The question that I get asked 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 filled with startup business ideas they feel can bring a lot of value to the Korean market. However, starting a business in Korea has more to do than just having a solid business plan. Therefore it is necessary for foreigners in Korea to have a guideline about the ins and outs of doing business in Korea and how to set up a business in Korea.

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

Step 1: Check for Eligibility

First of all, foreigners can open a business in Korea if your visa permits you to. You can check out all the available visas in Korea here. Usually, these visa categories are not able to 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.

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

Visa guidelines and requirements in Korea change often. Therefore, for your situation, be sure to check HiKorea which offers free advice when you call 1345.

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 are below.

Setting up a business in Korea

Step 3: Register Your Business

Next, you will need to register your business in Korea. For LTDs and LLCs, the requirements are complex and are 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 any 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 prior to 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 will be able to set up your business bank account.

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

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 will now be able to visit a branch of your choice. No appointment is required. Please remember that not all Korean banks offer English banking applications. Because of this, we recommend you consider Hana, IBK, Shinhan, or KB. 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, choose the category for business banking.
  • Explain to your teller that you would like 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 number 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 button to generate an OTP).

Below is a sample of a passbook & OTP.

Passbook

Step 5: Basic Ongoing Obligations

Once you set up a business in Korea, whether it is profitable or not you must be tax compliant. Keeping tax compliant means the following tax returns are required to be submitted on time. Filing your taxes in Korea for foreigners can be a complicated process.

Vat filing

  • Due every 3 months for Corporations
  • Due every 6 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 each business and have an array of requirements, but include pension, health, unemployment, and industry disaster insurance filings and payments.

Note: For a tailored compliance plan, talk to your financial or legal professional.

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

South Korea