[EN] Do You Need OASIS Points for a Korea D-8-4 Tech Startup Visa? What to Prepare Before You Move
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| A foreign entrepreneur preparing a startup roadmap before launching a technology business in South Korea. |
A Practical Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs Planning a Technology Startup in South Korea
"I'm planning to launch a technology startup in South Korea. Do I need OASIS points before I apply for a D-8-4 visa?"
Many foreign founders assume that a good business idea is enough.
In reality, the D-8-4 Tech Startup Visa (a residence visa for foreign technology entrepreneurs) is built around an official startup immigration point system.
Understanding how those points are earned before leaving your home country can save months of unnecessary delays after arrival.
Official Guidance
The D-8-4 Tech Startup Visa is intended for foreign entrepreneurs establishing a technology-based business in South Korea.
Applicants generally need to satisfy several requirements, including:
- academic qualification or another recognized eligibility requirement;
- establishment of a Korean corporation;
- at least 60 points under the official startup immigration point system; and
- at least one required item within the point system.
One of the most common ways to earn points is through OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System, Korea's official startup immigration support program).
Executive Commentary
Many entrepreneurs ask the wrong question.
Instead of asking,
"Do I need to take OASIS?"
the better question is,
"How will I reach the required points for my D-8-4 application?"
OASIS is not simply a training course.
It is one of the main ways foreign founders earn points while preparing to establish their company in Korea.
Official Guidance
OASIS consists of several education and startup-support modules.
Each completed module awards a different number of points.
Applicants do not automatically complete every module.
The combination depends on each founder's background and the number of points still needed.
The point system also includes required items such as intellectual property or other recognized achievements.
Simply attending classes does not automatically satisfy every visa requirement.
Executive Commentary
Imagine a software engineer living overseas.
They already have a university degree and an AI business idea.
They assume they can immediately apply for a D-8-4 visa.
After reviewing the official requirements, they discover something different.
Their degree helps, but they still need enough immigration points and at least one required item before qualifying for the visa.
That changes their preparation plan completely.
Instead of only writing a business plan, they begin preparing documents, reviewing OASIS courses, and considering whether intellectual property (IP, legal rights such as patents or design rights) should become part of their startup strategy.
Official Guidance
Some founders first enter Korea using a D-10-2 Startup Preparation Visa (a visa allowing eligible foreigners to prepare a startup in Korea).
During this period, they may:
- attend OASIS programs;
- prepare their business plan;
- establish a corporation;
- prepare intellectual property applications; and
- complete other requirements before applying for a D-8-4 visa.
Receiving a D-10-2 visa does not automatically guarantee approval of a D-8-4 visa.
The applicant must still satisfy the applicable requirements when applying.
Executive Commentary
For many overseas founders, the biggest preparation does not happen after arriving in Korea.
It begins before boarding the airplane.
Documents prepared in advance often include:
- university degree certificates;
- Apostille or consular authentication where required;
- business concept materials;
- intellectual property documents, if available; and
- a preliminary understanding of how many immigration points are still needed.
Preparing these items early makes it much easier to build a realistic roadmap after arriving in Korea.
A Practical Preparation Checklist
Before deciding when to move, ask yourself these questions.
- Do I already meet the academic qualification requirement?
- How many immigration points do I currently have?
- Which OASIS modules would help close the remaining gap?
- Do I already have intellectual property that may count toward the required items?
- Should I prepare under a D-10-2 Startup Preparation Visa before applying for D-8-4?
- Is my Korean corporation ready to be established?
The goal is not simply to complete OASIS.
The goal is to build a complete application that satisfies every requirement of the D-8-4 system.
Before You Meet a Professional
When speaking with an immigration adviser or startup support organization, consider asking:
"Based on my education, startup experience, and intellectual property, how many immigration points do I already have, which required items are still missing, and which OASIS modules would best help me qualify for a D-8-4 Tech Startup Visa?"
A clear point calculation at the beginning is often more valuable than taking courses without a plan.
Effective Date
This article reflects publicly available guidance reviewed as of July 2026.
OASIS programs, immigration point criteria, and visa requirements may change. Always confirm the latest requirements before applying.
Fact-Check Materials Used
- Global Startup Immigration Center (OASIS)
- OASIS Startup Immigration Point System
- Ministry of Justice guidance on D-8-4 and D-10-2 visas
- Official OASIS application and process guidance
Official Sources
- Global Startup Immigration Center (OASIS)
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS)
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not legal, immigration, or business consulting advice. Visa eligibility depends on the applicant's qualifications, supporting documents, startup plan, and the immigration requirements in effect at the time of application.
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