Korea Startup Visa OASIS Program: Complete Entrepreneur Guide 2026

Table of Contents

Introduction: Korea’s Gateway for Global Entrepreneurs

South Korea has emerged as one of Asia’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, home to global tech giants like Samsung, LG, and Kakao, alongside a thriving community of innovative startups. To attract international entrepreneurial talent, the Korean government established the OASIS (Omni-purpose Assistance for Start-up Immigration Scheme) program—a specialized pathway designed specifically for foreign entrepreneurs.

In 2026, the OASIS program continues to evolve, offering foreign founders a streamlined route to establish technology-driven businesses in Korea while obtaining the necessary visa status. Unlike traditional investment visas that require substantial capital, OASIS focuses on innovation, technology, and growth potential, making it accessible to early-stage entrepreneurs with promising ideas.

This comprehensive guide covers everything foreign entrepreneurs need to know about the Korea startup visa OASIS program, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, visa categories, benefits, and practical steps for successful Korea company formation.

What is the OASIS Startup Visa Program?

Program Overview

The OASIS (Global Start-up Immigration Center) program is a government initiative operated by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice. Established to position Korea as a global startup hub, OASIS:

• Evaluates foreign entrepreneurs based on business innovation and feasibility
• Recommends qualified candidates to immigration authorities for visa approval
• Provides support services including mentorship, networking, and business resources
• Fast-tracks visa processing for approved entrepreneurs

Key Benefits

The OASIS program offers foreign entrepreneurs:

1. Streamlined visa approval: Bypassing traditional investment visa requirements
2. Multiple visa pathways: D-10-2 (Startup Preparation) and D-8-4 (Technology Startup)
3. Lower capital requirements: Focus on innovation rather than minimum investment
4. Access to Korean startup ecosystem: Networking, mentorship, and funding opportunities
5. Path to permanent residency: Successful entrepreneurs can qualify for F-2 and eventually F-5 visas
6. Family inclusion: Spouse and children can obtain dependent visas

Who Should Apply

The OASIS program is ideal for:

• Technology entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
• Foreign founders seeking to establish high-growth startups in Korea
• Skilled professionals transitioning from E-visas (employment) to entrepreneurship
• International graduates from Korean universities wanting to launch businesses
• Founders of overseas startups looking to expand into the Korean market

OASIS Visa Categories Explained

The OASIS program supports two primary visa categories, each serving different stages of the entrepreneurial journey.

D-10-2: Startup Preparation Visa

Purpose: Allows foreign entrepreneurs to prepare for business launch in Korea

Duration: Up to 6 months (non-renewable)

Eligibility:

• Participation in OASIS program (must apply and be accepted)
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Viable business plan focused on technology or innovation
• Intention to establish a Korean legal entity within the visa period

Activities Allowed:

• Market research and business development
• Networking with potential partners and investors
• Preparing incorporation documents
• Attending startup accelerator programs
• Developing MVP (minimum viable product)

Key Point: The D-10-2 is a temporary bridge visa. You must transition to D-8-4 (or another appropriate visa) within 6 months by formally establishing your company and meeting D-8-4 requirements.

Transition Path: D-10-2 (6 months prep) → D-8-4 (Technology Startup Visa for up to 3 years)

D-8-4: Technology and Business Startup Visa

Purpose: For foreign entrepreneurs who have established a technology-based business entity in Korea

Duration:

• Initial grant: 2 years
• Renewable: Up to 5 years total (with successful business operations)

Eligibility:

• OASIS program participant or meets independent criteria
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university
• Intellectual property rights (patents, copyrights, trademarks) OR equivalent technical skills verified by the evaluation committee
• Established Korean legal entity (Corporation or LLC)
• Business focused on advanced technology, innovation, or high-growth sectors

Capital Requirements: While there’s no strict minimum, demonstrating adequate funding for business operations strengthens your application. Accepted sources include:

• Personal investment
• Funding from accelerators or VCs (especially those recognized by Korean government)
• Loans or grants from policy financing institutions (e.g., Korea Technology Finance Corporation)
• Investments from Korean or international investors

