What is D-8-4S? How it differs from D-8-4
D-8-4S is a new startup visa from Nov 2024. You can apply without a bachelor's degree or Korean residence.
The old D-8-4 required a degree and Korean stay, which blocked many founders. D-8-4S removes both, but needs an innovative idea and a certified recommendation.
Key point: D-8-4 proves you with a degree, D-8-4S with an idea and recommendation.
Nov 2024: D-8-4S visa created
Aug 2025: Local gov’t & certified accelerators can issue recommendations
Dec 2025: Nationwide rollout
D-8-4S requirements: Why no degree needed
D-8-4S drops degree and residence, but needs three things.
1) Have an innovative idea (AI, biotech, fintech are good). 2) Prove the business is viable (market exists). 3) Get a recommendation from a certified body (local gov’t or accelerator). The recommendation replaces the degree.
E-9 holders without a degree can switch to D-8-4S if they have an innovative idea.
E-7 professionals can also use D-8-4S when moving to entrepreneurship.
'Innovation' assessment: qualitative, not points
D-8-4S review isn’t a score system. Officers judge the idea’s innovation and feasibility.
They look at three things: tech originality, market fit, and profit potential. AI, biotech, fintech can get a decision within 10 business days.
When writing a plan, focus on why it’s needed and who will buy, not technical jargon. Clear language boosts approval.
Example: “Our app automatically translates foreign workers’ pay slips into their native language. Target: 850,000 foreign workers in Korea.” Write like that.
How to get a recommendation: local gov’t vs certified accelerator
You can get the D-8-4S recommendation via either local government or a certified accelerator.
Local route: apply at city startup centers (Seoul, Busan, Incheon, etc.). Accelerator route: join a Ministry‑approved accelerator or incubator. From Dec 2025, regional accelerators are also included.
Whichever path you choose, prepare a business plan first. You need to pass the institution’s pre‑screening to get the recommendation.
Make sure the accelerator is certified by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
The certified list is on the OASIS official site.
5 steps to apply for D-8-4S
Just follow the order from choosing a recommending body to getting the visa.
If you don’t have a recommendation yet, get a D-10-2 (pre‑startup visa) first.
D-10-2 lets you stay up to 2 years in Korea to prepare your startup.
Staying on D-10-2, join an accelerator, get the recommendation, then switch to D-8-4S—that’s the safest path.
Step 1: Choose a recommending institution
Pick a city startup center or certified accelerator that fits your idea. Check the list on OASIS (oasis.go.kr).
Step 2: Submit business plan
Send your plan to the chosen institution. Highlight innovation, market size, and profit plan. Can be in English or Korean.
Step 3: Get the recommendation
If you pass the review, you receive the recommendation—key document for D-8-4S. It takes 2–4 weeks.
Step 4: Apply for visa at immigration office
Take the recommendation and other docs to the nearest immigration office, or apply online via hikorea.go.kr.
Step 5: Review and issuance
AI, biotech, fintech get a decision within 10 business days. Other fields take 4–6 weeks. Keep your contact info for possible extra docs.
Estimated D-8-4S application costs
The OASIS program is free. Below are real costs during preparation.
| Item | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| OASIS program application fee | Free | Government program |
| Visa application fee | Around 50,000 KRW | Immigration office |
| IP (intellectual property) registration | Around 500,000–1,000,000 KRW | Optional, strengthens competitiveness |
| Office lease (virtual office) | Around 300,000–500,000 KRW/month | For address registration |
| Notary/accountant fees | Around 1,000,000–2,000,000 KRW | Optional |
| Total estimated cost | Around 2,000,000–5,000,000 KRW | Depends on composition |
| OASIS‑9 commercialization grant | Up to 10,000,000 KRW | Granted if you pass review |
D-8-4S, D-8-4, D-10-2 — Which visa fits me?
Answer 3 questions to find the right visa.
D-8-4S application checklist
Check each item. These are the docs you submit after getting the recommendation.
D-8-4S visa FAQ
Content about D-8-4S visa
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