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D-8-4 vs D-8-4(S): Choosing the Right Startup Visa in Korea

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D-8-4 vs D-8-4(S): Choosing the Right Startup Visa in Korea

Most startup founders in Korea (on D-10-2 visa) are so focused on the OASIS point system that they totally neglected something…

D-8-4 Technology and Business Start-up Visa is no longer their own way to incorporate a business in Korea. In fact, there may be an easier path, introducing D-8-4(S) the Startup Korea Special Visa.


What Is the D-8-4(S) Special Visa?

The Startup Korea Special Visa, or D-8-4(S), is not a replacement for the standard D-8-4. It's a parallel track that drops the degree requirement and the rigid points system entirely.


Instead, a review committee looks at your business plan, your team, and whether your idea fits the Korean market. If you pass, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups issues a recommendation letter, and that letter is what you take to immigration.


It received a second boost in late 2025, when local governments and accredited accelerators were also authorized to issue recommendation letters, not just the Ministry. That opened the door wider for founders without a direct government connection.


Comparison of D-8-4 and D-8-4(S) visas

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Who Should Choose D-8-4 (OASIS Route)

International students (D-2) who completed their Bachelor’s and/or Master’s studies in universities located in Korea. With a relevant degree to what you will be doing for your startup, OASIS is the proven and classic path to take. Although the process is a little longer, the point system is clear and well-structured, so you will have more confidence in successfully changing from D-10-2 visa to D-8-4 visa.


Who Should Choose D-8-4(S) (no OASIS)

You did not go to university in Korea. University education in your home country is not as relevant as the core skills that you have. Examples include being a professional backend developer, or already running your own small game development freelance business overseas.


In short, you don’t have a Bachelor’s degree, but you have real traction and a business plan that holds up. Then D-8-4(S) is built exactly for you. You just need to be able to defend your pitch in front of a review committee. Don’t worry about speaking fluent Korean either, reach out early to Global Startup Center to arrange a consultation on how to get the Letter of Recommendation from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.


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Talk to Someone Before You Pick

All roads lead to Rome. There are more options than you may know to create a startup in Korea.


If you are not sure which one is a better fit for your, contact us at VizaBridge today for a 1:1 consultation.


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