Activities Allowed:

• Full business operations as registered company owner
• Hiring employees (Korean nationals and foreign workers)
• Raising capital from investors
• Participating in government startup support programs
• Applying for business grants and subsidies

Renewal Criteria: To renew D-8-4, you typically need to demonstrate:

• Ongoing business operations with revenue or progress toward commercialization
• Compliance with tax and corporate reporting obligations
• Job creation (hiring Korean employees is viewed favorably)
• Continued alignment with technology/innovation focus

OASIS Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Business Plan

What You Need: A comprehensive business plan is the cornerstone of your OASIS application. Your plan should include:

• Executive Summary: Concise overview of your business concept
• Problem Statement: What market pain point does your product/service address?
• Solution & Technology: Detailed description of your innovation and how it works
• Market Analysis: Target market size, customer segments, competitive landscape
• Business Model: Revenue streams, pricing strategy, go-to-market approach
• Team & Expertise: Founder background, relevant experience, technical capabilities
• Financial Projections: 3-year revenue, expense, and funding forecasts
• Technology & IP: Patents, proprietary technology, or unique technical advantage
• Social Impact: Job creation, contribution to Korean economy/society

Tips:

• Emphasize technology and innovation—OASIS prioritizes advanced tech businesses
• Show scalability potential—demonstrate how your business can grow rapidly
• Highlight Korea-specific advantages—why Korea is the right market for your venture
• Provide evidence of market validation—customer interest, pilot programs, partnerships

Step 2: Submit Application to OASIS

Application Window: OASIS typically accepts applications on a rolling basis, but check the official OASIS website for specific deadlines and batch processing schedules.

Required Documents:

• Completed application form (downloadable from OASIS website)
• Business plan (in Korean or English)
• Resume/CV demonstrating relevant experience
• University degree certificate (notarized and Apostilled if from overseas)
• Evidence of intellectual property or technical skills (patents, portfolios, publications)
• Passport copy
• Consent to provision of personal information form
• Letter of recommendation (if applicable—some applicants may have university or accelerator endorsements)

Submission Method:

• Online via OASIS portal (preferred)
• In-person at OASIS office (limited appointments)

Processing Time: Typically 4-8 weeks for initial evaluation and recommendation decision

Step 3: Evaluation by Private Committee

How It Works: OASIS convenes a private evaluation committee comprising:

• Venture capital investors
• Industry experts
• Government agency representatives
• Successful entrepreneurs

Evaluation Criteria: The committee assesses applications based on:

• Innovation & Technology (30%): Uniqueness, technical feasibility, IP strength
• Business Feasibility (30%): Market potential, revenue model, scalability
• Founder Capability (20%): Education, experience, track record
• Economic Contribution (10%): Job creation potential, industry impact
• Global Competitiveness (10%): Potential to compete internationally

Outcomes:

• Approved: You receive an official recommendation letter for immigration
• Conditional Approval: Additional documentation or clarification required
• Rejected: Application does not meet OASIS criteria (you can reapply with improved proposal)

Step 4: Apply for Visa at Immigration Office

If Currently in Korea (e.g., on tourist visa, E-visa, student visa):

• Visit your local immigration office with OASIS recommendation letter
• Submit visa change application (to D-10-2 or D-8-4)
• Required documents:
  • OASIS recommendation letter
  • Passport and current visa
  • Application form (Form 34 for visa change)
  • Passport photo
  • Application fee (varies, typically ~KRW 100,000)
  • Supporting documents as specified by immigration

If Applying from Overseas:

• Submit visa application at Korean embassy/consulate in your home country
• Provide OASIS recommendation letter along with standard visa documents
• Processing time: 5-10 business days (varies by location)

Processing Time:

• In-Korea visa change: 2-4 weeks
• Overseas embassy application: 1-2 weeks

Step 5: Establish Your Korean Company

For D-10-2 holders: You have 6 months to incorporate your business and transition to D-8-4

