Our specialists in company formation in South Korea are ready to help you open a company in this country.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| What are the types of companies available for registration in Korea? | – private limited liability company, – public company, – general partnership, – limited partnership |
Business forms available for foreign companies | – branch office, – subsidiary, – representative office |
What are the company formation steps in South Korea? | – company name reservation, – Articles of Association drafting and filing, – bank account opening, – tax registration, – licensing |
| Documents | – ID/passport copy of the shareholder and director, – Articles of Association, – documents stating the source of funds, – share capital certificate, – registered address proof, – documents for the appointment of directors, – company seal |
| Company registration fee | Starting at USD 3,500 |
| Bank account opening fee | Starting at USD 500 |
| How long does it take to register a company in Korea? | Approx. one month |
| Online registration availability (YES/NO) | Yes, through our local specialists |
| Minimum number of shareholders | One |
| Minimum number of directors | One |
| Resident director required | No |
| Minimum share capital for LTD | We recommend USD 10,000 |
| Full foreign availability (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Special requirements for foreign investors | Foreign investors must first obtain a Foreign Investment Notification |
| Minimum amount to obtain a D8 working visa | USD 75,000 |
Is full foreign ownership available if I open a company in South Korea?
Yes, full foreign ownership is available.
What are business forms available for registration in South Korea?
Some of the most popular legal forms for opening a company in Korea are the following:
• General Partnership (Hapmyeong Hoesa).
• Limited Liability Partnership (Hapja Hoesa).
• Joint Stock Corporation (Chusik Hoesa).
• Limited Liability Corporation (Yuhan Hoesa).
How much do you charge to set up a company in Korea in 2026?
Here is a breakdown of our services and costs:
- our packages start at USD 3,500, VAT registration included;
- USD 500, if you also want to use our corporate bank account opening services.
We also offer virtual office and accounting services, subject to personalized prices.
Additionally, if you want to apply for a work visa (D8 visa) and relocate to South Korea to run your business, you need an additional USD 75,000.
Can I also expand an existing company in South Korea?
Yes, through a:
- a branch office: this business form is available for foreign companies seeking to have full control over the operations of the Korean entity;
- a subsidiary: this is a domestic business that enables the parent company to be the owner of the Korean entity without incurring any liabilities for it;
- a representative/liaison office: this is an entity that allows the parent company to test the market and undertake promotional activities in South Korea.
Are there any special requirements to meet when opening a company in Korea as a foreigner?
Yes, you must first obtain a Foreign Investment Notification from Invest Korea.
What are the steps to set up a company in Korea?
You must:
- reserve the company’s trading name;
- draft the Articles of Association in the case of private and public companies;
- file these documents alongside other papers with the Companies Register;
- set up a company bank account with a financial institution of your choosing;
- apply for a tax identification number;
- apply for the necessary licenses, depending on the industry to operate in.
What are the documents required to open a company in Korea?
The following:
- ID/passport copy of the shareholder and director,
- Articles of Association,
- documents stating the source of funds,
- share capital certificate,
- registered address proof,
- documents for the appointment of directors,
- company seal.
Is there any minimum capital required to open a company in South Korea?
No, the law does not impose a minimum amount. However, we recommend a capital of USD 10,000, which you can later use for any activity of the business.
Is it possible to register a company in Korea remotely?
Yes, through a local representative. Our company formation agents offer dedicated services in this sense.
How long does it take to incorporate a company in South Korea?
Approximately one month, Foreign Investment Notification application procedure included.
Feel free to contact our Korean company formation consultants in order to receive professional help when starting a business in this country. You will find out what is the most efficient procedure for opening a company or immigration to South Korea.