AI-powered solutions to navigate and access Korea's startup funding programs
South Korea offers a specialized pathway for foreign entrepreneurs to launch technology-focused businesses without the traditional requirement of a ₩100 million KRW investment. This pathway is facilitated through the Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System (OASIS; 창업이민종합지원시스템).
Understanding this system is critical because the requirements and the implementing organizations change annually. This guide covers the 2026 OASIS program, including visa pathways, point requirements, available courses, and the organizations currently running OASIS programs in Korea.
Traditionally, starting a business in South Korea required ₩100 million KRW (~$70,000 USD) of personal investment. However, starting in 2013, the Korean government established OASIS, a pathway for tech-focused foreign talent to launch their businesses with lower startup costs.
The OASIS program offerings are 100% free and divided into nine parts. While you do not need to complete all nine, successful completion of each part provides points towards the D-8-4 visa. Additionally, each provides knowledge, resources, or funding opportunities advantageous to your startup journey.
In 2026, the Ministry of Justice (법무부) expanded the number of authorized Global Startup Immigration Centers (글로벌창업이민센터) to eight nationwide. However, in 2026, not all of the centers and hubs are offering OASIS curriculum. The partial schedules and application links of course-based OASIS offerings are available on the Global Startup Immigration Center’s OASIS visa website. However, individual organizations often post OASIS schedules on their own websites and social media.
*Chungbuk Bio Industry-Academy Convergence Institute program offerings are specifically for bio-health and science startups in central Korea.
The Startup Preparation Visa (D-10-2) allows you to reside in Korea while attending OASIS classes, preparing IP patent applications, and more. To apply, you need a Bachelor’s degree (or an Associate degree from a Korean institution) and ONE of the following:
Important: You cannot work or pay yourself a salary while on this visa. It is strictly for business preparation.
The Technology Startup Visa (D-8-4) is obtained through a point system. You must obtain at least 60 out of 120 points to be eligible for the visa, including at least one item from the prerequisite list.
Documents Required for Application:
Read more about the new fast-track D-8-4S visa.
OASIS is not the only way to obtain visa points. Some particular cases can expedite or exempt you from the point system:
D-8-4 Startup Visa Score Calculator
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