For D-8-4 applicants: Company establishment is a prerequisite for visa approval

Korea Company Formation Steps:

1. Choose Business Structure:

   • Jushik Hoesa (주식회사) - Corporation (most common for startups)
   • Yuhan Hoesa (유한회사) - LLC (simpler structure, suitable for small operations)

2. Register Corporate Name:

   • Check name availability with Korean Intellectual Property Office
   • Reserve your company name

3. Prepare Incorporation Documents:

   • Articles of Incorporation
   • Shareholder agreement
   • Director appointment documents
   • Foreign investor documents (notarized and Apostilled)

4. Deposit Capital:

   • Open temporary capital deposit account at Korean bank
   • Deposit minimum capital (no legal minimum, but typically KRW 10-50 million recommended)
   • Obtain capital verification certificate

5. File Registration:

   • Submit incorporation documents to district court (Establishment Registry)
   • Pay registration tax (~0.4% of capital) and registration fee
   • Receive business registration certificate

6. Register for Tax:

   • Obtain business registration number from National Tax Service
   • Register for VAT if applicable

7. Complete Foreign Investment Notification (FIN):

   • Notify Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) of foreign investment
   • Obtain FIN certificate (required for D-8 visa and FIPA benefits)

Timeline: 2-4 weeks for full incorporation process

Cost: Approximately KRW 1-3 million including legal fees, registration taxes, and notarization

Special Funding Opportunities for OASIS Participants

Government-Backed Financing

OASIS participants may qualify for:

1. Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KIBO) Loans

• Low-interest loans for technology startups
• Amounts: Up to KRW 200 million
• Favorable terms for OASIS-recommended founders

2. Small Business Startup Fund

• Grants for early-stage startups
• Covers initial operating costs
• Competitive application process

3. Policy Financial Institution Guarantees

• Government guarantees on loans from commercial banks
• Reduces collateral requirements for foreign founders

Accelerator & VC Access

OASIS connects entrepreneurs with:

• K-Startup Grand Challenge: Korea’s flagship startup accelerator
• Born2Global Centre: Supports global expansion of Korean startups
• Private VCs: Introductions to Korean and international investors

Investment as Qualification Criterion

If you secure KRW 100 million or more in investment, loans, or guarantees from:

• Angel investors or VCs verified by OASIS
• Policy financing institutions (KIBO, KODIT, etc.)
• Accelerator programs

…you may earn additional points in the OASIS evaluation and strengthen your visa application significantly.

From Startup Visa to Permanent Residency

Long-Term Immigration Path

Successful entrepreneurs on D-8-4 can progress to:

F-2-7: Residence Visa (Points-Based)

• After 3+ years on D-8-4 with continuous business operations
• Points awarded for: annual revenue, employees hired, taxes paid, investments received
• Allows broader work activities beyond your startup

F-5: Permanent Residency

• After 5+ years of continuous legal residence (combined D-8 + F-2 time)
• Requires demonstrated economic contribution and stable income
• Grants indefinite stay in Korea with full work rights

Key Success Factors for Long-Term Stay

To maximize your chances of progressing through visa tiers:

1. Generate Revenue: Show business is commercially viable
2. Hire Korean Employees: Demonstrates economic contribution
3. Pay Taxes Consistently: Maintain clean tax compliance record
4. Participate in Startup Ecosystem: Attend events, mentor others, contribute to community
5. Expand Business: Show growth trajectory over time

Practical Tips for OASIS Success

Before Applying

• Research Korean market thoroughly: Understand local consumer behavior and competitive landscape
• Network early: Connect with Korean startup community via online forums, LinkedIn, and events
• Learn Korean language basics: While not required, basic Korean improves daily operations and investor relations
• Validate your idea: Conduct customer interviews or pilot programs to demonstrate market interest

During Application

• Be specific and realistic: Overly optimistic projections undermine credibility
• Showcase technology: Clearly explain your technical innovation—committees value deep tech
• Highlight team strength: If you have co-founders or advisors, emphasize their expertise
• Prepare for Q&A: Committee may request clarification—be ready to explain your business thoroughly

