The question I get the most from foreigners in Korea is about setting up a business in Korea. South Korea has become an excellent location for global entrepreneurs and investors looking to enter the Asian market. Seoul, in particular, has become a global hub for startups passionate about technology and innovation. Furthermore, foreigners come to Korea with startup business ideas they feel can bring much value to the Korean market. However, starting a business in Korea has more to do with having a solid business plan. Therefore foreigners in Korea must have a guideline about the ins and outs of doing business in Korea and how to set up a business in Korea.

Information about setting up a business in South Korea can be difficult to find in English as most of the information is primarily on Naver and written in Korean. Therefore this article will give you a step-by-step guide to setting up a business in Korea.

5 Step Guide to Setting up a Business in Korea for Foreigners

Step 1: Check for Eligibility

First, foreigners can open a business in Korea if your visa permits them to. You can check out all the available visas in Korea here. Usually, these visa categories below cannot register a business in Korea.

• Student Visa
• Employee Visa
• English Teacher Visa

But the following visas usually permit you to open a business in Korea. If you have any questions regarding your visa, make sure to contact your embassy, and they will be able to explain what you can and can’t do.

• Marriage Visa (f5)
• Korean heritage Visa (F4)
• Permanent Residents

Visa guidelines and requirements in Korea change often. Therefore, for your situation, check HiKorea, which offers free advice when you call 1345; they are fluent in English.

Step 2: Choose your Business Structure

Korea has many business structures, similar to western countries but with some important differences. Therefore I have provided a summary of the main types and their general requirements below.

Step 3: Register Your Business

Next, you will need to register your business in Korea. The requirements for LTDs and LLCs are complex and best explained by your chosen financial or legal professional.

For sole proprietors, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Prepare your Alien Registration Card (foreign national card), Office Lease Agreement, Passport, and other pre-requisite documents for your particular industry (example: hygiene certifications for restaurant businesses).
2. Visit your local tax office for registration.
3. Use the machine  (번호표) at the entry to select a business registration service. 
4. Find the business registration form nearby and complete this before seeing the government official.
5. When called, give your government official the prepared ARC, office lease agreement, passport, and application form.
6. The government official will give you a receipt to confirm the application has been received.
7. Once notified by text message, you must visit the tax office again to receive your company registration document (AKA business license).

Note: The tax office may call you to verify your identity and business details in Korean. Therefore try to have a Korean friend or co-worker nearby to help you with the call.

Step 4: Bank Setup

Once you have completed your business registration, you can set up your business bank account.

Unfortunately, many banks will only provide business banking in Korea.

Preparation Stage 

You will likely need the following documents:

• Passport
• ARC Card
• Office lease agreement
• House contract (if any)
• Job contract or sales/business agreement with a client
• Your home country tax number, like SSN / tax file number, etc., (if any)
• (For Americans Only): You will need to fill out FBAR/FATCA form provided by the bank
• Be ready to download the bank app

Process Stage

Once you have prepared the above documents, you can visit a branch of your choice. No appointment is required. However, remember that not all Korean banks offer English banking applications. Therefore, we recommend you consider Hana, IBK, Shinhan, or KB. Moreover, these banks do provide English banking applications.

Here are the next steps to take:

• Visit your chosen bank branch
• Collect a number from the service machine nearby the entry, and choose the category for business banking.
• Explain to your teller that you want to open a business transaction account.
• Complete and sign the paperwork provided by the bank teller where directed. For many banks, this will be shown on a tablet device with a stylus.
• Choose your banking PIN using the provided machine at the teller’s desk.
• Ask for assistance in setting up phone application banking.

Once the above steps are completed, the banking teller will provide you with:

• Passbook for your company bank account
• Security code card (a paper or electronic card with one-time password OTP numbers on the bank or a button to generate an OTP)

Below is a sample of a passbook & OTP.

Step 5: Basic Ongoing Obligations

Once you set up a business in Korea, whether it is profitable or not, you must be tax compliant. Tax compliance means the following tax returns must be submitted on time. Filing your taxes in Korea for foreigners can be a complicated process. Therefore, it is highly recommended you have a tax accountant you can trust.

Vat filing

• Due every three months for Corporations
• Due every six months for Sole-proprietorships (Individual Companies)

Yearly income tax returns

• Due March 31st for Corporations
• Due May 31st for sole-proprietors and contractors

Salary / Contractor / Part-timer Pay Reports (AKA Withholding Tax Returns)

• Due monthly on the 10th for the previous month

National Social Insurances (Various)

• These vary by business and have various requirements, including pension, health, unemployment, and industry disaster insurance filings and payments.

Note: Talk to your financial or legal professional for a tailored compliance plan.

Congratulations on setting up a business in Korea! We wish you the best for your business’s success in Korea.

HANA TAX: Helping Foreigners do Business in Korea

For Business Setup or Tax Consultations, contact us here:

https://www.taxinkorea.com/appointments/

Or by email: christie@hanatax.net

Christie Lee CPA

Suite 301, 72
Nonhyeon-ro 79-gil

Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Republic of Korea 06239