Foreign Direct Investment

Q & As
April 2005

GENERAL FDI

1 – 1. What is foreign direct investment (FDI)?

 Foreign direct investment or FDI is investment of foreign assets into capital goods,
domestic structures, equipment, and organizations. FDI refers to an investment made to
acquire lasting interest in enterprises operating outside of the economy of the investor. It
does not include foreign investment into the stock markets. Foreign direct investment (FDI)
has the objective of creating long-term profit through participation in company
management. It is thus different from securities or portfolio investments that aim at short-
term profits without getting involved in the daily business management. The Foreign
Investment Promotion Act of 1998 (hereafter FIPA) is the basic law covering matters
related to FDI in Korea.

 Foreign investment as defined in the FIPA refers only to foreign direct investment, and
foreign investment can thus take place through the following :
- Acquisition of shares or equity of a domestic company whereby the foreigner owns at
least 10% of the shares or equity of a Korean corporation, or invests for the purpose of
substantially participating in the management of a Korean corporation with the
objective of establishing a continuous economic relationship.
- Even with less than 10% ownership of a company’s shares or equity, it can still be
considered FDI if proof of the following is provided: 1) a contract that allows the
dispatch or election of executives, 2) a contract for raw material purchase or product
delivery for a period of at least one year, or 3) a contract for a common R&D project or
introduction or provision of technology.
- Long-term loans provided by the overseas headquarters or a capital-affiliated company
of the foreign-invested firm are also considered a type of foreign direct investment if the
loan maturity is at least 5 years.
1 – 2. Who is a foreign investor?

 A foreign investor means a foreign national owning shares or equity in accordance with
FIPA regulations.
 A foreign national is defined in FIPA as follows:
- An individual of a foreign nationality (including Korean nationals holding permanent
residence of a foreign country);
- A corporation established in accordance with a foreign law;
- An international economic cooperative organization dealing with investment matters
such as the IBRD, IFC, and ADB.

However, overseas Chinese with an F2 visa residing in Korea are not considered to be foreign
investors.

1 – 3. Can an overseas Korean with permanent foreign residence be

acknowledged as a foreign investor?

 According to Article 2 of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA), a foreigner is

defined as “an individual of foreign nationality, a corporation established in accordance with
a foreign law or an international economic cooperation organization.”

 According to Article 3 of the Enforcement Decree of FIPA, an “individual who is a

permanent resident of a foreign country” refers to a Korean national who has acquired
permanent residence, or sojourn permission that can be substituted for permanent
residence of the country in which he or she resides. In such cases, that individual is also
considered a foreigner.

Accordingly, a Korean-born individual with permanent foreign residence can be acknowledged

as a foreign investor in Korea.
1 – 4. What are the benefits for foreign direct investment?

 General benefits:
- Guaranteed overseas remittance
Remittance is guaranteed for dividends and capital from the sale of shares and equity
owned by the foreign investor depending on the contents of the permission or report at the
time of the said remittance.

- Equal treatment with Korean nationals

Foreign investors and foreign companies shall be treated equally in terms of business
activities except for certain cases stipulated otherwise by law.

 Foreign investors may enjoy more favorable treatment in terms of tax reductions and
company or factory site locations.

- Special treatment of FDI notification

If the import of capital goods is notified at and confirmed by the Bank of Korea or any of
KOTRA’s offices, it will be recognized as import approval pursuant to the Foreign Trade
Law.

- Facilitated administrative procedures for investment in kind

For FDI in kind, foreign investors need to apply for confirmation on completion of FDI in
kind after customs clearance by the Korea Customs Service. This confirmation shall be
regarded as a written report of investigation by the investigator pursuant to Art. 203 of the
Non-Contentious Case Litigation Procedure to facilitate the administrative process.

 Tax incentives
- Tax incentives are provided, if the foreign company or investor meets the requirements
to receive tax incentives as stipulated in the regulations for “tax reduction and
exemption for foreign investments” in FIPA. Businesses eligible for tax incentives have
to be in the hi-tech or industry-supporting service business in order to receive a
reduction or exemption from national or local tax for a specified period of time.

 Lease of national and local government properties

- Land, factories and other properties owned by the state or local governments
(hereafter “land”) can be used by, leased or sold to foreign-invested companies (even if
 the business is not subject to tax incentives).
- If national properties are leased to foreign investors or companies, then it is possible to
reduce the rent.

 Exemption from Customs Duty

- Capital goods used directly for businesses, which are eligible for tax incentives and are
notified by acquiring newly-issued stocks are subject to customs exemption:
1. Capital goods received from foreign investors that are used as a means for
domestic or foreign payment.
2. Capital goods that are imported by the foreign investor as a means of investment.

1 – 5. What are the basic requirements concerning the amount and ratio
of foreign investment?

 The amount of foreign investment shall be at least KRW 50 million per case
- If two or more foreign investors are involved, the minimum investment amount shall be
KRW 50 million for each individual.

 In principle, the FDI ratio shall be at least 10%, meaning that a foreign investor shall
acquire 10% or more of the stocks of a company. However, in the following cases, an FDI
ratio of less than 10% is accepted as foreign direct investment:
1. An agreement where the dispatch or appointment of executives is allowed.
2. An agreement of supply or purchase of raw material or goods for more than one year.
3. An agreement introducing or providing technology, joint research or development
projects.

1 – 6. What are the areas where foreign investment is limited or

restricted?

According to the Korea Standard Industrial Classification (KSIC), there are a total of 1,121
sectors, of which 63 sectors are FDI-restricted businesses such as in public administration,
diplomatic affairs and national defense. A total of 1,058 sectors are open to FDI, of which 1,056
sectors are partially or fully open to foreign investment. This is a 99.8% liberalization rate for
foreign investment, on a level comparable to that of developed member countries of the OECD.

- Fully open: 1,030 sectors;

- Partially open: 26 sectors (foreign investment is possible if certain criteria are met);
- Closed: Two sectors (radio and broadcasting as of June 2004).

1 – 7. What are accepted as objects of investment?

 Cash (direct import of the foreign currency or transmission of foreign currency through a
foreign exchange bank and converted into national currency);
 Capital goods (including used capital goods) and raw material needed for the initial test
operation;
 Income generated from stocks or equity acquired in line with the regulations stipulated in
FIPA (dividends);
 Industrial property rights, intellectual property rights and other equivalent rights dealing with
technology and its use;
 Remaining assets generated from the liquidation of the domestic branch or liaison office of
the foreign investor;
 Repayment of long-term loans with maturity of five years or longer, pursuant to FIPA, to
foreign-invested companies by their overseas parent companies and to companies
affiliated with the overseas parent companies concerned;
 Stocks or equity of a company acquired pursuant to FIPA and the Foreign Exchange
Transactions Act or capital gained from the disposition of real estate;
 Stocks of foreign companies listed on a foreign stock exchange market and stocks owned
by foreign nationals pursuant to the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act or FIPA;
 Real estate in Korea owned by foreign nationals.

1 – 8. In case investment is conducted through a paper company, which

is established in a tax-haven area in order to evade the payment of taxes,
are there any ways to restrict the paper company?
 Since a paper company is an entity established under foreign law, it falls under Art. 2,
paragraph 1 of FIPA and is not restricted.

1 – 9. What are the different types of FDI?

 In general, there are four types of foreign direct investment (FDI):

1. The first type of FDI is participation in the capital increase of a domestic company
(including foreign-invested companies) or the acquisition of new shares by establishing
a new corporate entity (individual or joint venture).

2. The second type of foreign direct investment involves the acquisition of existing shares,
that is, when foreigners acquire the shares of domestic or foreign-invested companies
possessed by domestic shareholders.

3. The third type takes the form of long-term loans, which means that the parent company
in the home country extends long-term loans to the foreign-invested company with a
maturity of more than five years.

4. The fourth type includes the acquisition of shares through M&A, which means:
- Acquiring shares through free capital increase of foreign-invested companies;
- Acquiring shares through the continued existence or new corporate identity of the
merged company;
- Acquiring shares of a foreign-invested company through purchase, inheritance, capital
increase or donation from a foreign investor;
- Acquiring shares through dividends from prior investments;
- Transformation, acquisition or exchange of convertible bonds, exchangeable bonds
and depository receipts.

1 – 10. What is the procedure for FDI through acquisition of newly-issued

stocks?

 Foreign investment through acquisition of newly-issued stocks includes:

 1. Establishment of a new company alone (100% subsidiary) or through a joint venture
with a Korean company;
2. Participation in capital increase of a domestic company or foreign-invested company.

 Investment Procedure
- The foreign investor or its proxy submits the FDI notification form to any Korean bank
(headquarters or branch), Invest KOREA, or domestic and overseas offices of KOTRA
and receives a certificate of notification;
- After arrival of the foreign capital a certificate of purchase of foreign currency is issued.
Or in case of importing capital goods as FDI in kind, a confirmation of completing the
importation of capital goods is issued;
- The registration of incorporation has to be filed at the competent authority (proxy
service for the registration process is provided free of charge by Invest KOREA);
- For company registration, it shall be applied within 30 days from the date the required
payment was completed at the location where the FDI notification was conducted or
Invest KOREA;
- Even if the payment is not completed, it is possible to file the company registration for
foreign investment that is more than 50 million KRW and more than 10%.

