{"id":137,"date":"2025-12-03T06:29:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T06:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growthall.dothome.co.kr\/?p=137"},"modified":"2025-12-03T06:29:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T06:29:37","slug":"announcement-on-application-for-startup-korea-special-visa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/growthall.dothome.co.kr\/?p=137","title":{"rendered":"Announcement on Application for Startup Korea Special Visa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Announcement on Application for Startup Korea Special Visa<\/a> clarifies that applications for recommendations are now being accepted on a rolling basis by the Minister of SMEs and Startups. This specialized visa will be issued upon the Ministry’s (MSS) recommendation, following a thorough evaluation of the startup\u2019s feasibility and innovativeness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Background <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To actively attract promising global entrepreneurial talent and foreign startups, Korea is introducing the new Technology and Business Startup Visa (D-8-4(S))<\/strong>. Specifically, the government issues this visa based on recommendations following an evaluation of a startup’s feasibility and innovativeness. Furthermore, the existing Technology and Business Startup Visa (D-8-4) remains in place, with the new D-8-4(S) visa functioning as a complementary option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Features <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2460 Recommendation Letter Issued Based on Evaluation of Startup\u2019s Feasibility and Innovativeness<\/strong>
We are actively minimizing quantitative requirements, such as academic background. A screening committee composed of non-governmental experts will evaluate the startup’s feasibility and innovativeness, based on which the MSS will issue the recommendation letter. Notably, we do not require academic background, OASIS scores, or similar criteria for the applicant (representative).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2461 Visa Issuance Possible Prior to Establishing an Entity in Korea<\/strong>
Applicants can apply for and receive the visa even before establishing an entity in Korea, provided that they establish the entity within six (6) months of issuance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2462 Can be applied for and issued from overseas (entry visa)<\/strong>
There is no residency requirement for the Special Visa applicants. Therefore, overseas residents can apply for and receive the visa from the Korean embassy overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Issuance Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step<\/strong><\/td>Item<\/strong><\/td>Submission\/Evaluation<\/strong><\/td>Responsible Party<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
\u2460 Application for recommendation<\/strong><\/td>Application form, business plan, etc.<\/td>K-Startup Portal, GSC website<\/td>Applicant<\/td><\/tr>
\u2461 Evaluation<\/strong><\/td>Eligibility, feasibility, innovativeness, etc.<\/td>Screening Committee<\/td>Screening Committee<\/td><\/tr>
\u2462 Issuance of recommendation<\/strong><\/td>Via cell phone, text and email<\/td>MSS<\/td>MSS<\/td><\/tr>
\u2463 Visa application<\/strong><\/td>Visit Immigration Service, or overseas embassy<\/td>Applicant<\/td>Applicant<\/td><\/tr>
\u2464 Visa issuance<\/strong><\/td>Visa screening<\/td>Immigration Service, or overseas embassy<\/td>Immigration Service, or overseas embassy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Application for Recommendation:<\/strong> Submit an application for recommendation along with a business plan and supporting documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Evaluation:<\/strong> Applicant’s eligibility and other requirements will be reviewed, and the feasibility and innovativeness of the startup will be assessed to select outstanding companie.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Issuance of Recommendation Letter:<\/strong> The selected applicant will be notified and issued a recommendation letter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Visa Application:<\/strong> The applicant must visit the relevant Immigration Service office in Korea or the Korean embassy (or consulate) in their home country to submit the required documents for the visa application, including the recommendation letter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Visa Issuance:<\/strong> The Special Visa will be issued following the screening process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    4. Qualifications and Exclusions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Eligibility (must meet all of the following requirements) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The applicant must be the Representative of a startup who is not a Korean national. As a general rule, only one representative is eligible to apply. However, up to three co-representatives may apply (each submitting a separate application) if they meet specific criteria related to business operation duration or K-Scouter recommendation. The startup must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Support for Small and Medium Enterprise Establishment Act<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n