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The D-10-2, commonly called the Startup Preparation Visa or Technology Startup Preparation Visa, allows foreign entrepreneurs to remain in Korea while preparing to establish a technology-based business.
It is intended for the stage between having an initial business idea and becoming ready to operate a registered company under a longer-term startup visa. During this period, founders can develop their product, conduct market research, complete OASIS programs, apply for intellectual property rights and prepare for the D-8-4 visa.
As the D-10-2 is a startup preparation status, it is important to note that it is not a general business or self-employment visa. You cannot work or pay yourself a salary while on this visa. It is strictly for business preparation.
The typical D-10-2 to D-8-4 visa pathway looks like the following:
[D-10-2] is a visa for foreigners who plan to prepare for entrepreneurship in Korea, including developing business items, attracting investment, or entering government-supported startup programs.
The D-10-2 is designed for foreign founders who have a business concept but are not yet ready to operate the business commercially in Korea.
It may be appropriate for someone who needs time to:
The visa is particularly useful for international students, researchers and overseas founders who need a legal period of residence in Korea before their company is ready to begin commercial operations.
The D-10-2 is not intended for every type of small business. Restaurants, ordinary wholesale businesses and retail businesses are not covered under the D-10-2 pathway. Additionally, foreigners planning an import-export or trading business may need to investigate the D-9-1 Trade Visa route instead.
Before applying for the D-10-2, check the immigration office directory on hikorea.go.kr to verify which location covers the district where you live.
Application Packet
Note: Immigration officers can request additional documents even when they do not appear on the standard checklist. Call the immigration hotline at 1345 for help about your specific situation.
The Global Startup Immigration Center currently describes the D-10-2 as being available for up to two years, with extensions managed in six-month periods. Extension approval is not automatic and depends on whether the founder can demonstrate continued startup preparation.
Extension Checklist
The checklist specifically includes evidence of startup preparation, meaning that simply submitting the same business plan at every extension is unlikely to present a strong case.
The D-8-4 is the main technology startup visa for founders who have moved beyond the preparation stage and are ready to formally operate their company in Korea.
Under the regular points-based D-8-4 route, excluding the separate D-8-4 Startup Visa route, the applicant must generally:
Before applying to change their status, the founder should be able to show that the business has progressed from an early idea into a credible technology company with a clear product, operating plan, and legal structure in Korea.
This transition is not automatic. Immigration will review whether the applicant meets the D-8-4 eligibility requirements and whether the company appears to be genuinely established and ready to operate. Founders should therefore plan the transition well before their D-10-2 period expires and keep evidence of all startup activities completed during their stay.
D-8-4 Startup Visa Score Calculator
Estimate your D-8-4 eligibility based on public criteria
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The D-10-2 provides foreign technology founders with a structured period in Korea to move from an early business concept toward an operating company. The strongest applicants treat the time spent on the D-10-2 as a documented startup-development period with clear milestones, financial preparation and a credible route toward the D-8-4 Visa.
Because required documents and change-of-status rules can vary by applicant and immigration office, confirm your application checklist through HiKorea or call the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 before applying.
Symone Gosby
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