 However, foreign-invested companies that were decided as eligible to receive tax

exemption before launch of business, have to apply for business registration within 20 days
from the date of business commencement at the relevant tax office. Furthermore,
notification of incorporation has to be filed within 30 days from the date of registration of
incorporation. It is advantageous to apply for the business registration before going through
the customs (for capital goods in kind) or before concluding the contract (for real estate
acquisition) in order to receive a refund of VAT.

 When importing capital goods such as investment in kind, then application for business
registration has to be made prior to registration of incorporation and the importation of
capital goods in order to receive an exemption of VAT. It is possible to apply for the
business registration at the Foreign Investor Support Office (FISO) of Invest KOREA.

1 – 11. What is the procedure for FDI through acquisition of existing

stocks?
 FDI through the acquisition of existing stocks has to be either notified or permitted,
depending on the industry;

 Acquisition of existing stocks of industries other than the defense industry need only to be
notified and the procedure is as follows:

- The foreign investor or the proxy (with the power of attorney) goes to any domestic
bank or branch, branch of any foreign bank, Invest KOREA or any KOTRA office in
Korea or overseas for notification.

- The documents to be submitted are:

1. If more than one person is acquiring stocks, documents confirming the special
relationship between each of them;
2. Certificate of nationality.

- A confirmation about the notification is issued instantly after reviewing the submitted
document.

 In case of acquiring stocks of the defense industry, permission is needed from the Minister
of MOCIE and the procedure is as follows:

- The foreign investor or its proxy (with the power of attorney) goes to the investment
promotion division of MOCIE (Tel. 82-2-2110-5362) and fills out the application

- The documents to be submitted are:

1. Application form (for the permission for FDI through the acquisition of existing stocks);
2. If more than one person is acquiring stocks, documents confirming the special
relationship between each of them;
3. Certificate of nationality.

- The processing period is about 15 days (in some cases another 15 days extension
might be necessary) before the applicant receives notice about the permission (there
may be conditions added regarding the permission).
1 – 12. What is the procedure for FDI through long-term loans?

 FDI through a long-term loan refers to a company issuing a loan with a maturity of at least
5 years to a foreign-invested company from its overseas parent company or a company,
which has capital affiliation with the said parent company.

 The foreign investor or the proxy goes to any domestic bank or branch, branch of any
foreign bank, Invest KOREA or any KOTRA office in Korea or overseas for notification.

 The documents to be submitted are as follows:

1. Application form for FDI through long-term loan;
2. Proof that the company is the overseas parent company or a company affiliated with
the parent company;
3. Copy of loan contract;
4. Certificate of nationality of the foreign investor.

1 – 13. When is it necessary to notify changes after notification?

 It is necessary to notify changes before company registration.

1 – 14. Is it possible to use foreign capital that was imported without

investment notification for the establishment of a foreign-invested
company?

 If foreign capital was imported and exchanged into Korean won without investment
notification, it is assumed that the capital is used for other purposes than for investment so
it is not accepted as investment capital.

 If a foreign-invested company wants to conduct FDI in Korea, it has to open an account at

a foreign exchange bank after investment notification, and the investment capital has to be
deposited into that account. However, if the foreign capital was deposited in an account of
 a non-resident’s foreign currency account in foreign currency, then the money can be seen
as investment capital even if it was received before investment notification.

 Furthermore, it is possible to take the money out of the country in foreign currency when it
was deposited in a non-resident’s account by showing the receipt of exchange on
departure. However, if the investor has left the country leaving behind deposited money in
Korean won, re-enters Korea and wants to exchange the deposited money, then it would
not be possible to sell the Korean won and buy foreign currency with it.

1 – 15. Is it possible to use foreign capital as investment capital even if

the foreign investor did not wire or import the money directly but through
a third party?

If foreign capital to be used as investment capital was wired or imported by a third party, then it
needs to be proven that the money is that of the foreign investor.

For example, additional information specifying at the time of money transfer that it is investment
capital of the foreign investor (name).

1 – 16. What are the permissions and authorizations for foreign investors
administered directly by Invest KOREA?

The following permissions and authorizations are conducted directly by Invest KOREA:

 A seconded officer from the Customs Office will take care of matters related to the import of
capital goods. Confirmation about investment in kind will be given instantly.

 A seconded officer from the Ministry of Justice takes care of visas, foreign residence
permits and related matters for foreign investors in Korea.

 A seconded officer from the National Tax Service assists with business registrations.
1 – 17. What is the automatic approval system?

 Depending on the type of FDI approval or permission to be acquired, processing takes 7-

90 days. Automatic approval means that the approval or permission is given automatically
after the allotted processing time has passed.

 It is obligatory to issue a certificate of the given permission or approval to the foreign

investor. In case the permission or approval was denied it is also obligatory to specify the
reason for its denial.

1 – 18. What does “civil petitions in bulk” mean?

 The general concept of “civil petitions in bulk” is that civil petitions are classified into 10
categories according to their characteristics and relevant institutions. When major
permissions related to a petition are granted, then other minor permissions are
automatically granted under this system.

 Types of “civil petitions in bulk”

1. Concerning approvals for factory establishment, if approval is granted for factory

establishment, then it automatically comes with 20 approvals in accordance with 19
individual acts such as the approval for exclusive use of land.
2. Concerning approvals for business plans of small and medium businesses, if approval is
granted for business plans pursuant to the Support for Small and Medium Enterprise
Establishment Act, then it automatically comes with 21 approvals in accordance with 14
individual acts such as the approval for private use of roads.
3. Concerning approvals for construction, if permission is granted for construction pursuant to
the Building Act, then it automatically comes with 18 approvals in accordance with 20
individual acts such as the approval for changing the character of land.
4. Concerning approvals related to the environment, if approval is granted for wastewater
discharge facilities, then it automatically comes with seven approvals in accordance with
six individual acts, such as for air pollution discharge facilities.
5. Concerning approvals for the use of buildings, if approval is granted for the use of the
building, then it automatically comes with 13 approvals in accordance with 15 individual
acts.
6. Concerning the formation of a tourism complex, if approval is granted for a plan to
construct a tourism complex, then it automatically comes with 20 approvals in accordance
with 19 individual acts.
7. Concerning the registration of a travel business, if approval is granted for registering a
travel business, then it automatically comes with the eight approvals in accordance with
eight individual acts.
8. If approval of a business plan is granted concerning the installation and utilization of sports
facilities, it automatically comes with the nine approvals in accordance with nine individual
acts.
9. If approval for a development plan is granted in accordance with the Special Act on Jeju
Free International City, then it automatically comes with 27 approvals in accordance with
27 individual acts, such as for the formation of grassland.
10. If approval is granted for factory registration in accordance with the Industrial Cluster
Development and Factory Establishment Act, then it automatically comes with 21
approvals in accordance with 18 individuals acts.

 The approvals for the petitions in bulk are issued directly by Invest KOREA in cooperation
with relevant bodies

1 – 19. What does Invest KOREA’s “One-Stop Service” mean?

 Invest KOREA is the official comprehensive national investment promotion agency (IPA)
providing one-stop service to foreign investors.
 The scope of activities includes not only business consultation, but also tax and customs,
business and factory establishment, as well as resolving difficulties with government and
mediating in labor disputes. Invest KOREA thus provides a comprehensive service and
facilitates the smooth settling in of foreign investors in Korea.
 Detailed services provided by Invest KOREA:
- Investment consulting and guidance for individual investors, joint ventures, M&A, real
estate investment;
- Investment notification, partner search and market research;
 - Administrative duties such as the acquisition of approvals and permissions from the
central and local governments;
- Supporting the initial settlement of the foreign investor in Korea such as housing,
schools and medical insurance, as well as investor aftercare and grievance solution;
- Establishment of new businesses.

1 – 20. What is the procedure and what documents are required to

transfer shares of a foreign investor to a Korean or foreign national?

 If a foreign investor wants to transfer shares or stocks, which were acquired in accordance
with FIPA, to a third party (Korean or foreign national), or decreases his/her stocks or
shares in possession, then it should be carried out immediately, if notified at the place of
initial notification within 30 days of the day of the resolution from the general meeting of
stockholders or the day when the transfer was concluded.
 The documents to be submitted are as follows:
- Two application forms for the transfer of stocks or shares;
- document verifying the transfer or decrease in stocks or shares (sales contract or
resolution of the general meeting of stockholders regarding the capital decrease);
- document verifying the nationality of the transferee.

1 – 21. What are the conditions to be designated as a Foreign Investment

Zone, and what are the benefits?

 Designation as a Foreign Investment Zone (FIZ)

- The designation is conducted by the governors of the metropolitan cities or the
provincial areas for foreign investors with at least a specified amount of investment and
selecting the FIZ of preference.

 Conditions for designation

Amount of Type of Investment Action

 Investment

More than Manufacturing sector, high-technology business and Establishment

US$30mil. industry-supporting service sector of new factory

More than Tourist hotels, aquatic tourism hotels, comprehensive Establishment

US$20mil. recreational facilities, comprehensive resort facilities, of new facility
international conference facilities.

