Students Visa Stay
Starting a business in Korea begins with checking your visa and stay status
For international students preparing to start a business in Korea, it is just as important to check their current visa status, eligibility for status change, and visa requirements at each stage of preparation as it is to have a good idea or business plan.
This page provides essential information on visas and stay status for students preparing for entrepreneurship and connects users to official websites for detailed requirements and actual applications.
Basic Information
Korea’s support system for foreign entrepreneurs provides different pathways for the startup preparation stage and the actual business launch stage. OASIS is a program operated by a Global Startup Immigration Center designated by the Minister of Justice and the Minister of SMEs and Startups, and it supports participants through a connected pathway between the Technology and Business Startup Visa (D-8-4) and the Startup Preparation Visa (D-10-2).
According to OASIS, participants may join the program with a short-term visa or student visa. After completing the program, they may change to a D-10-2 visa to prepare for incorporation and business setup, and later change to a D-8-4 visa once they meet the required conditions and points.
In addition, since 2024, the Startup Korea Special Visa has provided another route by minimizing traditional quantitative requirements such as academic background or intellectual property and instead evaluating business potential and innovation through a private review committee. After recommendation by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the final visa is issued by the Ministry of Justice. The Global Startup Center also provides comprehensive support for foreign entrepreneurs, including visa acquisition, company establishment, legal and accounting consultation, networking, and office space.
For stay management, Hi Korea provides services such as e-applications, visit reservation, stay expiration inquiries, visa-type guidance, visa navigation, and information on startup immigration. The Ministry of Justice immigration website also provides information on the Immigration Contact Center (1345) and the Online Stay/Visa Civil Service Center. Since tax and health insurance arrears may affect visa extension, these should also be checked in advance when preparing for an extension.
Things to Check
- Whether your current stay status allows participation in startup preparation programs
- Which visa pathway should be considered during the startup preparation stage
- What kind of stay status change may be required before and after establishing a company
- Where to handle visa extension, registration, visit reservations, and online civil applications
- Which languages are available through the 1345 Immigration Contact Center
Related Links
- Hi Korea: Visa Navigator, e-applications, visit reservation, stay-status guidance, and startup immigration information
- Immigration Contact Center 1345 / Online Stay & Visa Civil Service Center: Official immigration and stay consultation services
- OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System): Information on D-10-2, D-8-4, startup education, mentoring, and incorporation support
- Startup Korea Special Visa / Global Startup Center: Information on special visas, incorporation, settlement support, consultation, and networking