AI-powered solutions to navigate and access Korea's startup funding programs
The D-9-1 visa offers foreign entrepreneurs a point-based pathway to legally operate a trading business in South Korea. Unlike the D-8-1 investment visa, which requires a ₩100 million KRW capital injection, the D-9-1 evaluates applicants on education, language proficiency, and residency history, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants.
This guide walks through the full requirements, point structure, and application sequence.
Out of the possible 160 points, you must obtain at least 60 points. The point system is divided into two sections: a required section and a elective section.
Within the required section, you must obtain at least 10 points, which can be through pervious trade performance (10-30 points), trade work experience (20 points), having a university degree in trade (15 points), or taking the OASIS 4+ Basic Trading course (10 points).
The remaining points in the elective section can be obtained through the number of years you've stayed in Korea (5-20 points), your educational background (5-20 points), graduating from a Korean university (30 points), having ₩100M+ KRW in capital (15 points), and completing TOPIK or KIIP level 3 or higher (10 points).
D-9-1 Trade Visa Score Calculator
Estimate your eligibility based on public criteria
0 pts
Check the official OASIS visa website for more guidance about how to calculate points for your initial application and visa extensions.
Before applying for the D-9-1 visa, you must obtain:
You must secure a commercial lease agreement under your own name. The space must be independently zoned for business use. Residential properties, home offices, and virtual office addresses will result in rejection of both your business registration and visa application.
Before registering your business at the tax office, you must obtain a Trade Business Code from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). This code is your official entry into the Korean trade database and is required documentation for your business license.
Below is a step-by-step application sequence for the D-9-1 trade visa. It is important to follow this order strictly, as each step is a prerequisite for the next.
Symone Gosby
Answer a few questions to discover grants you're eligible for.
On this page
