- country
- South Korea
- eligibility
- For foreign founders with promising/innovative startup business models. Removes academic, financial, and residency hurdles typical of standard visas; founders are evaluated on the strength of the business plan, team capability, and potential fit within the Korean market by a non-governmental expert committee (10-minute pitch + Q&A). Strategic focus areas include AI, semiconductors, medtech/medical, renewable energy, and cybersecurity. Applicants can apply even before incorporating in Korea; a recommendation letter from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) is valid for six months, during which the company must be incorporated in Korea.
- processing notes
- Launched November 2024 (applications opened Nov 7, 2024). MSS evaluates applicants (business performance, innovation, potential for Korean market entry, contribution to domestic economy) and forwards recommendations to the Ministry of Justice, which issues the visa. Domestic applicants apply at local immigration offices; foreign applicants via Korean embassies. In August 2025 the program was expanded so local governments and accredited accelerators (not only MSS) can issue recommendation letters. As of reporting, 16 foreign startups had secured entry since the November 2024 launch.