Your questions,
answered.

Yes. Korea generally permits 100% foreign ownership of companies. There are a small number of restricted sectors (certain media, agriculture, defense), but for most businesses — tech, retail, services, consulting — full foreign ownership is perfectly legal and common. We'll confirm your specific industry situation during your consultation.

The most common choice for foreign investors is a 주식회사 (Jusik Hoesa) — a Joint Stock Company — or a 유한회사 (Yuhan Hoesa) — a Limited Liability Company. The right choice depends on your business model, investment size, and visa requirements. We'll guide you to the best structure.

Typically 2–4 weeks from start to finish. The main steps include document preparation (3–5 days), court registration (5–7 business days), tax and business license registration (3–5 days), and bank account opening (1–3 days). We manage the entire process and keep you informed at each stage.

There is no statutory minimum capital for most Korean company types. However, if you're applying for an investor visa (D-8), a minimum investment of KRW 100 million (~USD 75,000) is typically required. We'll make sure your capital structure supports both your business needs and visa requirements.

In most cases, yes — you will need to be present in Korea at some point, or appoint a local representative with power of attorney. However, with careful planning and the right documentation, much of the process can be managed remotely. We can advise on the best approach for your situation.

Most foreign entrepreneurs in Korea operate on a D-8 Corporate Investment Visa. This requires your company to be registered in Korea and you to have invested at least KRW 100 million. We assess your situation and identify the best visa pathway for you.

Yes. Once your company is registered in Korea, you can sponsor E-7 visas for foreign employees. The requirements depend on the employee's role, qualifications, and salary. We handle visa applications for entire teams, ensuring documentation is complete and timelines are met.

D-8 and E-7 visas are typically issued for 1–3 years initially, and can be renewed as long as eligibility conditions are maintained. Long-term residents may eventually qualify for permanent residency (F-5). We track all renewal deadlines and handle the process proactively.

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 19 can typically join you on an F-3 (dependent) visa. We assist with the full family visa application process. Spouses on F-3 visas generally cannot work — we can advise on options if your spouse also wishes to work in Korea.

Korean companies pay Corporate Income Tax (법인세) at 9–24% depending on taxable income, VAT (부가가치세) at 10% (filed quarterly), and payroll withholding taxes. Korea has tax treaties with many countries that can reduce your obligations — we ensure you're structured optimally.

External audit requirements depend on company size. Companies with total assets over KRW 12 billion, or meeting certain employee/revenue thresholds, are required to undergo an external audit. Smaller companies are generally exempt but must still maintain proper books. We handle both bookkeeping and audit preparation.

Korean accounting standards (K-GAAP or K-IFRS) require specific bookkeeping formats, and tax filings must be done through the NTS electronic systems. We manage all official filings entirely on your behalf so you never have to worry about Korean compliance requirements.

English contracts are generally valid and enforceable in Korea. However, in a dispute, Korean courts will apply Korean law, and if there is a discrepancy between English and a Korean translation, the Korean version often prevails. We recommend all important contracts be professionally drafted or reviewed in both languages.

Korean labor law is employee-protective. Key points: employees who work more than 1 year are entitled to severance pay (퇴직금) of at least 1 month salary per year; written employment contracts are mandatory; the standard work week is 40 hours. Terminating employees without just cause is difficult. We draft compliant employment contracts and advise on all HR matters.

Korea has a robust IP system. We recommend registering your trademark with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) — Korea operates on a first-to-file system, so timing matters. We handle trademark, patent, and design registrations and can take action against infringers on your behalf.

Yes, but the process can be challenging. Korean banks require extensive documentation, in-person visits, and have strict requirements for foreign-owned companies. We accompany you, prepare all required documentation in advance, and help you choose the right banking partner for your business needs.

Yes, a registered business address is required for incorporation. We provide a registered address service — you can legally register your company using our address while you search for permanent office space. This is commonly used by startups and early-stage businesses and satisfies all legal registration requirements.

Yes, completely. Our initial consultation is a 30-minute call with no obligation, no hidden charges, and no pressure. We genuinely want to understand your situation first before proposing anything. If we are not the right fit, we will tell you honestly — and may even refer you to someone who is.

We work primarily in English and Korean. All client communications, documents, and updates are available in English. We handle all Korean-language filings and correspondence with government agencies internally — so you never have to worry about the language barrier.

Absolutely. Many of our clients first contact us before arriving in Korea — sometimes months in advance. We can begin the planning process remotely, advise on what to prepare before arrival, and have things ready to move quickly once you are here. Early planning always leads to smoother results.

Most services are charged as fixed fees so you always know the total cost upfront. For complex or custom cases, we provide a detailed quote before any work begins. Everything is agreed in writing before we start — no surprise invoices. Visit our Pricing page for full details.