More than Complex freight terminal business, setting up delivery Establishment

US$10mil. centers, operation of harbor facilities, fulfillment business of new facility
within the hinterland, operating airport facilities, delivery
business within the airport area, establishment of social
overhead facilities

More than High-technology business, R&D activities for industrial Establishment

US$5mil. technology service businesses of new facility
- More than 10 permanent employees with at least or extending
three years experience and a Master’s degree. existing facility

 Benefits of Foreign Investment Zones

Category Initial time of reckoning Period and rate of reduction

National tax Year of initial profit 100% reduction for 7 (5)
years,
50% reduction thereafter for
Corporate tax, income tax 3 (2) years

Local tax Date of starting the business 100% reduction for 5 years,
50% reduction thereafter for
3 (2) years
Acquisition tax, registration
tax, property tax,
comprehensive land tax

Customs, special excise tax, Date of investment notification 100% reduction within 3 years
value-added tax

❈ National tax and local tax reductions only refer to the relevant amount of the foreign
investor’s shares
❈ The numbers in parentheses are applicable from 2005

1 – 22. Is it possible to receive reduction for rental of national/government

properties even though not in the high-technology business?

 It is possible to receive a reduction for rental of national or government properties even if

the business is not in the high-technology or industry-supporting service
 It is possible to receive 100% or 75% reduction, if the foreign-invested company conducts
one of the following businesses on the leased land, which is located in foreign investment
zones or foreign exclusive industrial complexes:
- Business conducted by the foreign-invested company in a foreign investment zone
(100%);
 - business subject to tax reduction and FDI of more than US$1 million (100%);
- business of the manufacturing sector and FDI of more than US$5 mil. (75%);
- business defined by the Foreign Investment Committee (75%).
 Foreign-invested companies leasing land located in the national industrial complexes, local
industrial complexes, city high-tech industrial complexes, and agricultural technology
complexes are eligible for 50% reduction.

1 – 23. What are the elements of consideration if a foreign national wants

to establish a company by importing used machinery from overseas
instead of cash?

 Capital goods can also be used as investment capital when establishing a foreign-invested
company. For that, the investment notification has to be made prior to shipment at a bank
or KOTRA (Invest KOREA and domestic offices) and a certificate of imported goods needs
to be confirmed at the place of notification. If confirmation was issued for the objects to be
imported pursuant to the Foreign Trade Act, then the confirmation will be acknowledged as
import permission regardless of the regulations in the Foreign Trade Act.

 If the foreign investor uses capital goods such as machinery as investment in kind, he or
she has to get a certificate for completing investment in kind by attaching a copy of the
import notification. A seconded officer from the Customs office will review the certificate for
the type, quantity, and price etc. of the goods. If the official accepts the certificate as a
“tester’s report”, it can submitted for business establishment.

1 – 24. What are the expected benefits of FDI?

 Continuous source of foreign currency

- Securing a steady influx of foreign capital without the burden of additional foreign debt;
FDI is targeted on long-term profits and is therefore more secure than other purely
financial investments.
- Positive effects on the restructuring of domestic companies through M&A by foreign-
invested companies if domestic capital is insufficient.
 Economic benefits
- The imported foreign capital itself will contribute to a higher production rate of the
industry, increasing the value-added and therefore improving the productivity of the
overall economy as well as promoting economic growth through technology transfer,
higher employment, and increased exports.

 Synergy effects
- Promoting economies of scale, diversification of products, improving efficiency through
the network of headquarters and branch offices of the multinational companies, as well
as improving the flexibility of the management structure.

 Increasing competitiveness
- Increasing the competitiveness within the market and thus improving the efficiency of
the domestic economic structure. Increasing the welfare of consumers through price
decreases.

 Technology transfer and expansion

- Technology expansion to other domestic companies, such as employing research staff
mainly from foreign-invested companies and their affiliates having received technology
transfer or from companies that have received technology directly from their
headquarters.

 Pros and cons regarding the balance of payments

- One the one hand, better balance of payments are achieved by replacing imports
through domestic production; however, on the other hand, more imports of raw
materials and parts from the headquarters will lead to worsening of the balance of
payments.
- Production-based foreign investment will improve the balance of payments position.
But the effects of a market-approach based foreign investment with the objective of
domestic sales will depend on how well the finished products can replace imports and
on the supply status of capital goods from overseas.
- Capital inflow from the branch will improve the balance of payments; however, payment
of royalties, and transfer of profits will lead to worsening of the balance of payments.
-
 Creating employment
- Higher employment through the need for more workforce directly in the branch office
and in the headquarters to meet the increased supply needs for capital goods and raw
materials. Also, the need for more staff in affiliated companies due to the distribution
and delivery of the finished product.
- However, there is also a possibility of less employment, if labor-intensive production
methods are replaced by capital-intensive methods.

1 – 25. Why is it necessary to pursue FDI by means of M&A?

 Social and economic aspects

- Minimize the social and economic loss of companies going bankrupt and help
companies to rebuild themselves;
- Increase management efficiency and reduce costs through industrial restructuring;
- Acquire new technology, train and educate potential human resources, minimize the
time needed to secure new markets and establish the basis for management;
- Strengthen the market control power and increase the concentration of using company
resources for a larger market.
- Reduce costs in terms of raw material purchase, inventory management and fixed
production costs, as well as achieve economies of scale through more production.

 Business aspects
- Increased value-added and business synergy effects through expanded value-chain
activity;
- Reduced R&D costs and secure technology lead to faster market access.

 Financial aspects
- Reduced corporate risk factors or dispersed risk factors through increased returns;
- Higher potential to manage liabilities and expected benefits such as tax breaks.

1 – 26. Is it possible to make foreign investment in consulting services?

 The consulting service sector is not closed to foreign investment, and it is thus possible to
make foreign investment in consulting services by means of individual investment, joint
ventures or any other investment types;
 The consulting service sector is a free business sector, and does not require any
permissions or approvals. After business registration at the tax office, it is possible to start
the business immediately. However, a minimum capital investment of KRW50 mil. is
necessary for a shareholder’s company.

1 – 27. Is the branch or liaison office of a foreign headquarters in Korea

regarded as foreign investment in accordance with FIPA?

 In principle, there are generally four ways a foreign national can enter the Korean market.
They are: establishment of a company or individual investment, which are both based on
FIPA; or establishment of a branch or liaison office, which are based on the Foreign
Exchange Transactions Act.

 The establishment of a company (minimum KRW50 mil.; for two investors, min. KRW50
mil. investment each) and individual investment of at least KRW50 mil. will be regarded as
foreign investment in accordance with FIPA.

 A branch of a foreign headquarters has to pay the same corporate tax rate as domestic
companies for their profits made in Korea, and a liaison office can only conduct non-profit-
making business activities for its headquarters and thus is not considered foreign
investment.

Differences between a foreign-invested company and a domestic branch

Category Foreign-invested company Domestic branch of a

foreign company
Applicable Legislation Foreign Investment Promotion Foreign Exchange
Act Transactions Act

Corporate Identity Domestic company Foreign company

Relationship Foreign investor and invested Headquarters and branch are

company are separate the same (accounting and
(accounting and settlement of settlement of accounts are not
accounts are separate) separate)

Notification and Approval Invest KOREA and KOTRA Foreign exchange banks for
offices in Korea and overseas notifications and Financial
as well as foreign exchange Supervisory Service for
banks and their branches approvals

Investment Amount Minimum KRW50 mil. (no No limitation

maximum amount of
investment)

1 – 28. What are high-technology businesses and industry-supporting

service businesses, which are eligible for tax reduction / exemption?

 Tax reduction or exemption on corporate tax, income tax, acquisition tax, registration tax,
property tax and aggregate land tax may be granted to foreign investments, which are vital
for strengthening the international competitiveness of domestic industries and in
accordance with the Restriction of Special Taxation Act (Art. 9 of FIPA)
 High-technology Business
- Technology, that is of a low level or not developed at all in Korea, having substantial
economic and technological benefits for the national economy such as:
1. Manufacturing and designing computers (above 64Bits);
2. Manufacturing of computer memories, input-output devices, other appliances and
parts;
3. Manufacturing of broadcast and wireless communication devices and their core parts;
4. Manufacturing of semiconductor devices, material and equipment and their parts.

 Industry-supporting Service Business

- Service businesses of high value-added, supporting the development of other
industries such as manufacturing and which are essential for the strengthening of the
international competitiveness of the nation’s industries such as:
1. Information processing and computer management technology
2. Software development and production technology
3. Automated management system technology-using computers
4. E-commerce-related technology

1 – 29. What businesses can be located in the Free Trade Zones?

 Businesses eligible to move into the free trade zones:

- Manufacturing and logistics businesses operated by a local foreign-invested company
as stipulated in the Act on the Designation of Free Trade Zones;
- Local logistics businesses as stipulated in the Act on Designation and Management of
Customs-Free Zones for Fostering International Logistics Centers.

