South Korea's friendly trade policies make its trade sector attractive for international trade. Due to S. Korea’s active presence in international trade, it offers an International Trade Visa for foreign investors. That is also called a D-9 or Treaty Trade visa. Their International Trade Visa is for those individuals who need to visit for international trade, corporate management, instalment, management, and maintenance of exported machinery or to supervise equipment production. That is why this visa is divided into four types. 

South Korea International Trade Visa Types

The four types of South Korean International Trade Visas are these:

1. International Trade (D-9-1 Visa)
2. Technician Of Industrial Machinery (D-9-2 Visa)
3. Technician Of Ship Building (D-9-3 Visa)
4. Individual Foreign Business Man (D-9-4 Visa)

International Trade (D-9-1 Visa)

A trader is granted a unique code to get this visa by the head of the Korea International Trading Association. 

Technician Of Industrial Machinery (D-9-2 Visa)

This visa is for people sent to a company's industrial facilities to help with machinery installation, operation, and maintenance.

Technician Of Ship Building (D-9-3 Visa)

It is for people who are deployed to execute ship-building and/or industrial facility manufacture monitoring (issued by the ordering individual/business by a professional services organization).

Individual Foreign Business Man (D-9-4 Visa)

It is for those who want to start a domestic business or company (with a business registration under the VAT Act). They may get this visa after raising a specified foreign capital per the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act and Regulations.

Or an individual businessman of a firm with a registration certificate of investment after reporting that a firm has made a specified amount of foreign investment per the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.

Now that we know about the South Korean International Trade visa and its types, it is essential to understand their eligibility criteria and duration.

S.Korea International Trade Visa Eligibility

You are eligible if you fulfil all or any of the following eligibility criteria.

• You are an overseas trader who is given a Trade Business Code (6-digit number) for international trade. The Korea International Trade Association provides this code number according to the International Trade Laws and Regulations.

• You are hired as an individual responsible for supervising industrial material production.

• You are a person who is sent to a company or invited by the company to introduce industrial equipment (or machinery). It must also include your tasks of skilling the company workers about usage, instalment, maintenance, and management of the equipment.

• You started and ran a business. Or you have engaged in profit-making activities.

International Trade Visa Requirements

After knowing your eligibility, now is time to know which documents you need to collect for D-9 visas. Below there is a list of required documents. Note that you might require some additional documents depending on your country. 

• Passport

• One passport size picture

• A copy of the business registration of the host company. Or a copy of the corporate register.

• Certificate of annual tax payment

• Visa application

• Visa Fee

• Dispatch order

Additional Documents For Individuals Responsible For Management And Maintenance Service

A person who is responsible for providing management and maintenance services to a Korean Company is required to provide a contract for equipment introduction. Or a proof document of an industrial introduction contract.

 If you are visiting as an individual businessman, you need to submit the following documents.

Additional Documents For An Individual Businessman

• Business fund expenditure details. Such as a receipt of office equipment buying or receipt of purchased goods.
• Document of joint venture contract.
• Business fund proof. Such as wire transfers, foreign currency purchase certificates, and customs declarations.
• Investment corporation certificate.

• Document proving the sales record. It includes import or export permits and value-added tax.

• Proof of your company. These proofs may consist of a rental contract of the company office or a photograph of the workplace.

Duration Of Stay

• The minimum duration of stay for a single entry for a D-9 visa is one year or less. And the maximum time is two years. To add, the duration of stay depends upon the discretion of the chief of the diplomatic mission. You can also extend your visa.
• Getting a D-9 visa requires proper planning by selecting a good client for yourself. If you need to know all minor details and require a personal consultation, contact an experienced trade visa consultant. It will save your time and energy and help you make the best decision.