Care

After incorporation, obtaining the D-8 Visa is crucial for actual business operations. Immigration heavily evaluates the authenticity and credibility of the business:

  • Visa Screening: Requires solid proof of capital usage and a highly detailed business plan.
  • Real Estate & Settlement: Through partnered real estate agencies, we assist in securing compliant office space and residential housing, alongside acquiring the business registration and FDI company certificates.

๐Ÿ’ก ON:ON’s Pro Tip: Beware of Restricted Industries!

If you are planning to invest, you must verify if your target business falls under "Restricted FDI Industries" beforehand.

Even if you successfully transfer 100 million KRW and register the corporation, if the industry is restricted (e.g., related to national security or public order), your D-8 visa will be denied, and your FDI registration will be canceled. This is a fatal risk that can easily be avoided with professional legal consultation.

Conclusion

Foreign direct investment in Korea is a sophisticated process where law, taxation, and administration intertwine. An overly optimistic approach can lead to massive losses in time and capital. Administrative Attorneys Office ON:ON thoroughly analyzes regulatory pitfalls in advance to pave a safe and secure path for your investment.

ON:ON Korea Visa & Corporate Administration | Certified Translation & Administrative Attorney Office ON:ON

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