Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial Journey in Korea
So, you have a brilliant startup idea and you've set your sights on South Korea? Fantastic choice! Korea is a vibrant hub of innovation and technology. But before you dive in, there's a key step: securing the right visa. This guide will walk you through the D-10-2 (Job Seeker - Startup) Visa, your gateway to launching a business in Korea, explained in a simple, logical, and maybe even fun way.
Think of this process as a quest. Your goal is to prove to the Korean government that you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. To do this, you'll use a point-based system. Let's get started!
The Three Golden Rules of Your Quest
Before you start collecting points, you need to meet three basic requirements. Consider these the entry ticket to your entrepreneurial adventure.
| Requirement | Description |
| 1. Academic Qualification | You must hold a Bachelor's Degree or higher from a recognized institution, whether from Korea or abroad. (Sorry, prospective graduates don't qualify just yet!). |
| 2. Corporate Establishment | You must have already established your corporation in Korea or be in the process of doing so. This shows you're serious about your venture. |
| 3. The Magic Number: 80 | You need to score a minimum of 80 points on the Startup Immigration Point System. This is where the real quest begins! |
The Point System: Your Pathway to 80+
Getting to 80 points is like a game. You collect points from different categories. The most important rule here is that you must meet at least one of the "Mandatory Items" below. Think of them as major milestones in your quest.
Part 1: The Major Milestones (Mandatory Items)
Achieving just one of these gets you a huge chunk of the points you need. If you secure one of the 80-point items, you're already at the finish line! You must qualify for at least one of the following:
| Mandatory Item | Points | Notes |
| Own Registered Intellectual Property (IP) | 80 | If you have a patent or design officially registered in your name, you've hit the jackpot! |
| Secure Investment of ₩100M+ | 80 | Attracting over 100 million Korean Won (approx. $75,000 USD) in investment is a massive validator. |
| Have a Pending IP Application | 50 | Even just applying for a patent or design shows strong potential and earns you a solid 50 points. |
| Be a Co-Inventor on Registered IP | 20 | Teamwork makes the dream work! Being a co-inventor on a registered patent gets you on the board. |
| 3-Year Stay on a Research (E-3) Visa | 10 | If you have a background in research in Korea, that experience is valued. |
Part 2: The Point Boosters (Optional & OASIS Program Points)
Once you've secured your mandatory item, you can top up your score with these "booster" points. This is where your unique skills and efforts get rewarded.
| Optional Item | Points | Notes |
| Win a Top 5 Spot in a Major Startup Competition | 25 | Recognition in a government-approved invention or startup competition (like OASIS-6) gives you a big boost. |
| Get Selected for a Government Support Project | 25 | If your startup item is chosen for a government support program (like OASIS-9), it's a strong signal of your potential. |
| Complete Advanced Startup Skills Education (OASIS) | 25 | Finishing an advanced startup skills program through OASIS shows your dedication. |
| Complete Other OASIS Programs | 15 | Completing basic, coaching, or incubator programs from OASIS also adds to your score. |
| Establish a New Corporation | 15 | The very act of setting up your company earns you points. |
| Hold a Doctoral Degree | 10 | A Ph.D. from any university (domestic or foreign) is recognized. |
| Prove Your Korean Proficiency | 10 | Scoring TOPIK Level 3+ or completing KIIP Level 3+ shows you're integrating well. |
| Hold a Domestic Bachelor's or Master's Degree | 5 | If you earned your degree in Korea, you get extra credit! |
What is this "OASIS" You Keep Mentioning?
OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System) is your best friend on this journey. It's a government program designed specifically to help foreign entrepreneurs like you. As you can see from the point system, participating in OASIS programs is one of the best ways to score points.
They offer:
•Intellectual Property Education: Learn how to protect your ideas.
•Startup Training & Mentoring: Get guidance from experienced professionals.
•Incubator Programs: Get the support you need to grow your business from the ground up.
If you're serious about your startup in Korea, we highly recommend looking into the OASIS programs.
