When you finish reading this, you’ll know exactly how the D-8-4 Startup Visa works, how to tap into the OASIS accelerator, navigate a two-step pathway, score innovation points, and even set your sights on permanent residency. You’ll also discover insider tips—like peer communities and bank-account rules—that top articles often miss.

Understanding the D-8-4 Startup Visa

The D-8-4 visa lets foreign entrepreneurs incorporate and run a business in Korea, as detailed in the Korea Immigration Service’s D-8-4 Startup Visa requirements. There are two tracks:

General vs. Points-Based Startup Visa

• General Startup Visa
  Requires a tangible business plan, proof of incorporation, and minimum capital.
• Points-Based Startup Visa
  Awards points for factors such as education, experience, patents, and revenue projections. You need at least 50 points to qualify, according to the K-Startup Visa Points Allocation guidelines.

Both tracks share core requirements—recommendation letters, designated bank accounts, foreign direct investment reports, and more. You’ll compile documents like a business model, lease agreement, and passport copies.

OASIS Program: Beyond the Visa

OASIS (Overall Assistance for Start-up Immigration System) is more than a visa facilitator. It’s a government-backed accelerator run jointly by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, as outlined in Invest Korea’s OASIS overview.

You get:

• English-taught classes on Korean regulations
• One-on-one mentoring with industry experts
• Incubation space in Seoul or regional hubs
• Introductions to VCs and angel investors

Many digital nomads choose OASIS over a standard remote-work visa because it helps them establish a local legal presence.

Two-Step Pathway: From Job Seeker to Founder

If you haven’t incorporated yet, start with the D-10-2 (Job Seeker/Entrepreneur) visa, which grants six months to explore markets, register your business, and gather documents, as explained in Korea Tech Today’s guide to the Startup Visa process. Once your company’s official, you switch to D-8-4 without leaving Korea.

1. Apply for D-10-2 and arrive in Korea
2. Finalize incorporation, lease office, open bank account
3. Submit D-8-4 application along with incorporation docs

Scoring and Emphasizing Innovation

The points-based track rewards technology and creativity:

• Patents, utility models, or design registrations: up to 25 points
• Master’s/PhD in STEM: up to 15 points
• Prior startup revenue or exports: up to 20 points
• Overseas market experience: up to 10 points

Filing for a patent before you apply isn’t just smart—it’s almost mandatory if you want a competitive score. You can initiate a patent application through the Korean Intellectual Property Office’s online services.

Navigating the Application Process

One misstep can stall your entire application. Here’s the high-level flow:

• Secure a recommendation letter from a central administrative agency (e.g., Ministry of SMEs)
• Open a dedicated Korean bank account and deposit required FDI funds
• Prepare proof of business activity (e.g., import-export records, client contracts)
• Submit at your local immigration office
• Wait 4–6 weeks for approval

Key Documents

• Business incorporation certificate
• Lease agreement or office space proof
• Bank statement showing fund transfer
• Recommendation letter
• Detailed business plan and financial projections

Path to Permanent Residency

After three years on D-8-4, you can apply for F-5 permanent residency if you’ve:

• Invested or attracted at least 300 million KRW in capital
• Maintained active business performance (revenue, exports, or local hires)

This pathway is outlined by the Ministry of Justice’s F-5 Permanent Residency requirements.

Community and Peer Support

You’re not alone. Active Discord channels and WhatsApp groups help you:

• Swap tips on document translation
• Find co-founders or interns
• Stay updated on policy tweaks

Joining these networks early can smooth your first months in Seoul.

Your Next Steps in Korea

You’ve seen the nuts and bolts: D-8-4 tracks, OASIS accelerator, a two-step visa route, point scoring, residency options, and peer networks. Now it’s time to refine your business plan, gather your IP filings, and line up that recommendation letter. With this roadmap in hand, you’re ready to take Korea’s startup scene by storm. Good luck!