D-8-4 Technology Start-up Visa
For eligible founders of Korean corporations who satisfy the applicable degree or recommendation condition and technology start-up requirements under the points or special-exemption routes.
Visa Overview
The D-8-4 Visa is for technology-based founders who establish a Korean corporation and satisfy the applicable qualification route.
Under the standard points route, the applicant must meet the education or recommendation condition, score at least 60 points out of 300, satisfy at least one mandatory item, and complete corporate and business registration. Separate exemption or special routes also exist for specified start-up support programs.
Processing Time
Varies by Application
Processing time depends on application type, case facts, and document review.
Stay Period
Up to 2 Years at a Time
This is the official maximum at one time. The actual grant may be shorter.
Work Activity
Technology Start-up / Corporate Management
Activities must remain within the approved scope.
Government Fee
Varies by Application Type
Confirm the current official fee for the exact immigration procedure before filing.
Important Notice
D-8-4 is not granted merely because a company has been incorporated. The applicant must satisfy the applicable qualification route and provide evidence of technology, intellectual property, start-up program participation, points, corporate establishment, and actual business activity as required.
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Eligibility
General Requirements
The exact requirements depend on the application route and the facts of each case. These are general points listed for this status.
- ✓Meet the education / recommendation requirement applicable to the selected route.
- ✓For the standard points route, obtain at least 60 points out of 300 and satisfy at least one mandatory item.
- ✓Establish a Korean corporation and complete corporate registration and business registration.
- ✓Meet the additional technology, IP, start-up support, or special-route requirements applicable to the case.
Documents
Common Document Categories
Check the competent authority’s latest instructions for documents required for your specific application.
- ✓Application form, passport, and residence card where applicable.
- ✓Degree or qualifying recommendation evidence.
- ✓Points / mandatory-item / OASIS / start-up program evidence where applicable.
- ✓Intellectual-property or technology evidence.
- ✓Corporate registry, business registration, and business plan.
- ✓Office, business-performance, tax, and financial evidence where required.
Process
General Application Steps
These general steps describe the applicant’s process, not a filing service provided by Modical.
- 1
Identify the applicable D-8-4 route: points, exemption, or special route.
- 2
Review education / recommendation and technology-start-up qualifications.
- 3
Calculate and verify points / mandatory items where applicable.
- 4
Confirm corporate registration, business registration, and start-up activity.
- 5
Prepare and submit the application package.
- 6
Respond to supplementary requests and maintain business evidence.
FAQ
Common questions
Is the D-8-4 points requirement always 60 out of 300?+
That is the standard points route. The manual also provides specified points-exempt or special routes, so the applicant’s exact pathway must be identified first.
Is company incorporation enough for D-8-4?+
No. Corporate establishment is one requirement. The applicant must also satisfy the applicable qualification and technology-start-up criteria.