Korea Startup Special Visa (OASIS) 2026: Complete Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

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Introduction: Korea’s Gateway for Global Entrepreneurs

In 2026, South Korea has solidified its position as one of Asia’s most accessible markets for foreign entrepreneurs through the Startup Korea Special Visa program, commonly known as the OASIS (Online Application System for Issuing visa) Startup Visa. This innovative immigration pathway allows foreign founders to establish and operate innovative businesses in Korea without the traditional barriers of large capital requirements or pre-existing business track records.

Unlike conventional business visas that demand substantial financial investment or established corporate relationships, the OASIS Startup Visa operates on a merit-based point system that rewards innovation, skills, and entrepreneurial potential. Whether you’re a tech innovator, creative entrepreneur, or industry specialist with a compelling business idea, the OASIS program may offer your pathway into the Korean startup ecosystem.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the OASIS Startup Visa in 2026, from eligibility requirements to application strategies.

What Is the OASIS Startup Visa? Understanding the Framework

The Two-Stage Visa System

Korea’s startup visa pathway consists of two distinct visa categories:

Typical Pathway: Most foreign entrepreneurs start with the D-10-2 visa to prepare and validate their business model, then transition to the D-8-4 visa once they incorporate and begin operations.

OASIS Point System: Merit-Based Evaluation

The OASIS program evaluates applicants through a point-based scoring system across multiple categories:

• Education and Skills (degrees, certifications, language proficiency)
• Intellectual Property (patents, trademarks, copyrights)
• Business Plan Quality (innovation, feasibility, market potential)
• Investment and Funding (secured capital, government program participation)
• Awards and Recognition (startup competitions, government recommendations)

Minimum Threshold: Applicants typically need 60+ points to qualify for OASIS visa recommendation.

Key Benefits of the OASIS Visa

✅ No minimum capital requirement (unlike traditional D-8 business visas)
✅ Access to government startup support programs (funding, mentorship, workspace)
✅ Family sponsorship (spouse and children can join on dependent visas)
✅ Pathway to long-term residency (F-2 visa eligibility after 3 years under certain conditions)
✅ Global entrepreneur community (networking events, forums, and resources)
✅ Streamlined application process through online OASIS platform

Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?

General Requirements for All Applicants

To qualify for the OASIS Startup Visa, you must:

1. Be a foreign national (non-Korean passport holder)
2. Have a viable startup business plan focused on innovative products or services
3. Score 60+ points in the OASIS evaluation system
4. Have no criminal record or immigration violations
5. Meet financial solvency requirements (proof of ability to support yourself during the visa period)

OASIS Point Categories Explained

1. Education and Professional Background (Up to 30 Points)

Pro Tip: “Relevant field” means alignment with your proposed startup’s industry. A computer science degree for a tech startup carries more weight than an unrelated field.

2. Intellectual Property and Innovation (Up to 30 Points)

Important: For jointly owned IP, points are divided equally among co-owners.

3. Investment and Funding (Up to 30 Points)

Note: Investment must be from recognized sources (venture capital, angel investors, government programs) with proper documentation.

4. Awards and Recognition (Up to 20 Points)

Special Pathways: Accelerated OASIS Approval

Certain programs offer direct recommendation for the OASIS visa, effectively bypassing the point-based evaluation:

• OASIS Program 6: For founders accepted into designated private accelerator programs
• OASIS Program 9: For winners of government startup competitions
• SME Ministry Recommendation: For entrepreneurs recommended by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups

If you qualify for one of these pathways, the application process is significantly faster (2-4 weeks vs. 6-8 weeks).

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Stage 1: D-10-2 Startup Preparation Visa

Step 1: Prepare Your Business Plan

Your business plan is the cornerstone of your OASIS application. It should include:

• Executive Summary (2-3 pages)
• Market Analysis (target market in Korea, competitive landscape)
• Product/Service Description (innovation, unique value proposition)
• Business Model (revenue streams, pricing strategy)
• Financial Projections (3-year forecast)
• Team and Advisors (backgrounds, roles)

Critical Success Factor: Demonstrate genuine innovation and clear market fit in Korea. Generic or copied business plans are easily identified and rejected.

Step 2: Accumulate OASIS Points

Based on the point categories above, gather documentation for:

• Educational certificates (apostilled and translated)
• Patent or trademark registrations
• Proof of funding or investment commitments
• Awards or recommendation letters

Aim for 70-80 points to ensure a comfortable margin above the 60-point minimum threshold.

Step 3: Submit Online OASIS Application

1. Visit the OASIS portal: www.oasisvisa.com
2. Create an account and complete the online application form
3. Upload all supporting documents (PDF format, properly labeled)
4. Pay the application fee (KRW 50,000-100,000 depending on processing tier)

Processing Time: 4-6 weeks for standard applications; 2-3 weeks for accelerated pathways.

Step 4: Receive Recommendation Letter

If approved, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups or a designated recommending agency issues a recommendation letter.

Step 5: Apply for D-10-2 Visa

If you are outside Korea:

• Submit the recommendation letter and required documents to the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country
• Attend an in-person interview (if required)
• Receive your visa and travel to Korea within 3 months

If you are already in Korea (e.g., on a tourist visa, student visa, or other legal status):

• Visit the nearest immigration office with your recommendation letter
• Submit the visa change application
• Receive your D-10-2 visa (typically within 2-3 weeks)

D-10-2 Duration: 6 months, renewable once for an additional 6 months (total maximum 12 months).

Stage 2: D-8-4 Startup Business Visa

Once you’ve validated your business model and are ready to incorporate, transition to the D-8-4 visa.

