Visa Guide
Eligibility, requirements, and permit (grant) criteria by visa type.
Technology Start-up Visa (D-8-4)
ParticipantsLegally staying foreigners who wish to start a technology business in Korea
Eligibility① Persons who have obtained an associate degree or higher in Korea, or ② persons who have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher abroad, or ③ persons recommended by the head of the relevant central administrative agency (no education requirement) who hold intellectual property rights or equivalent technical capability as a corporate founder
Permit criteria- Persons who have obtained an associate degree or higher in Korea or a bachelor's degree or higher abroad, or who are recommended by the head of the relevant central administrative agency (※ only degrees already obtained are recognized; expected degree holders are excluded)
- Meet the points-based system (60+ out of 300, at least one required item) or points exemption (e.g. K-Startup Grand Challenge award, Startup Korea special visa committee recommendation)
- The applicant must directly establish a corporation in the field related to the 'required item(s)' they have obtained and complete corporate and business registration (new incorporation only; acquisition of existing corporations is not eligible)
Issued when at least one required item is met and 60+ points out of 300 are obtained (D-8-4 eligibility criteria must be satisfied in advance). See the OASIS score section below for detailed breakdown.
View technology startup visa score detailsTechnology Startup Visa Score
A. Required Items and Scores(max 180 pts)
중복산입 가능
| Category | IP Holder (Registered) | Co-inventor/Creator of Registered IP | IP Applicant (max 10 pts) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patent | Utility Model or Design | Patent | Utility Model or Design | Patent | Utility Model or Design | |
| Score | 60 | 30 | 30 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Category | Gov't Start-up Support Beneficiary or OASIS 6 or OASIS 9 | Professor (E1) or Researcher (E3) for 3+ years | Investment of 100 million KRW or more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 30 | 30 | 60 |
※ Multiple IP holdings/registrations, inventions, or applications may be counted within the 60-point cap (IP applications are capped at 10 points regardless of number). For joint holders (individuals, entities, etc.), points are divided by the number of joint holders.
B. Optional Items and Scores(max 120 pts)
중복산입 가능
| Category | OASIS-1 OASIS-2 OASIS-4 | OASIS-5 OASIS-7 OASIS-8 | Korean Language | Master's degree or higher (domestic/overseas) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK 5+ or KIIP 5+ | TOPIK 3+ or KIIP 3+ | ||||
| Score | 10 each | 15 each | 20 | 10 | 10 |
(Reference) Preferential treatment for OECD IP holders
In recognition of OECD IP holders' expertise: ① OASIS-2 (IP advanced course) education exemption (20 points under OASIS score system) and ② Job seeker (D-10) status granted regardless of education.
Reference
Flow and document list for visa application.
Visa Acquisition Flow
(Technology Start-up Visa D-8-4 example)
- 1Apply for OASIS program
- 2Points assessment and completion
- 3Incorporate and business registration
- 4Prepare and submit documents
- 5Visa application (change of status)
Required Documents
- Application form (Form No. 34)
- Passport
- One standard passport photo
- Alien registration card (for extension)
- Copy of degree certificate (Apostille) or recommendation letter
- Documents proving score-based items (OASIS Certificate)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of stay expenses
OASIS Program
OASIS (Comprehensive Support System for Start-up Immigration) is a program operated by Global Start-up Immigration Centers designated by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. It supports technology-based foreign entrepreneurs in starting businesses in Korea and obtaining visas.