Startup Korea Special Visa Information

A special visa supports the initial settlement of foreign entrepreneurs in the Korean market. Specifically, this is the Startup Korea Special Visa.
The Korean government recently introduced this new visa system. Consequently, it actively attracts talented foreign entrepreneurs and supports their settlement in Korea. Crucially, the system eases the complex quantitative requirements of the existing Technology Startup Visa (D-8-4).

🎯Target Applicants

This visa is specifically designed for foreign individuals who wish to establish a business in Korea and expand globally. It is particularly advantageous for entrepreneurs looking to utilize Korea as a hub for entering the Asian market.

Utilizing Korea as an Asian Hub Foreign startup teams aiming to expand into the Asian and global markets by leveraging Korea’s IT infrastructure, high-quality talent, and government support programs.
K-Startup Grand Challenge Participants Foreigners who have previously participated in or achieved excellent results in government global startup attraction programs (e.g., K-Startup Grand Challenge) will find the visa application process easier.
Entrepreneurs facing difficulty meeting existing visa requirements (D-8-4)

Entrepreneurs without specific degrees (e.g., Bachelor’s or higher).
Entrepreneurs in the pre-IP (Intellectual Property) stage, who have concrete prototypes or business models ready for commercialization but have not yet completed patent applications.

The visa is essentially a customized solution designed for promising foreign entrepreneurs who have faced difficulties starting a business in Korea due to strict visa restrictions. Although they possess innovative ideas and strong potential, many have failed to launch their ventures. The program mainly targets prospective entrepreneurs with cutting-edge technologies and creative business ideas.

Focus on Idea and Potential Even if they lack rigid quantitative requirements (e.g., specific academic degrees or registered patents), they can easily start a business in Korea if their business plan demonstrates superior innovation and marketability. The main goal is to identify ‘promising individuals’ with a high potential for growth to a global level after entering the Korean market.

Technology-based Entrepreneurs Foreign experts with innovative business ideas in advanced technology sectors such as AI, Bio, FinTech, and Big Data.

✅Visa Type & Characteristics

1. Visa Type
An Innovation Track of the Technology Startup Visa (D-8-4), with evaluation criteria primarily centered on innovation.

2. Business Viability and Innovation
The highest priority in the evaluation is given to the marketability and technological innovation of the business item, rather than merely the possession of a degree or Intellectual Property (IP).

3. Governing Bodies
Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The MSS leads the business viability assessment and recommends the visa issuance to the MOJ.

📑Application Requirements (Differentiating from Existing D-8-4)

Unlike the existing D-8-4 visa, which requires applicants to secure at least 80 points through the OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System) program by meeting quantitative conditions like a bachelor’s degree or IP, the Special Visa bypasses these rigid requirements.

[Key Requirements]

Passing the Innovation Assessment
The applicant must pass an evaluation by a private evaluation committee appointed by the MSS.
Clarity of Business Plan
The specific nature, marketability, and innovation of the business item to be pursued in Korea must be recognized by the committee.
Exemption from OASIS Point System
Once recommended by the MSS, the entrepreneur is exempt from the complex OASIS point accumulation and specific degree requirements of the standard D-8-4 visa.

🪄Application Procedure (Key Steps)

1. Submission of Business Plan The foreign entrepreneur submits the business plan and application documents through an MSS-designated channel.

2. Review by Private Evaluation Committee A committee of experts (VCs, accelerators, etc.) appointed by the MSS conducts an in-depth evaluation of the business’s innovation and potential.

3. MSS Recommendation The MSS issues a ‘Visa Issuance Recommendation Letter’ to the applicants who pass the evaluation.

4. MOJ Visa Issuance The entrepreneur applies for the visa to the relevant Immigration Office, attaching the MSS recommendation letter. The MOJ then ultimately issues the D-8-4 Special Visa.

🚀Linked Support Programs

Applicants for the Startup Korea Special Visa are often linked with other support programs.

1. Global Startup Center (GSC) Utilization The GSC provides comprehensive support necessary for settlement, including assistance with corporate establishment, administration, and residency.

2. K-Startup Grand Challenge Linkage Visa issuance may be facilitated for outstanding participants in this program.