When can I apply to extend my D-8 Corporate Investment stay period, and what documents do I need?

The reference materials do not say when to apply for a D-8 extension, so this answer focuses on documents. The list below is for people who invested in a corporation (D-8-1).

When to apply

• You must apply for the extension before your stay period ends. If the expiration date passes, it may count as a stay violation.
• In general, foreigners are known to be able to apply for a stay extension from 4 months before the expiration date. However, this was not confirmed in these materials, so please check with HiKorea (하이코리아) or 1345.

Basic documents (corporate investment, D-8-1)

1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증), 1 standard-size photo¹
2. Copy of business registration certificate, full corporate registry certificate, original statement of shareholder changes¹
3. Copy of investment company registration certificate¹
4. For resident-staff activities: dispatch order (stating the dispatch period) and certificate of employment¹
5. Documents proving the investment funds were brought in (foreign currency export permit, remittance confirmation, etc.)¹
6. Documents proving personal tax payment or VAT taxable base certificate¹
7. Certificate of business performance (import/export results, etc.)¹
8. Documents proving the business site exists (lease contract, photos of the site, etc.)¹
9. Documents proving your residence (lease contract, accommodation confirmation, etc.)¹

⚠️ Things to note

• Individual investors with an investment under 300 million won must also submit documents showing how the capital was used. If needed, you must also submit documents showing business experience in that industry.¹
• Other types, such as venture investment (D-8-2), need different documents. You need documents proving business performance and a tax payment certificate. [5]
• The limit for one extension is 5 years for D-8-1 and D-8-3, and 2 years for D-8-2 and D-8-4.²
• If there is no tax payment record or the business is poor, approval may be difficult.²
• Approval is not guaranteed. Be sure to confirm the final documents with your local Immigration Office (출입국·외국인관서).