Korea launched the Startup Korea Special Visa (D-8-4(S)) to attract promising overseas startups. This visa simplifies entry for foreign entrepreneurs who want to build innovative businesses in Korea.
🚀 What Is the Startup Korea Special Visa?
The D-8-4(S) is a new visa category under the Business Investment (D-8) series. Unlike the existing Technology Startup Visa (D-8-4), quantitative requirements are minimized. Instead, a private evaluation committee assesses your business feasibility and innovativeness.
✅ Eligibility
You must obtain a recommendation letter from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups after passing the evaluation by a private committee. The committee reviews:
- Your business plan and market potential
- The innovativeness of your product or service
- Your team's capacity to execute
📊 D-8-4 vs D-8-4(S) Comparison
| Criteria | Existing D-8-4 | Startup Korea D-8-4(S) |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree + OASIS 80+ points | Not required |
| Evaluation | Point-based (IP rights, investment) | Private committee evaluates feasibility |
| Alternatives | K-Startup TOP20 or gov program (30M+ KRW) | Single recommendation path |
📋 Application Process
- Step 1: Submit business plan on K-Startup portal or GSC website
- Step 2: Private committee evaluates feasibility and innovativeness
- Step 3: Ministry of SMEs and Startups issues recommendation
- Step 4: Apply for visa at immigration or Korean diplomatic mission
- Step 5: Ministry of Justice reviews and issues visa
🎁 D-8 Holder Benefits
All D-8 holders receive:
- Exclusive immigration fast track at airports
- Fee exemptions: residence card (35,000 KRW), stay extension (60,000 KRW), status change (100,000 KRW), re-entry permit (30,000–50,000 KRW)
- Same-day processing for status changes and registration
🔗 Useful Links
- Hi-Korea: www.hikorea.go.kr
- Immigration: 1345
- K-Startup: www.k-startup.go.kr
Source: KOTRA Business in Korea 2025