OASIS Program and Korea Startup Visa 2026 Application

Quick answer

OASIS is Korea’s startup immigration support program. It leads foreign entrepreneurs with technology-driven business ideas to the D-8-4 technology startup visa. Applicants need a qualifying degree (a Korean associate degree or a foreign bachelor’s degree or higher), intellectual property or equivalent technology, a Korean corporation, and enough OASIS points from courses and other items.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Korea’s Startup Visa System

Korea’s technology startup visa (D-8-4) has existed since 2013 (Money Today), and the OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System) program is how most foreign founders earn the points it requires. OASIS is not new in 2026 and does not replace an older system, but it continues to expand: new Global Startup Immigration Centers opened in Busan in July 2026, and Seoul revamped its curriculum as “OASIS 2.0” in June 2026.

If you’re a foreign entrepreneur with a technology-based business idea, the D-8-4 (Technology Startup) visa could be your gateway to Korea. This guide covers what OASIS is and how the D-8-4 application actually works.

What is the OASIS Program?

OASIS is a set of training and support courses run by Global Startup Immigration Centers that are jointly designated by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Busan Metropolitan City). Completing courses earns points toward the D-8-4 visa. The courses are:

Points can also come from degrees, intellectual property and other items on the Ministry of Justice scoring table. 2026 announcements state that founders with 60 or more points can apply for the D-8-4 (Seoul Shinmun, July 2026). Ministry of Justice material from November 2024 described the requirement as 80 points (Ministry of Justice), so confirm the current pass mark with a center before you apply.

OASIS does not run a separate visa application or a “business feasibility committee” that replaces immigration review. The visa decision stays with the immigration office or the Korean consulate.

D-8-4 Visa: Eligibility Requirements for 2026

Under item 11(c) of Annex 1-2 to the Immigration Act Enforcement Decree, the D-8-4 is for a corporate founder recognized by the Minister of Justice who has intellectual property or equivalent technology and meets one of these:

1. Educational Background

• An associate degree or higher obtained in Korea, or
• A bachelor’s degree or higher obtained abroad, or
• A recommendation from the head of a central government agency recognizing your technology (for example, IP holdings)

2. Technology

• Intellectual property (such as a patent, utility model or design) or equivalent technological capability

3. OASIS Points

• Enough points under the Ministry of Justice scoring table (see above)

4. A Korean Corporation

• The D-8-4 is for founders of a corporation, so the company is normally incorporated before the D-8-4 is granted
• If you need time in Korea to prepare, the D-10-2 startup preparation visa covers that stage

5. Financial Capacity

• There is no fixed minimum capital for the D-8-4 in the Decree, but you should show:
  • Sufficient funds to support initial operations
  • Personal financial stability during the startup phase
  • Ability to meet standard company registration requirements

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Phase 1: Preparation

Step 1: Develop Your Business Plan Create a comprehensive business plan that includes:

• Executive summary
• Market analysis (Korean market focus)
• Technology and product description
• Competitive advantages
• Marketing and sales strategy
• Financial projections (3-5 years)
• Team composition

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Degree certificates (officially translated)
• IP documents (patent, utility model or design applications or registrations)
• Personal financial statements
• Curriculum vitae/resume

Phase 2: Earning OASIS Points

Step 3: Enroll in OASIS Courses

• Apply through the recruitment notices of a Global Startup Immigration Center (for example, the Seoul Global Center). There is no single “OASIS visa” website.
• Some courses are offered online or are open to people outside Korea; check each center’s notice for format and eligibility.

Step 4: Collect Completion Certificates

• Keep the certificate for each course you finish and add up your points with the other scored items.

Phase 3: Visa Application

Step 5: (Optional) Apply for D-10-2

• If you need to stay in Korea while preparing to incorporate, the D-10-2 startup preparation visa covers founders preparing a D-8-4 corporation.

Step 6: Incorporate Your Company

• Register the corporation and obtain a business registration certificate.

Step 7: Apply for D-8-4 Visa

• Submit the application to the immigration office (or a Korean consulate abroad) with:
  • OASIS completion certificates and points documentation
  • Degree and IP documents
  • Corporate registry and business registration certificate
  • Office lease agreement
  • Bank account proof (corporate or personal)

Step 8: Immigration Review and Issuance

• The immigration office reviews eligibility and the business itself, then grants the period of stay
• Extensions depend on business progress

Alternative Entry Path: D-10-2 (Startup Preparation Visa)

If you’re not quite ready to launch your business but want to prepare while in Korea, consider the D-10-2 (Startup Preparation) visa:

D-10-2 Eligibility

• Under item 13(b) of Annex 1-2, D-10 covers people preparing to found a D-8-4 corporation, as recognized by the Minister of Justice
• Designed for entrepreneurs who need time to:
  • Conduct market research
  • Network and find partners/investors
  • Develop prototypes
  • Prepare company registration

D-10-2 to D-8-4 Pathway

• The period of stay is set by the immigration office; confirm it when you apply
• During this period, you can earn OASIS points, establish your company and apply for D-8-4 conversion

