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D-10-2 to D-8-4: The Complete Startup Visa Pathway for Foreign Founders in Korea

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D-10-2 to D-8-4: The Complete Startup Visa Pathway for Foreign Founders in Korea


How to Get a Startup Visa in Korea as a Foreigner?

Starting a tech company in Korea as a foreigner almost always runs through one route: OASIS → D-10-2 → D-8-4. It's a two-step visa system built specifically for non-Korean founders, and understanding it upfront can save you months of confusion.


What Is OASIS and Why It Matters?

OASIS (Overall Assistance for Start-up Immigration System) is a government program created by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups to help foreign entrepreneurs build tech startups in Korea. Its courses are free, but you must attend in person in Korea to get credit.


Who runs OASIS (KISED / Global Startup Immigration Center)?

OASIS is coordinated by KISED (Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development) through the Global Startup Immigration Center. Each year, different licensed institutions are approved to actually run the classes, so course providers and schedules shift annually.


Who can attend OASIS?

As long as you are a foreigner residing legally in Korea, you can apply for OASIS. The duration of the course must be fully covered by the duration of your legal stay status (e.g. D-4, D-2, D-10-1, tourist visa). You must attend the classes in person onsite. Multiple institutions run OASIS courses (level 1 to 9) on a rolling basis. You do not have to take the courses in numerical order unless otherwise specified.


What does the OASIS certificate proves to immigration?

Completing an OASIS course earns you points and a certificate. This is mandatory for transiting to D-10-2, and a building block toward the 60-point threshold required for D-8-4. Note that the certificate alone doesn't grant a visa. It's supporting proof that immigration weighs alongside your business plan and documents. If you only have time to complete one OASIS course before transiting to D-10-2, we recommend taking OASIS-4 (Entrepreneurship Education). If that is not available, try taking OASIS-1 (Basic Intellectual Property Education).


Step 1: D-10-2 Startup Preparation Visa


Who qualifies for D-10-2?

Anyone completing at least one OASIS course with a genuine plan to build a technology-based startup in Korea can apply.


What you can and can't do on D-10-2?

D-10-2 gives you legal residence to research your market, develop your business plan, and register a company. Take note that it does not permit profit-generating business activity. Meaning internships and part-time work is prohibited. It's valid for 6 months initially and extendable up to a maximum of 2 years.


Step 2: Registering Your Company

With your D-10-2 in hand, you incorporate your Korean entity: get a corporate registration certificate, open a corporate bank account, and secure a registered office address. This step turns your "plan" into a legal company immigration can evaluate.


Step 3: D-8-4 Startup Visa


OASIS points requirement

To convert to D-8-4, you generally need 60+ points under Korea's Startup Immigration Points System, with at least one prerequisite item satisfied (such as a filed patent, government startup program participation, or advanced OASIS course completion).


Mandatory items (patent, degree, etc.)

Typical supporting documents include: a bachelor's degree (apostilled or legalized if from a foreign university), IP such as a patent or utility model, your incorporation and business registration certificates, office lease, capital/bank statements, and your OASIS completion certificates.


Realistic Timeline (from idea to D-8-4)

A workable pace looks like:

  • Months 1–2: Attend OASIS courses, collect your certificate
  • Month 3: Apply for D-10-2
  • Months 4–5: Open a bank account, secure an address, incorporate
  • Months 6+: Build your product, file IP, accumulate OASIS points toward 60
  • ~12–18 months: Apply to convert to D-8-4


Common Mistakes That Delay Approval

  • Skipping OASIS courses early, then scrambling for points later
  • Incorporating before securing a proper registered company address
  • Filing for D-8-4 without reaching 60 points or missing the one required prerequisite item
  • Submitting foreign degrees without an apostille or legalization


FAQ

Is OASIS mandatory?

Yes. At least one course is required for D-10-2, and courses contribute points toward D-8-4.


How long is OASIS valid for?

Course certificates are generally valid for use in visa applications for up to 3 years.


Can I skip D-10-2 and go straight to D-8-4?

Only if you already meet the 60-point threshold and have an incorporated company. Most founders still use D-10-2 as runway to get there.


Is D-8-4 permanent?

No, it's issued for up to 1 year and renewable as long as the business remains active and meet renewal requirements.


All this information may sound overwhelming for aspiring startup founders. At VizaBridge, we believe that startup founders should focus their time and energy on making the business work. Leave the visa application guidelines and administrative work to us.


Start early and contact us today to know more about our services.


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