When can I apply to extend my D-8 corporate investment stay, and what documents do I need?

You can apply for a D-8 extension from 4 months before your stay period ends until the expiry date. If you apply before it expires, you can stay while you wait, even if the result comes late. The extension fee is waived because you hold a D-8.

Prepare these documents

The documents for an extension differ by sub-status (D-8-1 to D-8-4). The list below is based on the documents for a change of status permit, and extensions usually follow it too. Check first with your local immigration office about which documents to remove or add for an extension.

• Basic documents (application form, passport, Alien Registration Card, fee): the fee is waived for D-8
• Proof of residence: such as a real estate lease contract
• Copy of the business registration certificate and the certified corporate registry (법인등기사항전부증명서): submitted to check that the company is still operating
• Certificate of business results (such as export/import results): shows your business performance
• Documents proving the business site exists: office lease contract, photos of the whole building and the signboard, etc.

Extra documents by status

• D-8-1 (corporate investment): documents proving the investment funds were brought in (a remittance confirmation for cash investment, a completion certificate for in-kind investment, etc.)
• D-8-2 (venture investment): venture business certificate (or preliminary venture business certificate), documents proving technology (copy of patent certificate, technology excellence evaluation report, etc.), office lease contract
• D-8-3 (sole proprietorship investment): business registration certificate showing the joint business owner, original joint business agreement, copy of the investment company registration certificate, documents proving the business funds of the Korean joint owner. For resident activity, a dispatch order and a certificate of employment are also needed.
• D-8-4 (technology startup): certified corporate registry, copy of the business registration certificate. If the company is not yet incorporated, you must submit these within 6 months and then extend.
• If the investment is under 300,000,000 KRW, also submit documents showing how the capital was used (receipts, interior costs, domestic bank deposit and withdrawal statements, etc.).

Application steps

1. Start gathering documents 4 months before expiry.
2. Apply online at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), or book a visit and go to the immigration office with jurisdiction over your address.
3. Be sure to apply before the expiry date. When the result comes, stay within the permitted period.

⚠️ Points to note

• The maximum stay period per grant is 5 years for D-8-1 and D-8-3, and 2 years for D-8-2 and D-8-4.
• The review checks whether you work as essential professional staff, whether you have a tax payment record and business results, and whether the company is not poorly managed.
• It is risky if the expiry date passes. In that case, get advice from an administrative agent (행정사).

Check once more on HiKorea or at the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345) for the documents that fit your sub-status (D-8-1 to D-8-4).