Required Documentation Checklist

When applying through OASIS, prepare the following documents:

Personal Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm, recent)
• Degree certificate (officially translated if not in Korean/English)
• University transcript
• Curriculum vitae/resume
• Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, investment commitments)

Business Documents

• Comprehensive business plan (25-50 pages recommended)
• Market research report (Korean market analysis)
• Technology documentation (patents, technical specifications, prototype demos)
• Financial projections (3-5 year P&L, cash flow, balance sheet)
• Letters of intent from potential customers/partners (if available)
• Investment term sheets or funding proof (if applicable)

Company Documents (if already registered)

• Business registration certificate (사업자등록증)
• Corporate registration certificate (법인등기부등본)
• Office lease agreement (사무실 임대차계약서)
• Corporate bank account statement
• Tax payment certificates

Additional Supporting Documents

• Patent applications or IP registrations
• Awards, competition wins, accelerator acceptance letters
• Media coverage or press mentions
• Previous business experience proof
• Recommendation letters from industry experts

Success Strategies: How to Strengthen Your Application

1. Demonstrate Clear Korean Market Fit

• Show specific understanding of Korean consumer behavior
• Identify local competitors and your differentiation
• Highlight partnerships with Korean companies or institutions

2. Emphasize Technology Innovation

• Provide technical documentation proving novelty
• Reference IP (patents, trade secrets, proprietary algorithms)
• Show technology roadmap and R&D plans

3. Prove Scalability Potential

• Present realistic but ambitious growth projections
• Identify expansion opportunities within Korea and regionally
• Show unit economics that support scalability

4. Highlight Job Creation

• Estimate hiring plan over 3-5 years
• Emphasize skilled positions (engineering, research, etc.)
• Show commitment to hiring Korean talent

5. Secure Pre-Launch Traction

• Customer pre-orders or letters of intent
• Investment commitments or funding secured
• Beta users or pilot program participants
• Strategic partnerships with established companies

6. Leverage Existing Credentials

• Previous startup experience or exits
• Recognition from accelerators or competitions
• Industry awards or media coverage
• Academic publications or research

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Insufficient Business Plan

Many applicants submit generic business plans without Korea-specific market analysis. Your plan must demonstrate deep understanding of the Korean market, regulatory environment, and competitive landscape.

❌ Weak Financial Projections

Overly optimistic or poorly researched financial models raise red flags. Use conservative assumptions backed by market data.

❌ Lack of Technology Documentation

Claiming “advanced technology” without technical proof is insufficient. Provide patents, technical whitepapers, or architecture diagrams.

❌ No Clear Revenue Model

Innovative ideas must have viable monetization strategies. Clearly explain how you’ll generate revenue and achieve profitability.

❌ Applying for D-8-4 Before Incorporating

The D-8-4 is a corporate founder visa. Plan to incorporate (or use the D-10-2 to prepare) before applying.

❌ Ignoring Business Substance Requirements

Even after receiving the visa, you must maintain genuine business operations (office, employees, revenue) to extend or convert to other visa categories.

Post-Visa: Maintaining and Extending D-8-4 Status

Initial Visa Period

• The immigration office sets the initial period of stay
• Can be extended based on business progress

Extension Requirements

To extend your D-8-4 visa, you must demonstrate:

1. Active Business Operations

   • Registered company with valid business license
   • Physical office (virtual offices may not qualify)
   • Business bank account with transaction history

2. Business Progress

   • Revenue generation or significant traction
   • Customer acquisition and retention
   • Product/service development milestones
   • Fundraising achievements (if applicable)

3. Employment of Local Talent

   • Hiring Korean employees strengthens extension applications
   • Show job creation impact

4. Financial Sustainability

   • Demonstrate ability to sustain operations
   • Corporate tax filing compliance
   • VAT returns submitted on time

5. Continued Innovation

   • R&D activities and IP development
   • Product updates or new service launches
   • Market expansion efforts

Extension Application Process

• Submit extension application 2-3 months before current visa expires
• Provide updated business plan and financial statements
• Include evidence of business progress (contracts, revenue reports, employment records)
• Immigration may conduct site visits to verify business substance

Path to Permanent Residency

After maintaining D-8-4 status for several years with successful business operations, you may become eligible for:

• F-2 (Residence) visa: The general points-based F-2 (F-2-7), scored on age, education, income, Korean language and similar factors
• F-5 (Permanent Residence): After 3+ years of continuous D-8-4 stay with at least KRW 300 million attracted from investors and at least two Korean employees, plus other requirements set by the Minister of Justice (Annex 1-3); or the general route after 5+ years in qualifying status

OASIS Program Additional Support Services

Beyond visa facilitation, OASIS provides:

Mentorship and Networking

• Connection to Korean startup mentors
• Introduction to potential investors and partners
• Access to startup events and demo days

Business Support

• Guidance on company registration procedures
• Introduction to accounting and legal service providers
• Office space referrals

Funding Opportunities

• Information on government grants and subsidies
• Connection to VC firms interested in foreign entrepreneurs
• Crowdfunding platform recommendations

Regulatory Guidance

• Compliance assistance for industry-specific regulations
• Tax and labor law orientation
• IP protection guidance

Timeline: From Application to Business Launch

Here’s a realistic timeline for the OASIS-D-8-4 pathway:

Cost Considerations

Budget for these key expenses:

Note: Costs vary significantly based on business type, location, and service providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take OASIS courses on a tourist visa?

