Trade business startups
Foreigners with Korean degrees are able to start a trade business
without a set investment amount.
With regard to trade businesses, foreigners who earned degrees in domestic universities are allowed to establish a business without investment through the point system.
The point system is the result of relaxed requirements for International
Trade visa, and trade-related performance is considered critical.
Starting a trade business through this system enables foreigners
with Korean degrees to achieve points solely by receiving
specialized trade-related education, which allows a business to be
established without a capital requirement. Under this system,
trade-related performance is the most important element
in extending the relevant visa period.
Issuance criteria for International Trade visa (D-9-1)
Basic requirements
- A total of 60 points or higher including
more than 10 points for prerequisite items,
out of a total of 160 points in the point system
Prerequisite items (up to 65 points)
- Trade-related performance of exports and imports over the past 2 years
- expertise in international trade (trade majors or accredited trade courses)
Extension criteria for International Trade visa (D-9-1)
The International Trade visa can be issued under a point system
but it cannot be extended without proof of
trade-related performance.
Although the said visa allows profit-making activities besides the trade business
specified in the business license, the profits produced
through such business activities are not included in
the items required to extend the visa