 Investment conditions and amount of investment

- New factory facilities have to be set up with an investment amount of at least US$
10mil. for the manufacturing sector and US$5 mil. for the logistics sector
- Exemption of corporate and income tax rates: Corporate tax shall be exempted for the
first three years after income accrues, and reduced by 50% for the following two years.
If no income accrues during five years, then tax shall be exempted for five years since
establishment.
 Businesses in the Masan and Iksan Free Trade Zones
- Businesses in the Masan and Iksan areas (formerly free export zones) are considered
to be free trade zones and are therefore subject to the same conditions as for foreign
investment zones with regard to tax reduction and rent.
- In other words, foreign-invested companies located in the free export zones are subject
to the same conditions with regard to tax reduction and benefits as businesses in
foreign investment zones.

1 – 30. What are the functions of the foreign investment promotion center
and foreign investment promotion council?

 Establishment and function of the foreign investment promotion center:

- In order to efficiently support foreign investors, the foreign investment promotion center
shall be established in the central administrative bodies, major metropolitan areas as
well as “shi” (cities), “gun” (counties), and “gu” (districts). The center shall set up a
cooperative system with relevant agencies and allow the smooth flow of administrative
duties including approvals, licenses, permissions, certificates, notifications,
recommendations, consultations, etc.
- Duties include the following:
1. Checking and supporting administrative processes;
2. Filling out and submitting documents related to foreign investment;
3. Promoting, attracting and supporting foreign investment;
4. Accepting, investigating and processing grievances of foreign investors or foreign-
invested companies;
5. Exchanging information and cooperating with relevant institutions;
6. Other administrative support services.

 Establishment and function of the foreign investment promotion committees

- The committees shall be set up in the major metropolitan cities and provinces and
conduct the following duties:
1. Planning with regard to attracting, promoting and supporting foreign investment;
2. Consulting the grievance solution process of foreign investors or foreign-invested
companies;
3. Consulting administrative duties;
 4. Other measures that the governors of the metropolitan cities or provinces find
necessary to promote foreign investment.

1 – 31. A domestic company has borrowed foreign currency with the

company shares as security, but does not repay the loan. If the lender
takes over the company’s shares for the failure to repay the loan, is it
considered foreign investment?

 Yes, it is considered to be foreign investment.

 If the total amount of the shares is more than KRW50 mil., and more than 10% of the total
shares are acquired, then it is subject to FIPA. In this case, the foreign company has to
notify foreign investment through the acquisition of existing shares pursuant to Art.6 of
FIPA.

1 – 32. What are the documents required to verify the nationality of a

foreigner at the time of FDI notification?

 If the foreign national is a corporate body or company

- Registration issued by the relevant government or other body with authority or other
document verifying that the said corporate body or company is existent in that country.

 If the foreign national is an individual

- Certificate of the citizenship issued by the government or other body with authority
verifying the nationality of the individual.

 If an individual with Korean nationality has permanent residence in a foreign country

- Registration certificate of overseas Korean issued by a overseas institution of the
Republic of Korea or a certificate of permanent residence issued by the residing
government or other body with authority.
1 – 33. A foreign investor did not fulfill conditions as prescribed in FIFA in
terms of additional acquisition and transfer of stocks or shares after
having previously registered a foreign-invested company. In such a case,
will it still be considered foreign investment?

 Yes, it is considered FDI, even if the additional acquisition of stocks of the foreign-invested
company is less than 10% or KRW50 mil.

 If the foreign investor transfers a part of the shares to a foreign or Korean national and for
that reason does not meet anymore the conditions regarding foreign investment, it is still
considered foreign investment.
- For example, a foreign investor in possession of 10% of the total shares transfers 3%
of the shares to a third party. The 7% in possession of the foreign investor and the 3%
owned by the third party are still regarded as foreign investment.

1 – 34. What is the PM system, and what exactly is a PM?

 The Project Manager (PM) system was set up to efficiently support foreign investors and
foreign-invested companies. The designation of the PM is done directly by the foreign
investor or the company.

 The project manager helps the potential foreign investor to successfully enter the Korean
market and for that the PM mediates between the relevant institutions and the investor, as
well as solves emerging problems. The PM also aids in providing research material and
documents requested by the investor. The duties of the PM are as follows:
- Gathering and providing information and documents and well as setting up meetings;
- Providing suggestions pursuant to Art. 9, 13, 14 and 14-2 of FIPA;
- Administrative support pursuant to Art. 15 and 17 of FIPA;
- Supporting the settlement of the foreign investors or executives and employees of the
foreign-invested companies and their families in Korea (providing information about
schooling and housing).

 Other related duties concerning foreign investment.

1 – 35. What is the cash grant system?

 The cash grant system provided cash support to foreign investors who meet specific
requirements, and its objective is to attract foreign investment, which contributes to the
progress of the national economy.

 The cash grants are given for the installation of new or additional facilities as well as the
following businesses:
- Industrial-supporting services and high-technology business (more than US$10 mil.
pursuant to Art.121 of the Special Tax Treatment Control Act);
- Parts and material business (more than US$10 mil.);
- Included are the items, which are selected by the Minister of MOCIE from the parts and
material list;
- R&D facilities of industry-supporting service and high-technology businesses with
foreign investment of more than US$5 mil. and more than 20 permanent employees,
with at least a Master’s degree and more than three years research experience.

 The cash grants may be used for the following purposes:

- Purchase or rental of land needed for the establishment of factory or research facilities;
- Construction costs for factories or research facilities;
- Costs for the purchase of capital goods and research material to be used for business
or research activities in factories or research facilities;
- Costs for the establishment of basic infrastructure (electricity and communication
facilities) needed for new factories or research facilities;
- Financial assistance for employment and educational training.

1 – 36. What is the administrative process if a foreign-invested company

wants to divide the company?

 If a foreign-invested company A is divided and a new company B is established, then the

foreign investor of company A has to notify a capital decrease pursuant to Art. 23 of FIPA.
 The foreign investor of company B has to notify the acquisition of stocks through M&A
pursuant to Art. 7 of FIPA.

1 – 37. Is it possible to get a re-issue of the registration certificate of the

foreign-invested company?

 It is possible to get a re-issue of the registration certificate, if an application and the reason
for re-issue (no official format) are submitted at the relevant institution together with a
memorandum or statement. However, the memorandum or statement has to certify that all
responsibility regarding situations or events that may occur due to the loss of the
registration certificate will be accepted by the foreign investor.

1 – 38. A foreign investor has acquired all stocks from a company, but
paid only partially. If the investor applies for a partial foreign-invested
company, what is the investment amount and ratio in the registration
certificate?

 The amount actually paid is the investment amount and the ratio is the investment amount
to the total amount.

FDI NOTIFICATION

2 – 1. Is it possible for three foreign nationals to establish a company with

an investment totaling KRW50 mil. ?

 No, according to Art. 2 of FIPA, if two or more foreign nationals want to make an
investment, the investment amount has to be at least KRW 50 mil. for each investor. In this
case, the total investment amount therefore has to be KRW150 mil.
2 – 2. Is there a maximum amount for investment?

 No, there is no maximum amount for investment. Art. 2 of FIPA stipulates that an investor
has to invest at least KRW50 mil., but does not set a maximum investment amount.

2 – 3. Does foreign investment also include acquisition of stocks if capital

gain, and not participation in management, is the only motive?

 In general, simple stock trading is not considered foreign direct investment. When trading
listed stocks, it is necessary to open an account exclusively for stock trading. This account
serves the purpose of receiving the necessary capital for stock trading from and sending
profits overseas.

 An investment is only considered FDI if it is at least KRW50 mil. or represents 10% of a

domestic company’s shares or equity for the purpose of establishing lasting economic
relations by means of participating in the management of the said company. If one wants to
acquire stocks that are not listed but do not meet the requirements for foreign direct
investment, then a notification has to be given to a foreign exchange bank regarding
“acquisition of stocks by a non-resident” according to the “Foreign Exchange Transaction
Act,” before acquisition of the stocks.

2 – 4. Is it considered foreign investment, if 4,000 shares of a company

with capital of KRW2 billion. KRW (nominal value KRW5,000 per share,
total number of issued shares is 400,000) are bought for KRW50,000 per
share?

 No, it is not accepted as foreign investment. Even if the total investment amount is more
than KRW50 mil., it is required that more than 10% of the total shares are acquired by the
foreign investor. In this case, only 4,000 out of the total 400,000 shares were acquired,
making up only 1%. Thus, it cannot be accepted as foreign investment in accordance with
FIPA.
 However, in exceptional cases, an investment of more than 50mil. KRW, but less than 10%
acquisition of shares, may be considered as foreign investment, if the contract was
concluded pursuant to Art.2 Paragraph 2 of the Enforcement Decree of FIPA:
- “A foreigner investing in a Korean corporation or a company run by a Korean citizen in order
to exercise substantial influence on the management and as objectively proven by a
contract for joint investment or other relevant documents”, such as dispatching or appointing
executives (CEO, director, auditor and others having the authority and power over
management decisions);
- contract about supply or purchase of raw material or products for more than one year;
- contract about joint research development or providing / introducing technology.

2 – 5. Is it considered foreign investment, if a foreigner acquires more

than 10% of preferred stocks of a domestic company?

 No, it is not foreign investment, because 10% of stocks, which have decision-making
power, have to be acquired in order to be acknowledged as foreign investment;
 If the acquired preferred stocks have that decision-making power, they will be accepted as
foreign investment.

2 – 6. What are the alternatives, if the investor cannot be in Korea for

notification?

 The investor can make the notification at any of the 36 KOTRA offices worldwide. If the
investor is not able to make the notification in person, he or she may transfer the right of
notification and relevant processes to a proxy by means of a power of attorney. The proxy
can then make the notification with the power of attorney. For notification, it is necessary to
submit documents that verify the nationality of the foreign investor, regardless of who is
making the notification.
 The documentation needed for the verification of nationality is stipulated in Art.7 of the Act
on Foreign Investment and Introduction of Technology.
2 – 7. Is it possible to carry and bring the capital for foreign investment
into the country?

 Yes, but in the event that the cash or payment is physically carried in, a proof of foreign
exchange notification has to be provided to the relevant tax office.

2 – 8. What are the means to receive money, if there is no account

established in the name of the company?

 It is possible to receive money even without an existing account. The name of the foreign
exchange bank and the name of the recipient are enough to get the money.
 Once a notification of foreign investment has been made, then a temporary account may
be set up.

2 – 9. When is it possible to make use of the invested money?

 The received money may be used after registration of the company establishment or
acquisition of stocks. The money is deposited at the bank and the registration certificate is
submitted at the bank after completing the registration of the company establishment by
submitting the necessary documents at the registration office. The bank will then open a
corporate account in the name of the company and transfer the deposited money to that
account.

2 – 10. After completing investment, is it necessary to register a foreign-

invested company?

 Once the payment has been completed, the foreign-invested company or the foreign
investor has to register the company.
- According to Art.21 of FIPA and Art.27 of the Enforcement Decree, the registration has to be
made within 30 days of completing the payment.
- It is possible to register the foreign-invested company even before completing the payment,
if the investment was more than 50mil. KRW or if more than 10% of total stocks were
acquired.

 The certificate of foreign-invested company registration is required when the foreign

investor applies for a business visa of or when wiring money from dividends to a foreign
country.

2 – 11. How does one sell shares acquired through foreign investment to a
third party?

 First, an application for transfer of shares/stocks has to be submitted at the place where
the foreign investment was initially notified (KOTRA offices or bank). Supplementary
documents required are the contract of selling/purchasing stocks between the transferor
and transferee, and a document verifying the nationality of the transferee, if he or she is a
new investor.
 Notification of the transfer of stocks/shares is necessary to send the money from the selling
of the stocks out of the country.

2 – 12. What is the procedure in terms of FIPA if a foreign investor

receives a free issue of new shares?

 If the foreign investor has received new shares costless from the foreign-invested
company, then he or she has to make a “notification about the acquisition of stocks or
shares” pursuant to Art.7 of FIPA within 30 days from the date of acquisition.
- Additional documents required must verify the acquisition of the shares or stocks, such as a
statement from the stockholders’ meeting or a company registration with the acquired
shares.
2 – 13. Is it possible to borrow foreign capital, if it is a short-term loan of
less than one year?

 A short-term loan of less than one year is not applicable to FIPA but rather to the Foreign
Exchange Control Act (Art.7). A foreign-invested company can accept a short-term loan of
less than one year after notification at the designated foreign-exchange bank, if the
following conditions are met:

1. For the manufacturing sector – loan of up to 50% of the foreign investment from overseas
(parent company or a third party);
2. For the high-technology sector subject to tax reduction – loan of up to 100% of the foreign
investment (parent company or a third party). But if the rate of foreign investment is less than
one-third, then the loan can only be up to 75% of the foreign investment.

2 – 14. Foreign company A has concluded a contract with Korean

company B in order to acquire the stocks of B. A deposit equivalent to 5%
of the purchase price was deposited at a financial institution. Thereafter, A
and B agree to transfer the acquisition rights and control of the company
to another company C, which is an affiliate of company A. In this case, can
the capital of A be considered as foreign investment when company C
uses it as foreign investment capital?

 If the foreign capital was legally imported in accordance with the Foreign Exchange Control
Act, and if it can be proven that the capital was transferred from the account of company A
to company C, then it can be accepted as foreign investment of company C.
- In other words, the capital does not need to be sent out of the country and transferred back
to the account of company C for foreign investment notification.

2 – 15. Is it possible to get an investment visa for establishment and

management of a company in Korea?

 Yes, a foreign investor having invested in a foreign-invested company, or an employee of a

 foreign-invested company dispatched from the parent company can get a D-8 investment
visa for sojourn (seconded officer from the Ministry of Justice at the Foreign Investor
Support Office, Invest KOREA, Tel. 02-3460-7571).

2 – 16. What is the process for a real estate business (leasing property)
after acquiring real estate in Korea?

 A foreign investor wishing to lease property in Korea can establish a foreign-invested

company and acquire real estate in the name of the company. The profits can be
transferred to foreign countries in the form of dividends after settlement of accounts.

 However, if real estate is acquired just for possession, the foreigner (company or individual)
has to give notification to a foreign exchange bank with documentary proof of the real
estate transaction or the acquisition of a mortgage.

2 – 17. What is the difference between a foreign-invested company and a

branch of a foreign company?

 A foreign-invested company is treated as a domestic corporation, with taxes having to be

paid on all income derived from business operations. Furthermore, the accounting process
and settlement of balance sheets are completely separate and independent from its
overseas headquarters and the company is bound by the Foreign Investment Promotion
Act (FIPA).

 Furthermore, foreign-invested companies are eligible to receive certain tax reductions and
exemptions, but only for those industries that are subject to such benefits according to
FIPA.

 On the other hand, a domestic branch of a foreign company is deemed a foreign

corporation and therefore conducts all its accounting and financial settlements through its
overseas headquarters. In addition, it is subject to the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act
instead of FIPA. Taxes are paid only on profits made in Korea. Transfer of money in and out
 of Korea (necessary capital for business activities and profits) is only possible at the
designated foreign exchange bank where the initial notification for branch establishment
was made.

Visas

3 – 1. What is a visa and who has the authority to issue a visa?

 A visa allows the legal entry into and sojourn in a foreign country under the conditions of
the visa, which may vary according to the type of visa. Furthermore, it confirms the validity
of the passport and its legal status through its issue by the foreign government.

 A visa is perceived in some countries as a “confirmation of permission to enter the country,”

and in other countries as a “recommendation of the consulate to enter the country.” The
United States, Japan and Korea perceive the issue of a visa as a “recommendation of the
consulate.”

 Accordingly, even if a foreigner who wishes to enter Korea and is in possession of a valid
visa, he or she might get rejected by an official at the immigration if the person does not
meet certain entry requirements ─ for example, in case of prohibited entry, attempting
illegal employment, or having no specific reason for entry, etc.

 The right to issue a visa is in the hands of the Ministry of Justice. But it can be transferred
also to the heads of other government institutions such as embassies, government
agencies, consulates, and consular offices

3 – 2. What do requirements and conditions for sojourn mean?

 Korea has a system to manage the immigration and period of sojourn of foreigners, of
which requirements for sojourn refer to the social activities or personal status the foreigner
can assume during his stay in Korea. They are therefore a standard for managing the
sojourn of foreigners.
 So if a foreigner entering Korea meets specific requirements, he or she is guaranteed
sojourn in Korea as long as he or she maintains the authorized activities or personal status.
However, if the person’s circumstances have changed or engagement in other activities is
planned, the foreigner must apply for a visa of another type corresponding to his or her
desired activities or status.

 In general, countries define sojourn requirements and apply the appropriate visa to the
requirements in order to facilitate the management of foreigners entering the country. Thus,
with the issue of the visa, the conditions for sojourn are given at the same time (‘one-time
inspection’). There exists also the ‘double inspection’, which means that the visa is only an
entry inspection, and the immigration inspector will issue separate sojourn permission.
Korea falls into the former category of a ‘one-time inspection.’

 Accordingly, the Korean visa contains both, the sojourn conditions and requirements as
well as the sojourn period. Thus, the foreigner is permitted to stay in Korea during that
period under the given conditions. If the foreigner wishes to engage in employment in
Korea, a C-4 visa or an E-range visa has to be issued. Work is only permitted in the
designated workplace.

 The requirements and conditions for sojourn are composed of alphabetic letters and
numbers (ex. A-1). There are presently 34 types of visas according to Art.12 (appendix1) of
the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act.

 Korea distinguishes between short-term sojourn (less than 90 days) and long-term sojourn
(91 days and longer). Foreigners who wish to stay longer than 91 days in Korea have to
apply for alien registration within 90 days of the date of their entry.

3 – 3. What are the types of visa and how long is their validity?

 There are generally two types of visa: single entry and multiple entry.
- Single entry visas have a validity of three months from the date of issue.
- Multiple-entry visas have a validity of principally one year from the date of issue. However,
holders of diplomatic and government passports are issued a visa with a validity of three
 years. Visas issued by agreement are valid until the date of agreement.

 In practice, the types of visa can be divided into four categories:

1. Visa for foreigners conducting diplomacy, official duty and negotiation (SOFA) and their
families – diplomacy (A-1), official duty (A-2), agreement (A3).
2. Visa for non-profit activities and short-term stay (less than 90 days) – temporary news
coverage (C-1), short-term business (C-2) and short-term visitors (C-3).
3. Employment visa – short-term employment (C-4), professors (E-1), teaching foreign
languages (E-2), research (E-3), special technology instruction (E-4), special occupations
(E-5), arts and entertainment (E-6), other particular occupations (E-7), industrial trainees’
employment (E-8), non-special employment (E-9), working holiday (H-1).
4. Others – culture/art (D-1), students (D-2), industrial trainees (D-3), general trainees (D-4),
residence reporters (D-5), religious workers (D-6), intra-company transferee (D-7), treaty
investors (D-8), treaty traders (D-9), visiting and joining families (F-1), residence (F-2),
dependent families (F-3), overseas Korean residents (F-4), permanent residence (F-5),
others (G-1).

 Further information about visa issuance: refer to the English homepage of the Ministry of
Justice.
www.moj.go.kr/english/index.php

3 – 4. Do all foreigners need a visa in order to enter Korea?

 Foreigners wanting to enter Korea have to be in possession of a valid passport and a visa
issued by a Korean embassy or consulate. However, in the following cases, it is also
possible to enter the country without a visa:
- In possession of a permission for re-entry and returning to Korea before its expiration date;
- Citizen of a country having a visa waiver agreement with Korea, and thus according to the
agreement being exempt from a visa;
- Working for a foreign government or an international organization and without a visa due to
unforeseen circumstances;
- Purpose of travel or transit;
- Other reasons determined by the Minister of Justice where the entry to the country will bring
benefits to Korea.
 Regarding the visa waiver agreement, it is in principle limited to foreigners for the purpose
of short-term travel or visit (less than three months) without conducting profit-making
business or any paid activities.

 As of end of April 2004, there are a total of 78 countries having concluded a visa waiver
agreement with the Korean government including the United Kingdom, France, Germany,
Singapore and New Zealand. Citizens from these countries receive a B-1 visa waiver with
a specific period of sojourn (usually 3 months).

 Countries with visa-free entry permission to Korea as of April 2004 totaled 50 countries,
including the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia. If citizens from these countries wish to
enter the Republic of Korea for the purpose of travel or transit, they will be issued a B-2
visa with a sojourn period of 30 days. However, citizens of Canada are allowed 6 months,
and citizens of Australia, Hong Kong and Slovenia are allowed 90 days sojourn (based on
reciprocity).

 Citizens from countries, with which no diplomatic have yet been established, such as Cuba
and Macedonia, as well as citizens of countries with many illegal entries to Korea, such as
China, Mongolia, the Philippines, Nepal and Nigeria are not allowed entry without a visa.

3 – 5. Who can receive a treaty investment visa (D-8)?

 A foreign investor (individual) with an investment amount of more than 50mil. KRW
managing a foreign-invested company after its establishment.
 An employee dispatched from the overseas parent company to the foreign-invested
company in Korea as essential professional manpower in the fields of management or
technology (including those who are dispatched as managers or professional engineers,
but excluding those who are recruited in Korea).
 Essential professional manpower refers to executives or senior managers as well as
engineers with highly professional experience and knowledge.
- Thus, general staff for administrative duties or engineers who can be replaced by other
manpower as well as other direct service providers are not considered essential
professional manpower.
3 – 6. What is the procedure to obtain a D-8 visa?

 There are three ways to obtain the D-8 foreign investment visa:

1. The foreigner goes to any overseas Korean government representative office (embassy,
consulate, etc.) with the required documents and applies directly for the visa, if the period of
sojourn is less than one year.
2. The inviting party in Korea goes to the relevant immigration office and gets the certificate for
recognition of visa issuance and conveys it to the invited person overseas. The invited
person then goes to an overseas Korean government representative office and submits the
certificate and the passport to obtain the D-8 visa.
3. If due to unavoidable reasons, the foreign investor or a dispatched employee from the
overseas parent company as an essential professional manpower, could not get a D-8 visa
and entered Korea, an application for a change of sojourn conditions can be filed at the
immigration office or Invest KOREA. Then it is possible to change the status and obtain a D-
8 visa.

 It is required to enter Korea by first obtaining a short-term business visa (C-2) for preparing
the establishment of a foreign-invested company, and then change the status to a D-8 visa
after completing the registration of the company.

3 – 7. What are the services provided by Invest KOREA regarding the

sojourn of foreigners?

 Services regarding visa matters for foreigners include qualification for sojourn, approval for
the change of conditions for sojourn, approval for extension of the visa, approval for
activities not included in the present visa status, addition and change of workplace, and
approval for re-entry.

 Invest KOREA deals with the approvals for the change of conditions for sojourn, for
extension of the visa, and for re-entry of foreign investors eligible for the D-8 visa and their
 families

3 – 8. What is a certificate for recognition of visa issuance?

 A certificate for recognition of visa issuance is to facilitate the visa-issuing process for long-
term visas and shorten the processing time. It is also for the convenience of the inviting
party in Korea, because the issuance of the visa can be applied for in Korea. After
investigation of the documents and data, the relevant immigration office issues the
certificate for recognition of visa issuance, which can be submitted at a government
establishment abroad together with the passport. The visa will then be issued immediately.

 The processing time for short-term visas for less than one year will be quick, but for long-
term visas the processing time will take longer, since additional bureaucratic processes are
needed.

 The validity of the certificate for recognition of visa issuance is three months.

 Only the original certificate is accepted when applying for the visa.

3 – 9. Who is eligible for the certificate for recognition of visa issuance?

 Cuban nationals;
 Chinese nationals (with exceptions);
 Long-term visas, which overseas Korean government establishments are not authorized to
issue.

3 – 10. What are the documentary requirements when applying for the
certificate for recognition of visa issuance regarding the D-8 visa?

 For a foreign investor (individual) with an investment amount of more than 50mil. KRW:
- Application form for the certificate;
- Copy of passport (personal information);
- Copy of FDI company registration;
- Copy of certificate of business registration or incorporation register book (if a corporation);
- Certificate of declaration of foreign exchange, if the investment capital was carried in
personally;
- Bank transaction statement, if the investment was wired from overseas;
- Certificate of purchase of foreign exchange;
- Office rental contract or lease agreement;
- Copy of bank account.

 When inviting essential professional manpower dispatched from the overseas parent
company of the foreign-invested company established in Korea:
- Application form for the certificate;
- Copy of passport (personal information);
- Reason for invitation;
- Dispatch order or certificate of employment ;
- Resume;
- Proof of professional knowledge (copy of degree, proof of experience, certificates, etc.);
- Copy of FDI company registration;
- Copy of certificate of business registration or incorporation register book (if it is a
corporation);
- Certificate of tax payment.

3 – 11. A foreign investor has entered Korea with a short-term visa

(sojourn period of less than 90 days) and established a foreign-invested
company. Is it in this case necessary to leave Korea in order to obtain a D-
8 visa?

 If due to unavoidable reasons, the foreign investor (individual) could not get a D-8 visa and
entered Korea, an application for a change of sojourn conditions can be filed at the
immigration office or Invest KOREA. Then it is possible to change the status and obtain a
D-8 visa.
 However, it is not possible for the following visa holders to change their status and obtain a
D-8 visa:
- Chinese nationals with a C-3 visa and having entered Korea as part of a tourist group or
purely for the purpose of travel;
- Holders of student (D-2), industrial trainee (D-3), general trainee (D-4), industrial trainee
employment (E-8), non-special employment (E-9), others (G-1), and working holiday (H-1)
visas.

 It is required to enter Korea by first obtaining a short-term business visa (C-2) for preparing
the establishment of a foreign-invested company, and then change the status to a D-8 visa
after completing the registration of the company.

 The documents needed when applying for a change of the conditions for sojourn are:
- Application form;
- Copy of passport (personal information);
- Copy of FDI company registration;
- Copy of certificate of business registration or incorporation register book (if it is corporation);
- Certificate of purchase of foreign exchange;
- Certificate of declaration of foreign exchange, if the investment capital was carried in
personally;
- Bank transaction statement, if the investment was wired from overseas;
- Office rental contract or lease agreement;
- Copy of bank account;
- Processing fee of KRW50, 000.

3 – 12. Can an essential professional worker dispatched from the parent

company of a foreign-invested company established in Korea also obtain
approval to change the status of sojourn?

 Yes. Professional workers dispatched from the parent company are also eligible. In order to
apply for the approval to change the status of sojourn the following documents have to be
submitted:
- Application form;
- Copy of passport (personal information);
- Reason for invitation;
- Resume;
- Dispatch order or certificate of employment;
- Proof of professional knowledge (copy of degree, proof of experience, certificates, etc.);
- Copy of FDI company registration;
- Copy of certificate of business registration or incorporation register book (if it is corporation);
- Certificate of tax payment;
- Processing fee of KRW50, 000.

3 – 13. What are the documents required when applying for the approval
to change the status of sojourn to a D-8 visa and for approval to extend
the period of stay?

 Copy of passport
 Dispatch order or assignment letter
 Certificate of employment
 Certificate of business registration
 Incorporation register book
 Certificate of FDI company registration
 Certificate of declaration of foreign exchange
 Certificate of purchase of foreign exchange
 Bank transaction statement
 Office rental contract or lease agreement
 Certificate of tax payment
 Certificate of export report
 Power of attorney

3 – 14. What is the procedure for a foreign national who has entered Korea
with a D-8 visa or for a foreigner who has entered Korea with a short-term
visa / no visa and has received approval to change the status?

 A foreigner who has entered Korea with a D-8 visa has to go to the immigration office and
 get an alien registration ID within 90 days of entry. A foreigner with a short-term visa or no
visa with approval to change the status must go to the immigration office immediately after
entry to obtain the alien registration ID.

3 – 15. What are the documents required to obtain an alien registration?

 A foreign national staying in Korea for more than 91 days, has to go to the immigration
office within 90 days of entry and complete the alien registration process.

 The alien registration ID is equivalent to the Korean resident registration ID and has the
objective to get a clear picture about the resident and social status of the foreigner and to
allow fair treatment of foreign nationals in Korea.

 When is it necessary to complete the alien registration?

- Staying in Korea for longer than 90 days from the date of entering Korea;
- Having changed the nationality from Korean to a foreign nationality or a foreigner born in
Korea and staying longer than 90 days in the country;
- A foreigner staying in Korea longer than 90 days with an approval to change the status.

 Foreigners with a A-1 (diplomacy), A-2 (official duty), and A-3 (agreement) visa are
excluded from the requirement of alien registration.

 A foreigner who has entered Korea with a D-8 visa has to go to the immigration office and
apply for an alien registration ID within 90 days of entry. A foreigner with a short-term visa
or no visa with approval to change the status must go to the immigration office immediately
after entry to get the alien registration ID.
If this procedure is not complied with, the foreigner will be penalized.

 The documents required are:

- Passport
- Application form for alien registration
- Three color photographs (passport photo size)
- Processing fee of KRW10,000
 The application has to be completed personally (for those under 17, a proxy may complete
the registration process).

3 – 16. How long can a foreigner with a D-8 visa stay in Korea, and what
documents are needed for the extension of the visa?

 An extension of the visa has to be applied for 30 days prior to the expiration date. However,
in exceptional cases (such as unavoidable business trips etc.) the extension of the visa can
be applied for prior to the 30 days if documentary proof is submitted.

 Generally, there are no limitations to the number of times for extension of stay. However,
the maximum period for a D-8 visa extension for one time is 2 years. If the foreigner has
continued his business without any illegal activities or an essential professional manpower
dispatched from the overseas parent company continues to work, then the period of
sojourn in Korea may be extended continuously without a limitation of its frequency.

 The documents needed for extension of the visa are:

- Passport
- Alien registration
- Application form
- Certificate of employment
- Certificate of tax payment
- Certificate of having no default of tax payment
- Certificate of export report
- Processing fee KRW30,000
- Power of attorney (if proxy completes the application)

 The approval for visa extension will depend on the tax payments and business results of
the foreign-invested company.

3 – 17. Is it necessary to get permission for re-entry, if the foreigner

having completed the alien registration, has temporarily left the country
while residing in Korea?

 Foreigners in possession of a multiple long-term visa:

- If the sojourn period in the multiple long-term visa and the alien registration ID are the
same, free entry to and departure from Korea is possible without a re-entry permit until the
date of expiration of the visa and alien registration ID.
- If the date on the ID and visa are different, the valid expiration date is that on the alien
registration ID.

 Foreigners with a simple visa and approval for change of status:

- A simple or multiple re-entry permit must be obtained at the immigration office or Invest
KOREA for free entry and departure.
- It is also possible to receive a re-entry permit on the day of departure at the airport
immigration office.

 Exempt from re-entry permit requirements are citizens of the following countries:
- France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands,
Luxembourg, Surinam, Granada.
- Citizens of the above countries may re-enter freely during the period of sojourn.
- However, citizens of these countries still need to register for the alien registration ID, if they
plan to stay in Korea longer than 91 days in order to be exempt from re-entry permit.

 Re-entry permits are granted on the basis of the expiration date of the passport, period of
sojourn, and extension period (simple visa 1 year, multiple visa 2 years).

 The period of sojourn is within the expiration date of the passport, and the re-entry permit is
within the period of sojourn in Korea.

3 – 18. What happens when a French national, a country exempt from re-
entry permit, with a one-year simple D-8 visa left Korea before completing
the alien registration?

 A foreign national staying in Korea for more than 91 days has to go to the immigration
office within 90 days of entry and complete the alien registration process. If a citizen from a
 country, with which Korea has a free re-entry permit agreement leave Korea without having
completed the alien registration, the visa is not valid for multiple entry and thus the free re-
entry permit is invalid.

3 – 19. What is the visa status of the family of a foreigner working for a
foreign-invested company and what documents are needed when
applying for the visa and approval for change of status?

 Family of a foreigner working for the foreign-invested company is the spouse and
unmarried children under 20 years of age.
 When the foreigner and the family apply together for the visa or approval, the documents
needed are passport, application form and documents verifying the relationship (birth
certificate or marriage certificate).
 When the application is filed separately, additional documents to the ones listed above are
the certificate of employment of the foreigner and a copy of the alien registration ID.
 The visa issued to the family is that of dependent families (F-3) and the length of stay is
equivalent to that of the spouse or parent.

3 – 20. What is the visa application process for newly-born children of

foreign employees of foreign-invested companies?

 First, the birth of the child needs to be reported to the respective national embassy in
Korea. After obtaining a valid passport, a visa application for the child must be submitted to
the immigration official at Invest KOREA or any other immigration office within 30 days of
birth.

 When applying for the visa, an application form, birth certificate, and passport, along with
employment certificate of the father or parent as well as a copy of his/her alien registration
card must be submitted. In case it is difficult to obtain a passport within 30 days from birth,
it is possible to first apply for the visa and submit the passport at a later time. The visa (F-3
visa with a sojourn period equal to that of the parents) will then be issued after submitting
the passport.
 If the period of sojourn in Korea is expected to exceed 90 days from the day of obtaining
the visa, then it is also obligatory to apply for alien registration at the immigration office. If
the departure date from Korea is expected to be within 30 days after the birth of the child,
then only a passport is needed without having to apply for a visa.

3 – 21. When is the expiration date for a Canadian citizen with a B-2 visa
and a sojourn period of 6 months, who has entered Korea on Feb.15,
2004?

 The day of entry is not included in the sojourn period, so that the period of sojourn is
counted from the following day until the expiration day. If the day of expiration is a national
holiday, then the next day is the expiration day.
 So in this case, the expiration day would be Aug.15, 2004. But since it is a national Korean
holiday (Liberation Day), the expiration day would be on Aug.16.

3 – 22. A foreign-invested company with a Chinese national as CEO has

registered two Chinese nationals (not real investors) as executives in
the corporate register book. In this case, is it possible to invite the two
Chinese nationals with a D-8 visa?

 The two Chinese nationals can be regarded neither as dispatched employees nor as
individual investors, but as employees directly employed by the foreign-invested company
in Korea. Therefore, they must apply for the E-7 visa (other particular occupations) and not
the D-8 visa.

3 – 23. Is it possible to establish a traditional Thai spa in Korea when

investing more than KRW50 million? Furthermore, is it possible to
employ foreigners as foot massagers, skin care or spa specialists?
 According to relevant regulations, a foreign investor in the skin or footcare and sports
massage sector who wants to operate a massage center on his own or act as a massager
is not allowed a certificate for recognition of visa issuance.
 Furthermore, employment of foot massagers, skincare and spa specialists is not permitted.

3 – 24. A foreigner has entered Korea for the purpose of a tourist visit
and stayed in Korea illegally. Recently, he received an E-9 visa after
approval for status of sojourn. During his stay in Korea, the foreigner
won the first prize in a lottery. If the foreigner wants to start a business
in Korea with the money from the lottery, is it possible to obtain a D-8
visa without leaving the country?

 In general, a holder of an E-9 visa is not eligible to get a D-8 visa. However, it is possible to
apply for a change of sojourn status to obtain a D-8 visa. But due to the illegal residence of
the foreigner, he will be subject to strict investigation.
 In this case, the foreigner has to prove that he won the first prize in the lottery as well as
that his business will help the Korean economy and increase the employment rate, as this
is better than just living only on the interest from the lottery prize.

3 – 25. If a foreign investor invests KRW1 billion in a company

manufacturing trailers for container transport, is it possible to stay in
Korea and get a permanent residence permit?

 If a foreign investor with more than US$50 million investment and a D-8 visa has resided
continuously in Korea for more than three years and has created employment, the investor
is eligible to apply for the F-5 permanent residence visa under the following conditions:
- Over 30 years of age with ability to conduct economic activities;
- Not involved in business activities related to speculation, pleasure resorts, or other sectors
that go against moral social values;
- Continuously employing at least five Korean nationals as regular employees.

 In case of citizens of the United States, a permanent residence permit is issued under the
 following conditions:
- An investment amount of at least US$1 million (in rural areas or suburban areas an
investment of US$500,000);
- Full-time employment of at least 10 U.S. citizens or those with permanent residence
- If the above two conditions are met, then a temporary residence permit with a validity of two
years is issued in order to avoid bogus investment and illegal immigration. After two years, a
regular residence permit is issued, if investment of the last two years and employment of at
least 10 people can be proven.