Course eligibility is set by each Global Startup Immigration Center, and some courses are offered online. Check the center’s recruitment notice, and remember that a short-term visit does not by itself let you run the company; you will need the D-10-2 or D-8-4 for that.

Do I need to have a company registered before taking OASIS courses?

No. You can take courses before incorporating. You do need a Korean corporation for the D-8-4 itself.

What happens if my D-8-4 application is refused?

You can reapply after addressing the reasons given, for example by adding OASIS points, strengthening IP documentation or showing more business substance.

Can I bring my family on a D-8-4 visa?

Yes, your spouse and children can apply for F-3 (dependent) visas once you obtain D-8-4 status.

Is there an age limit for the D-8-4 visa?

No official age limit, but you must demonstrate capacity to successfully operate a business.

Can I work for another company while on D-8-4?

Generally no. D-8-4 is for operating your own startup. However, you may apply for part-time work permission in certain circumstances.

What if my startup fails? Will I lose my visa?

If your business becomes inactive, your visa may not be extended. It’s important to demonstrate ongoing business activities even if initial plans pivot.

Illustrative Scenario: An OASIS Pathway

The scenario below is illustrative, not a client case.

Background: Maria, a Brazilian software engineer with a Master’s in Computer Science, developed an AI-powered language learning platform.

Timeline:

• Month 1-2: Developed detailed business plan focused on Korean market (K-pop content integration for language learning)
• Month 3-5: Completed OASIS courses and filed a patent application
• Month 6: Incorporated a company and leased a small office in a Seoul startup hub
• Month 7: Applied for the D-8-4 visa
• Month 7-12: Launched beta version, secured 5,000 users, hired 2 Korean developers

Success Factors:

• Clear Korean market differentiation (K-pop content licensing partnerships)
• Working prototype demonstrated technical feasibility
• Prior startup experience (founded edtech company in Brazil)
• Conservative but defensible financial projections
• Willingness to bootstrap initially (KRW 150 million personal investment)

Conclusion: Is the OASIS Program Right for You?

The OASIS Program and D-8-4 visa pathway represent Korea’s commitment to attracting global entrepreneurial talent. This points-based system offers foreign founders a genuine opportunity to build technology businesses in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.

You should pursue OASIS if you:

• ✅ Have a technology-based, scalable business concept
• ✅ Possess a qualifying degree (Korean associate degree, or foreign bachelor’s or higher)
• ✅ Can commit to being physically in Korea for business operations
• ✅ Have sufficient financial resources to sustain initial operations
• ✅ Are prepared for the challenges of building a business in a foreign market

Consider alternative paths if:

• ❌ Your business is not technology-focused
• ❌ You cannot relocate to Korea full-time
• ❌ You lack the financial runway for startup operations
• ❌ Your business requires industry licenses difficult for foreigners to obtain

The Korean startup ecosystem offers tremendous opportunities—world-class infrastructure, tech-savvy consumers, access to Asian markets, and government support. With the OASIS program, foreign entrepreneurs have a structured, points-based pathway to tap into this potential.

Next Steps: How to Begin Your OASIS Journey

1. Conduct Market Research: Validate your business concept for the Korean market
2. Develop Your Business Plan: Create a comprehensive, Korea-focused plan
3. Secure Funding: Ensure you have sufficient capital for initial operations
4. Gather Documentation: Collect all required personal and business documents
5. Take OASIS Courses: Enroll through a Global Startup Immigration Center
6. Incorporate and Apply: Register your company and apply for the D-8-4
7. Seek Professional Support: Consider engaging immigration lawyers and business consultants familiar with OASIS

Get Expert Assistance with Your OASIS Application

Navigating the OASIS Program and D-8-4 visa application can be complex. SMA Lawfirm specializes in supporting foreign entrepreneurs through every step of the startup visa process, from business plan review to company registration and ongoing compliance.

Our services include:

• Business plan consultation tailored to OASIS evaluation criteria
• Documentation preparation and translation services
• OASIS application strategy and submission support
• Company formation and corporate registration
• Ongoing compliance support for visa extensions
• Tax and legal advisory for startup operations

📩 Contact us at sma@saemunan.com to schedule a consultation and start your journey to building your startup in Korea.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about the OASIS Program and D-8-4 visa as of February 2026. Immigration policies and requirements may change. Always consult with qualified immigration professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Official Sources

For authoritative reference, consult the following Korean government portals:

• HiKorea — Korea Immigration Portal
• Korea Immigration Service (MOJ)
• K-Startup (Ministry of SMEs and Startups)
• Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS)