Legal Tax
Essential legal and tax information for starting a business in Korea
When international students start a business in Korea, they need to check not only visa issues but also the method of company establishment, business registration, tax filing, contracts, and protection of rights.
This page helps users understand the basic direction of legal and tax matters and connects them to official public institutions for detailed systems and actual administrative procedures.
Basic Information
According to Invest Korea, foreigners can start a business in Korea through various forms such as a foreign-invested company, a domestic branch of a foreign corporation, or a liaison office. In general, the process for establishing a foreign-invested company is: foreign investment 신고 → remittance of investment funds → incorporation registration → business registration → registration as a foreign-invested company.
Invest Korea also explains that foreigners may establish a corporation with an investment of less than KRW 100 million, but in that case it is not recognized as foreign direct investment (FDI).
Basic information on business registration and taxes can be found through the National Tax Service (NTS) and the Home Tax Service. The NTS English website provides guidance on business registration, tax filing, comprehensive income tax information for foreigners, year-end tax settlement materials, local tax office contacts, and links to the Home Tax Service. According to the NTS, documents commonly required for business registration may include an ID, business registration application form, lease agreement, and documents related to permits or 신고 requirements.
If legal issues arise or there are concerns about contracts, disputes, or the protection of rights, users may seek consultation and legal aid through the Korea Legal Aid Corporation. According to the Korea Legal Aid Corporation and the Easy Law information service, foreign residents in Korea may also receive legal consultation and legal aid if they meet certain conditions, and phone consultation is available through 132.
Things to Check
- What business form is appropriate in Korea: corporation, branch, or liaison office
- What basic documents are required for business registration
- What taxes must be reported and managed after starting a business
- Where to seek consultation in the event of a contract issue, dispute, or rights protection matter
- Where to find legal and tax information in English
Related Links
- Invest Korea: Business entry methods for foreigners, incorporation procedures, and foreign-invested company information
- NTS English Website: Tax information for foreigners, business registration, comprehensive income tax, year-end settlement, and local tax office search
- Home Tax Service: Guidance on business registration and electronic tax services
- NTS Business Registration Information: Basic required documents for business registration
- Korea Legal Aid Corporation / Legal Aid Platform: Legal consultation, legal aid, and support information for foreigners
Legal and tax requirements may vary depending on the business sector, corporate form, investment structure, and visa status. The information on this website is provided for general guidance only. Before signing contracts, establishing a company, or filing taxes, please make sure to consult the relevant official institution or a professional expert.