When can I apply to extend my D-9 (Trade and Management) stay, and what documents do I need?

You can apply for a D-9 extension from 4 months before your stay period ends until the expiration date. The documents differ a little depending on your work (trade/business, equipment dispatch, or sole proprietor).

Prepare these documents

In every case, submit the basic documents (application form, passport, registration card, fee).

① If you run a trade or for-profit business (points-system applicants)

• Copy of business registration certificate (사업자등록증) — shows your business is operating
• Proof that your business place exists — lease contract, etc.
• Proof of residence — lease contract, proof of monthly rent payment, etc.
• Proof of trade performance (choose one) — "Certificate of Export/Import Performance" (수출입실적증명서) from the Korea International Trade Association or Korea Trade Statistics Promotion Institute, "Export Performance Certificate" (수출실적 증명원) from a foreign exchange bank, or online mall transaction records (records without a filed export/import performance are recognized only up to 40%)
• Proof of employing Koreans — employment insurance documents (full-time employment continuing for 6 months or more)
• Tax payment record — National Tax Service "Income Tax Payment Certificate" (소득세 납세사실증명)

② If you were dispatched to install, operate, or repair equipment, or to supervise the building of ships or equipment

• Dispatch order or certificate of employment — issued by the head office
• Ship order contract or equipment import contract
• Copy of business registration certificate
• Personal tax payment certificate — Class B earned income withholding receipt from a tax association, or income amount certificate from the tax office
• Proof of residence — lease contract, accommodation confirmation letter, utility bill receipts, etc.

③ Foreign sole proprietors and trade managers who were international students

• Copy of business registration certificate — also submit your business license or foreign-invested company registration certificate if you have one
• Proof of normal business operation — income amount certificate, tax payment certificate, tax payment fact certificate, etc. (the tax payment certificate must be issued within the last 30 days)
• Proof of residence — lease contract, accommodation confirmation letter, utility bill receipts, etc.
• Proof that your business place exists — lease contract, photos of the business place exterior and signboard, etc.
• Proof of employing Korean nationals — withholding tax or employment insurance records for 6 months or more (only if applicable)

Application steps

1. Start collecting documents 4 months before expiry.
2. Apply online at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), or book a visit and apply at the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) that has jurisdiction over you.
3. Pay the fee. A stay extension costs 60,000 KRW.

For D-9, you can get up to 2 years at a time.

⚠️ Points to note

• If your tax payment is low or missing, you may be asked for extra documents.
• You must apply before your stay expires. Then you can stay while you wait for the result. After the expiration date, it is too late.

To check exactly which documents you need in your case, confirm again with HiKorea or 1345.