Investing in Korea?

Under Korea's Foreign Investment Promotion Act, a foreign national or entity investing in a Korean company must file an FDI notification — the step that turns your investment into the recognized, qualifying basis for a foreign-invested company and, if you plan to run it, a D-8 investor visa.

Why the FDI notification matters

Without a completed FDI notification, your capital is just money in a Korean company — it isn't recognized as "foreign investment" under Korean law, and a Korean company isn't classified as foreign-invested. That classification is what unlocks the D-8 visa pathway, certain foreign-investor protections, and in some cases sector-specific incentives, so skipping or rushing this step can stall the rest of your plans in Korea.

What the FDI notification involves

• Foreign investment notification filing with a designated foreign exchange bank or KOTRA
• Confirming the investment amount and corporate structure meet the legal minimum for foreign-invested company status
• Preparing the supporting documents — personal identification, proof of funds, and, if applicable, certified translation and apostille of foreign paperwork
• Coordinating the notification with your company incorporation and D-8 visa filings so the paperwork lines up in the right order

Who typically needs this

Foreign nationals starting or acquiring a Korean company as an investor, founders planning to apply for a D-8 investor visa, and existing foreign-invested companies bringing in additional capital that also needs to be reported.

How FDI registration works

1. We confirm your investment structure and amount meet the FDI notification requirements before filing.
2. We file the notification and obtain the foreign-invested company confirmation on your behalf.
3. This confirmation becomes the documented basis for your company registration and, if relevant, your D-8 visa application.

Common mistakes

• Investing the funds before the notification is filed, which can complicate the paperwork trail
• Underestimating the minimum investment threshold required to qualify
• Filing FDI and incorporation separately without coordinating the sequence, causing avoidable delays

FDI notification turnaround

The notification itself is typically processed within a few business days once the investment funds and corporate structure are confirmed and the required documents are ready.