VISA
1. D-8 (Investor Visa)
Who it is for
Foreign investors who establish or invest in a Korean company
Representative directors or registered executives who directly participate in management
Key features
- Requires foreign direct investment (generally KRW 100 million or more)
- Long-term stay available
- Family members may accompany under F-3 status
- Most suitable for owner-operators of foreign-invested companies
Typical use case
- Foreign entrepreneur establishes and runs a Korean subsidiary.
2. E-7 (Specialty Occupation Visa)
Who it is for
Foreign professionals employed by the company
Executives or managers who are not investors
Engineers, researchers, marketing specialists, and other skilled personnel
Key features
- Requires an employment contract with the Korean entity
- Subject to qualification review (education, experience, job relevance)
- Minimum salary standards apply
- Most commonly used work visa for foreign employees
Typical use case
- The company hires a qualified foreign professional.
D-7 (Intra-Company Transferee Visa)
Who it is for
Employees transferred from an overseas parent or affiliate
Multinational corporate structures
Key features
- Requires proof of prior employment with the overseas entity
- Must demonstrate the relationship between the foreign headquarters and the Korean company
- Suitable for temporary assignments in Korea
Typical use case
- Headquarters dispatches a manager to the Korean subsidiary.