How to Obtain a D-8-4 Startup Visa in South Korea Through the OASIS Program
12/19/2024
If you are an international entrepreneur aiming to launch a technology-driven venture in South Korea, the OASIS initiative may serve as a critical stepping stone toward achieving your business objectives. Administered by the Global Startup Immigration Center and backed by the Ministries of Justice and SMEs and Startups, OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System) offers an integrated support framework designed to help foreign founders thrive in one of Asia’s most dynamic tech ecosystems.
This comprehensive platform is calibrated to guide foreign startup teams through the complex process of securing a D-8-4 startup visa, turning pioneering concepts into tangible enterprises. In the following sections, we will outline the various OASIS training sessions, highlight their respective benefits, and explain the strategic steps required to successfully obtain the D-8-4 visa under this program. Whether you are new to Korea’s startup scene or an established businessperson seeking to diversify, this overview will provide the knowledge and confidence you need to operate effectively within the Korean market.
An Overview of OASIS Courses
OASIS encompasses a spectrum of courses that focus on entrepreneurial skill-building, regulatory comprehension, and industry-specific training for foreign founders. These modules offer both theoretical insights and practical guidance, ensuring that participants gain valuable understanding of Korea’s business environment and immigration processes. Below are the core courses commonly associated with achieving the goals set forth by the OASIS program.
- OASIS-1: Fundamental Intellectual Property Module (15 Points)
Purpose: Establish a foundational understanding of intellectual property and other key elements essential to emerging startups.
Curriculum: Covers Korean societal context, immigration regulations, an introduction to OASIS structures, IP fundamentals, ideation methodologies, presentation techniques, and concept refinement. - OASIS-2: Advanced Intellectual Property Studies (25 Points)
Purpose: Delve deeper into the legal and practical aspects of IP management.
Curriculum: Examines IP rights in detail, patent litigation procedures, advanced ideation processes, prior art research, drafting patents, mock legal proceedings, copyright principles, and case studies showing effective IP strategies. - OASIS-3: Support for IP Applications & Prototype Development
Purpose: Facilitate the process of securing patents, utility models, and design protections, and provide related financial resources.
Curriculum: Includes assistance with application fees, professional IP evaluations, intermediary fees, and funding options to help commercialize technologically promising ideas. - OASIS-4: Core Startup Education (25 Points)
Purpose: Impart vital knowledge about immigration regulations, Korean cultural nuances, and key operational aspects of managing a business.
Curriculum: Introductions to immigration law, in-depth cultural insights, business planning tools, target market analysis, SME support measures, legal frameworks for startups, effective communication skills, and market surveying techniques. - OASIS-5: Tailored Coaching & Mentorship (15 Points)
Purpose: Offer personalized guidance on entry strategies, market positioning, and customer research.
Curriculum: One-on-one mentorship, coaching sessions, on-site visits, and shared knowledge platforms that address participants’ specific entrepreneurial challenges. - OASIS-6: Innovation Showcases & Startup Exhibitions (25 Points)
Purpose: Uncover cutting-edge IP concepts, connect with potential investors, and foster technology exchange and investment advice.
Curriculum: Opportunities to join exhibitions, interact with investors, and receive consulting on technology transactions and capital acquisition. - OASIS-7: Incubator Graduation (15 Points)
Purpose: Provide a stable launching environment for entrepreneurs who have completed the core incubation period.
Curriculum: Access to dedicated workspace and infrastructure post a six-month incubation phase, enabling smooth initial operations and scaling efforts. - OASIS-8: Corporate Formation Assistance (15 Points)
Purpose: Streamline the incorporation process, a crucial step in qualifying for the D-8-4 startup visa.
Curriculum: Support with administrative procedures, legal registration requirements, and efficient business setup guidance. - OASIS-9: Commercialization Guidance (25 Points)
Purpose: Help founders navigate initial market entry, research and development investments, and long-term management considerations.
Curriculum: Coverage of early commercialization expenditures, R&D support, and ongoing management advice, ensuring that startup products successfully reach their target markets.
Requirements for the D-8-4 Visa
- Academic Criteria: Applicants must possess an associate’s or bachelor’s degree recognized in South Korea or provide equivalent documentation authorized by the Global Startup Immigration Center.
- Score Attainment (80 Points): A total of at least 80 points must be accumulated through OASIS courses, IP filings, and other qualifying entrepreneurial activities.
- Incorporation: Establishing a legally recognized company in South Korea is mandatory to obtain the D-8-4 status.
Roadmap to Acquiring the D-8-4 Visa Via OASIS
- Enter with a Short-Term Visa: Start by arriving in South Korea on a temporary permit.
- Complete OASIS Courses: Enroll in key modules such as OASIS-1 and OASIS-4 to accrue essential points and foundational knowledge.
- Transition to D-10-2 Status: Once initial requirements are met, change your visa to the D-10-2 (job seeker) category, giving you time to refine your business concept and prepare for full-scale operations.
- Establish Your Enterprise: Undertake the legal and administrative steps to register a formal business entity in South Korea.
- Secure Intellectual Property Rights: If applicable, initiate the IP application process to protect your startup’s innovations.
- Earn 80 or More Points: Through successful course completion and IP filings, ensure you meet or exceed the 80-point threshold.
- Convert to the D-8-4 Visa: Having fulfilled all necessary prerequisites, you can now switch to the D-8-4 startup visa, granting you the ability to legally reside and operate your enterprise in South Korea.
Final Thoughts
The OASIS program functions as a vital conduit for foreign startup founders eager to thrive in South Korea’s bustling innovation hub. By pairing the D-8-4 startup visa with specialized training sessions, entrepreneurs gain the contextual understanding, practical tools, and professional networks needed to flourish. Following a structured plan—from short-term entry through course completion, incorporation, IP protection, and point accumulation—can greatly enhance your chance of long-term success in Korea’s dynamic market.
For guidance on setting up your company or handling the necessary visa paperwork, consider reaching out to Pearson & Partners. They specialize in easing your progression through the OASIS framework, ensuring that your groundbreaking venture takes root and prospers in South Korea’s fertile entrepreneurial landscape.
Here is the our official blog. You can also check the information in our official blog.