Step 1: Incorporate Your Korean Company

You must establish a legal entity in Korea:

• Recommended Structure: Jusik Hoesa (주식회사, stock company) or Yuhan Hoesa (유한회사, LLC)
• Minimum Capital: No legal minimum, but banks and investors typically expect KRW 10 million+
• Required Documentation: Articles of Incorporation, shareholder registry, corporate seal

Timeline: 3-4 weeks for full incorporation.

Step 2: Obtain Business Registration Certificate

Register your company with the National Tax Service to receive a Business Registration Certificate (사업자등록증).

Step 3: Update OASIS Application

Log into your OASIS account and submit:

• Corporate Registry Certificate
• Business Registration Certificate
• Updated business plan reflecting actual operations
• Office lease agreement (physical office or co-working space)
• Proof of business activities (contracts, customer agreements, etc.)

Step 4: Receive D-8-4 Recommendation

The recommending agency reviews your updated application and issues a D-8-4 recommendation letter.

Step 5: Apply for D-8-4 Visa

Visit the immigration office with:

• D-8-4 recommendation letter
• Company incorporation documents
• Proof of business substance (office lease, business activities)
• Financial statements (if applicable)

Processing Time: 2-3 weeks.

D-8-4 Duration: 1 year, renewable annually (up to 3 years total, with potential for long-term residency transition).

Financial Requirements and Proof of Solvency

While the OASIS visa has no minimum capital requirement for the initial D-10-2 stage, you must demonstrate financial solvency:

Acceptable Proof:

• Personal bank statements (last 3-6 months)
• Investment commitment letters
• Sponsorship letters from family members (with their financial documentation)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: Weak or Generic Business Plan

Problem: Submitting a business plan that lacks specificity, innovation, or clear market validation.

Solution: Conduct thorough market research on Korea, identify a genuine gap or opportunity, and articulate a compelling, Korea-specific value proposition.

Mistake #2: Underestimating Point Accumulation

Problem: Applying with exactly 60 points, leaving no margin for evaluation discrepancies.

Solution: Aim for 70-80 points by stacking multiple categories (education + IP + funding).

Mistake #3: Ignoring Korean Language Skills

Problem: Attempting to operate a Korean-focused startup without basic Korean language proficiency.

Solution: While not mandatory, TOPIK Level 2-4 significantly strengthens your application and operational viability. Consider intensive Korean language courses before applying.

Mistake #4: Insufficient Business Substance for D-8-4

Problem: Trying to transition to D-8-4 without genuine operational evidence.

Solution: During your D-10-2 period, actively build business substance: sign customer contracts, develop prototypes, participate in startup events, and establish measurable progress.

Mistake #5: Delayed Family Sponsorship Planning

Problem: Applying for dependent visas for family members only after D-8-4 approval, causing separation.

Solution: Plan family visa applications simultaneously with your D-8-4 transition to ensure family members can join you without delay.

OASIS Success Stories: Real-World Examples

Case Study 1: Tech Startup Founder from the United States

Background: Software engineer with a master’s degree in AI, no prior startup experience.

OASIS Strategy:

• Points Breakdown: Education (15) + Patent Application (10) + Government Startup Program (15) + Funding (20) + Business Plan (20) = 80 points
• Pathway: D-10-2 for 6 months → incorporated AI SaaS company → secured KRW 100 million seed funding → transitioned to D-8-4

Outcome: Successfully operating startup in Seoul with 3 employees, raised Series A funding in Year 2.

Case Study 2: Creative Entrepreneur from France

Background: Fashion designer with a bachelor’s degree, multiple design awards.

OASIS Strategy:

• Points Breakdown: Education (10) + Design Registrations (15) + Awards (15) + Accelerator Program (10) + Business Plan (20) = 70 points
• Pathway: D-10-2 for 12 months → incorporated fashion tech platform → collaborated with Korean brands → transitioned to D-8-4

Outcome: Launched sustainable fashion brand targeting Korean millennials, expanded to 5 retail partners.

How SMA Lawfirm Can Help

Navigating the OASIS Startup Visa requires strategic planning, accurate documentation, and understanding of Korea’s immigration and business regulations. SMA Lawfirm provides:

• OASIS Point Optimization Consultation: Maximizing your point score through strategic documentation
• Business Plan Development: Crafting compelling, Korea-focused business plans that pass evaluation
• Company Incorporation Services: Seamless transition from D-10-2 to D-8-4 with full legal compliance
• Immigration Application Support: End-to-end visa application management and liaison with immigration authorities
• Post-Arrival Compliance: Ongoing legal support for visa renewals, business operations, and family sponsorship

Our bilingual legal team has successfully supported dozens of foreign entrepreneurs through the OASIS program, with a 95%+ approval rate for properly qualified applicants.

Conclusion: Your Entrepreneurial Journey in Korea Starts Here

The 2026 OASIS Startup Visa represents one of the most entrepreneur-friendly immigration pathways in Asia. For foreign founders with innovative ideas, relevant skills, and genuine commitment to the Korean market, this program offers a clear, merit-based route to establishing and scaling a business in one of the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.

Start preparing your application today by:

1. Assessing your OASIS point potential using the categories outlined above
2. Refining your business plan with Korea-specific market research
3. Gathering documentation (educational certificates, IP registrations, etc.)
4. Consulting with legal experts to optimize your application strategy

The Korean startup ecosystem is ready to welcome global entrepreneurs—ensure you’re ready to seize the opportunity.

📩 Contact us at sma@saemunan.com to schedule a consultation and begin your OASIS Startup Visa application with expert guidance.

About SMA Lawfirm: We specialize in immigration law, company formation, and startup legal services for foreign entrepreneurs entering the Korean market. Our team provides comprehensive support from visa applications through business scaling and long-term residency planning.