After Approval

• Move quickly on incorporation: Don’t waste time—establish your company promptly
• Build local relationships: Partner with Korean distributors, suppliers, or advisors
• Leverage government resources: Participate in startup programs, apply for grants, attend workshops
• Stay compliant: File taxes on time, maintain corporate records, renew business licenses as required
• Document progress: Keep records of milestones, customer acquisition, revenue—useful for visa renewals

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Challenge 1: Language Barrier

Solution:

• Hire bilingual staff or consultants for legal/administrative tasks
• Use translation services for critical documents
• Partner with Korean co-founder or advisor

Challenge 2: Funding Access

Solution:

• Apply for government grants early
• Pitch to Korean VCs actively (many now have English-speaking partners)
• Consider crowdfunding platforms (Wadiz, Tumblbug) for product validation

Challenge 3: Cultural Differences in Business Practices

Solution:

• Invest time in understanding Korean business etiquette (hierarchy, communication styles)
• Attend cultural orientation programs offered by OASIS or startup centers
• Build relationships through informal networking (coffee meetings, startup mixers)

Challenge 4: Complex Bureaucracy

Solution:

• Engage professional Korea business registration services (like SMA Lawfirm)
• Use bilingual legal/accounting advisors who understand both systems
• Join expat entrepreneur communities for peer advice

Why Choose Korea for Your Startup?

Despite challenges, Korea offers unique advantages:

Infrastructure & Technology

• World-class internet (fastest average speeds globally)
• Advanced 5G networks
• Sophisticated consumer electronics market (ideal for hardware startups)

Government Support

• Extensive startup funding programs
• Tax incentives for R&D and innovation
• Strong IP protection framework

Market Access

• Gateway to broader East Asian markets (China, Japan, Southeast Asia)
• Sophisticated early adopters for technology products
• High consumer spending power

Talent Pool

• Highly educated workforce (>70% tertiary education)
• Strong engineering and technical talent
• Increasingly international workforce in Seoul/Busan

Cost-Effectiveness

• Lower operating costs than Singapore, Tokyo, or Hong Kong
• Competitive salaries compared to other developed markets
• Government subsidies for office space in startup zones

Conclusion: Your Path to Korean Entrepreneurship Starts with OASIS

The OASIS startup visa program represents one of the most accessible pathways for foreign entrepreneurs to establish technology-driven businesses in one of Asia’s most advanced economies. By focusing on innovation and feasibility rather than requiring massive capital investments, OASIS democratizes access to Korea’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

Whether you’re a solo founder with a breakthrough idea, a seasoned entrepreneur expanding internationally, or a skilled professional ready to launch your own venture, the OASIS program—combined with Korea’s strong infrastructure, government support, and market opportunities—provides a compelling foundation for success.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Start with a strong business plan emphasizing technology and innovation
✅ Understand the D-10-2 → D-8-4 progression and plan accordingly
✅ Leverage OASIS resources including mentorship, funding connections, and network
✅ Complete Korea company formation promptly and maintain compliance
✅ Think long-term—position for F-2 and F-5 visas through business success

If you’re ready to bring your innovative business to Korea, now is the time to explore the OASIS program.

Need Expert Assistance with Your Korea Startup Visa?

Navigating the OASIS application, Korea company incorporation, and visa procedures can be complex—especially when balancing entrepreneurial responsibilities. Professional guidance ensures you maximize approval chances and launch your business efficiently.

📩 Contact us at sma@saemunan.com for comprehensive support including:

• OASIS application strategy and business plan review
• Korea company formation (Corporation/LLC)
• Foreign investment notification (FIN) processing
• D-8 visa application assistance
• Ongoing compliance and tax advisory

About SMA Lawfirm: We specialize in helping foreign entrepreneurs establish and grow businesses in Korea. Our bilingual team provides end-to-end support for startup visa applications, corporate registration, and long-term business success.