Korea Startup Special Visa Recommendation Letter Program

Open

Application closes: 31 Dec 2034

Program period: 04 Sep 2025 - 31 Dec 2034

Program Description

Rolling Applications for the “Startup Korea Special Visa Recommendation Letter” from the Ministry of SMEs are open. Applications are evaluated on a monthly basis.
Once you you are approved; a recommendation letter will be given to you which make you eligible for Startup Special Visa that can obtained from any Korean embassy or the Korean Immigration Office.
The purpose is to attract promising global startup talent and overseas startups,. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has launched the “Startup Korea Special Visa (D-8-4(S))”, which is issued based on evaluations of business feasibility and innovation of startups.

Program Activities and Benefits

The recommendation letter for the D8-S, Special Startup Visa is issued with the following privileges to the applicant:

Company representative does not need degree.
Company representative does not need points (OASIS).
Eligibility covers companies that are not yet registered in Korea (must register in Korea within 6 months of visa issuance).
Visa can be issued at the embassies or the Immigration Office in Korea.

Program Documents

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Organizer

SkalePLUS

We simplify cross-border expansion and support businesses and startups in scaling up effectively. We are committed to fostering an inclusive ecosystem of stakeholders such as business experts, tech enthusiasts, mentors, investors, venture capitalists, and much more for tangible success.

Organizing Team

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Application Period

Apply between the dates below.

04-Sep-2025 ~ 31-Dec-2034

Prerequisites

You need the below before you apply.

Within 7 years of founding

Within 10 years of founding for new industires

Technology or New Industry fields

Not a Korean national

Related Events

Click the link to view events related to this program.

Program Instructions

Upon receiving the recommendation letter, use SkalePLUS visa tool to prepare your immigration application (Personal Dashboard > Tools > K Startup Visa Oasis > follow the process then> Start Application>(complete application)>Print PDF.
Documents you need to apply are: (A) Application form (attached). B) Business Plan Template (attached). C) Copy of passport or residence card (if in Korea). D) Corporate registration or business license (if available). E) Co-representative verification (if applicable). F) Consent form for personal information collection/use (attached).
The "New Industries" referenced in the application include the following:

AI
Big Data
5G+
Blockchain
Service Platforms
Immersive Content
Intelligent Robots
Smart Manufacturing
System Semiconductors
Autonomous Vehicles
Electric/Hydrogen Vehicles
Bio
Medical Devices
Functional Foods
Drones & Personal Mobility
Next-Gen Ships
Disaster/Safety
Smart Cities
Smart Homes
Renewable Energy
Secondary Batteries
CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage)
Resource Recycling & Energy Reuse
Space Industry
Next-Gen Nuclear Power
Quantum Tech
Cybersecurity

Up to three company representatives can apply only if one of the following conditions are met, otherwise, only the main representative.

- they are listed as co-representatives in the corporate registration of a company operating the same business for more than one year; or

- The startup is selected by an MSS K-Scouter and submits proof of co-representative status.

-The (preliminary) startup must qualify as a “startup support target” under theSME Startup Support Act:

Month: ALL

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SkalePLUS Co., Ltd.Business Registration: # 162-86-02464E-Commerce Permit: 제 2024-서울강남-02254호

Address602 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu,
Seoul, 06083, Rep. of Korea

Phone+82 10-5139 1156

Emailsales@skaleplus.com

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