Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Complete guide to establishing a foreign-invested company in Korea
What is an FDI Company?
A Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) company is a corporation established in Korea by a foreign national or foreign corporation under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA). Foreign investment is recognized when a foreigner acquires shares or stakes worth KRW 100 million or more in a Korean corporation, or when the overseas parent company of a foreign-invested enterprise enters into a loan agreement of 5 years or more.
By registering as an FDI company, you can receive various incentives such as tax reductions, cash grants, and location support, as well as eligibility to apply for a D-8 Corporate Investment Visa.
Establishment Requirements
Minimum Investment
KRW 100 million or more (approx. USD 80,000)
Equity Ratio
10% or more of voting shares by foreign investor
Business Premises
Registered business address in Korea required
Representative Director
Both foreigners and Korean nationals eligible
Establishment Procedure
Foreign Investment Report
Submit foreign investment report to KOTRA or foreign exchange bank
Investment Fund Transfer
Transfer investment funds from overseas to Korean foreign exchange bank account
Corporate Registration
Apply for corporate registration at the court (articles of incorporation, shareholders' meeting minutes, etc.)
Business Registration
Obtain business registration certificate from the tax office
FDI Enterprise Registration
Obtain FDI enterprise registration certificate from MOTIE
D-8 Visa Application
Apply for D-8 Corporate Investment Visa at the immigration office
FDI Benefits
- Corporate and income tax reduction (up to 7 years)
- Customs duty exemption (for capital goods imports)
- Local tax reduction (acquisition tax, property tax, etc.)
- Preferential lease of state/public property
- Cash grant support (for high-tech businesses, etc.)
- Eligibility for D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
Free Consultation
Our professional administrative agents will answer all your questions about establishing an FDI company.
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외국인투자법인 설립에 최소 얼마가 필요한가요?
외국인 투자 촉진법에 따라 최소 1억 원(약 USD 80,000) 이상의 투자가 필요합니다. 외국인 투자자는 의결권 있는 주식의 10% 이상을 보유해야 합니다.
외국인투자법인과 지사의 차이점은 무엇인가요?
외국인투자법인은 독립된 법인격을 가지며 세금 감면 혜택과 D-8 비자 신청 자격이 주어집니다. 반면 지사는 해외 본사의 일부로 운영되며 별도 자본금 요건이 없지만 투자 인센티브가 제한적입니다.
법인 설립까지 얼마나 걸리나요?
일반적으로 서류 준비부터 법인 등기까지 약 2~4주가 소요됩니다. 외국인투자 신고, 투자금 송금, 등기, 사업자등록 순으로 진행됩니다.