Trade and Investment Visa (D-9)
🇰🇷 South Korea visas · Business
What it is
For foreign nationals conducting trade activities or establishing businesses in Korea without necessarily being incorporated locally. Also covers technicians under trade agreements. Official sub-categories: D-9-1 무역고유거래 (trade); D-9-2 수출설비 (export equipment); D-9-3 선박설비 (ship equipment); D-9-4 경영영리사업 (business management).
Key facts
- Category
- Business
- Duration
- 1 year, renewable.
- Processing time
- 4 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 2 years
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (single entry, stay 91 days or more)
- USD 60
- Application fee (if issued as a 2-entry visa)
- USD 70
- Application fee (if issued as a multiple-entry visa)
- USD 90
Key requirements
- Evidence of international trade activities or a business contract with a Korean company
- Registration or proof of business entity in home country
- Letter of intent or trade agreement documentation
Working on this visa
Only the activities of this status of residence are permitted; employment or any other activity requires prior permission for out-of-status activity (Immigration Act Art. 20).
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 18 July 2026.