3 – 26. Who is eligible for the C-2 visa (short-term business) and what
are the necessary documents?

 Foreigners are eligible for the C-2 visa if they meet the following conditions:
- Help to set up the establishment of a foreign-invested company or domestic branch of a
foreign company;
- Enter Korea on invitation by a Korean public or private company and conduct market
research, conclude a contract, or consult with a domestic company;
- Short-term stay in Korea with the purpose to study the set up, repairs, inspection and
management skills of machinery (import and export);
- Other similar purposes of stay.

 Documents to be submitted:
- Invitation (certified by a public law office with the purpose of invitation, trade relationship
between inviting and invited party, expected length of stay of the invited party etc.
- Original certificate of business registration of inviting party, original certificate of tax
payments;
- Letter of intent (if it is the initial business transaction) and contract of purchase, copy of L/C
and certificate of declaration of foreign exchange (if already established trade relationship);
- Certificate of employment or dispatch order of the invited party, resume and identification (if
Chinese national.)

 If the foreigner has entered Korea at least three times with a C-2 visa within the last two
years, it is possible to apply for the C-2 visa without an invitation but only with the certificate
of employment and the application for the visa.
3 – 27. What are the penalties when applying for a visa or inviting a
foreigner with false documents?

 According to Art. 7 of the Immigration Act, it is prohibited to do the following in order to

bring a foreigner into the country:
- Invite foreigners by means of illegal measures such as false information or documents or
act as a broker conducting such activities;
- Apply for visa or approval of the certificate for recognition of visa issuance under pretense
or act as a broker for such activities.

 For committing violations as described above, penalties are levied such as imprisonment of
up to three years or fine of up to KRW 20 million.

3 – 28. Is there any immigration channel available exclusively for the

convenience of D-8 visa holders doing frequent overseas business
trips?

 The Ministry of Justice has established an exclusive immigration channel for foreign
investors and holders of an APEC card for quick and convenient processing, which is in
operation since Feb.1, 2004.
 Foreign individual investors, foreign employees of foreign-invested companies, investment
task forces, and other foreigners contributing to attracting FDI and their families as well as
APEC card holders may use the orange color “investors and APEC card holders’
immigration counter.”
 The exclusive immigration desk is expected to contribute and promote foreign investment.
The test project at the Incheon International Airport will later be expanded to other airports
nationwide.
TAX

4 – 1. Where is the place to apply for tax deduction and how long does
the process take?

 The application form for tax deduction has to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance and
Economy, but if the application is submitted together with FDI notification, it can be done at
a foreign exchange bank or Invest KOREA.
 Generally, the processing time takes about 20 days.

4 – 2. The business year of a foreign-invested company is from Jan.1 –

Dec. 31. If the company starts business on Dec. 31, when is the
application time for tax deduction?

 The deadline would be the day of starting the business, Dec. 31, since it is the last day of
the business year.

4 – 3. When changing the subject of tax deduction, until when do the

changes have to be notified?

 The notification of changes has to be made within two years of the day the changes have
occurred.

4 – 4. Is it possible to receive tax deduction, if the application is

submitted after the deadline?

 If the application is received after the deadline, it is possible to receive deductions for the
year corresponding to the application day and residual period. However, it is not possible to
receive tax deductions for paid taxes for the period prior to the day when the decision of tax
deduction was made.
4 – 5. A domestic company in the high-tech business has started
business on July1, 2003. Through acquisition of new stocks it became a
foreign-invested company on Oct.1, 2004. In this case, when is the
period to apply for tax deduction (business year is Jan.1-Dec.31)?

 If a domestic company becomes a foreign-invested company through foreign investment it

is not regarded as “capital increase” but “new’’ foreign investment.
 Accordingly, the company has to apply for tax deduction by Dec. 31, 2004.

4 – 6. When is the day of applying for tax deduction in case of capital

increase of a foreign-invested company?

 From the day of FDI notification until 2 years from that date.

4 – 7. In case of capital increase of a foreign-invested company, is the

initial day of reckoning the notification day or the registration day of the
capital increase?

 The initial day of reckoning would be the registration day of the capital increase regardless
of when the capital increase was notified.

4 – 8. Can a company receive tax deduction when manufacturing high-

technology related products consigning a third party?

 The foreign-invested company has to set up and operate factory facilities in order to be
eligible for tax deductions.
4 – 9. A foreign-invested company was not in a business eligible for tax
deduction at the time of FDI notification. However, it conducted
business subject to tax deduction thereafter. In this case, can the
company receive tax deduction?

 A foreign-invested company, which was in the manufacturing sector, is not eligible for tax
deduction, if it merely changed its business sector to the high-technology sector.

4 – 10. A foreign-invested company has received approval for tax

deduction regarding its manufacturing business A (automobile parts). If
the company operates another manufacturing business B (automobile
parts), which is a high-tech sector without capital increase, is it eligible
for a change in tax deduction? And how long would it receive tax
deduction

 In this case, the company would be subject to a change in tax deduction. If it gets the
approval for change, the new deduction is applicable to the remaining period of the initial
deduction period.

4 – 11. Only a part of the production line of automobiles is high

technology. In this case, can tax deduction be applied to the sales profit
of the automobiles?

 Tax deduction can be applied only to the part that is eligible for tax deduction. Thus,
separate income calculations are necessary.

4 – 12. If a company acquires a theater in a metropolitan district subject

to overpopulation control, will local taxes be levied?
 In general, if a company acquires real estate or establishes it’s headquarters or branch in a
metropolitan area under overpopulation control, local taxes are levied. However, certain
business sectors including theaters are not subject to registration tax.

 Three-fold acquisition tax is levied on:

- new or additional establishment of factories (excluding industrial complex, FDI zones,
industrial zones);
- acquisition of real estate used for commercial purposes or as office by the headquarters of
the company.

 Three-fold registration tax is levied on:

- new or additional establishment of factories (excluding industrial complex, FDI zones,
industrial zones);
- establishment and setup of corporations and branches, corporate registration or real estate
registration due to moving-in (excluding industrial complex);
- Exception: acquisition of real estate after 5 years since business establishment or moving –
within the metropolitan area. In such cases, no registration tax is levied.

 However, if the real estate was notified as new or additional factory facility of the foreign-
invested company by Dec. 31, 2003 then the three-fold acquisition tax and registration tax
will not be applied.

4 – 13. Which business areas are excluded from the three-fold

registration tax if real estate is acquired in a metropolitan
overpopulation control area?

 The following business sectors are excluded from the registration tax pursuant to Art.101 of
the Enforcement Decree of the Local Tax Act:
- Social overhead capital facilities, banking, housing construction, electricity and
communication, high-technology according to the Industrial Development Act, distribution,
freight terminal, storage, government-invested corporation, hospital, recycling, software,
theaters (including movie theaters), cable broadcast stations, city-friendly factories,
installment finance, restructuring companies.
4 – 14. The period for tax deduction of corporate tax in foreign
investment zones and for high technology will be changed from 100%
for 7 years, 50% for 3 years to 100% for 5 years and 50% for 2 years in
2005. When is the change applied?

 The shortened period of tax deductions will be applied after 2005 to the applications for tax
deduction or exemption.

4 – 15. The first year since the start of a business eligible for tax
deduction brought only interest from deposited money. Profit was made
in the second year. So when would be the day of reckoning for tax
deduction? Would the interest also be subject to tax deduction?

 The interest of the first business year is not subject to tax deduction. Only the profits made
in the second year will be eligible for tax deduction.

4 – 16. When would be the starting day of business for a manufacturing

company, which added a high-technology section to its business
through capital increase?

 The starting day of the business would be the day the company starts the production of the
high-technology products after capital increase.

4 – 17. Is it possible to get a refund of acquisition and registration tax, if

the company has received approval for tax deduction after acquiring the
factory for high technology?
 It is not possible to get a refund from the acquisition and registration tax of assets paid
before the approval for tax deduction was given

4 – 18. How is the deduction of taxes for foreign-invested companies

calculated?

 The deduction of taxes is calculated as follows:

 Corporate tax and tax for profits made from dividends

- (Calculated tax amount x tax base (subject to deduction) / total tax base) x rate of foreign
investment x (deduction rate of 100% or 50%)

 Local tax
- Calculated tax x rate of foreign investment x (tax deduction rate of 100% or 50%)

 Customs, special excise tax, value-added tax

- The tax depends on the import of capital goods (with conditions);
- For high-technology sector and foreign investment zones, 100% deduction for import within
three years of the date of FDI notification;
- For other foreign-invested companies, only deduction for customs.

4 – 19. A domestic company with one billion won capital and a capital
increase of one billion won has issued new stocks of one billion won
with 100% extra stocks to a foreign investor. Thus, the amount of
foreign investment became 2 billion won. In this case, what is the rate of
foreign investment?

 When issuing new stocks, the amount of foreign investment is the total amount of initial
capital and capital increase. However, the rate of foreign investment is calculated based on
the rate of capital.
- In this case, the rate of foreign investment would be as follows:
KRW1 billion / (KRW1 billion + KRW1 billion) = 50%
 <capital increase> <initial capital> <capital increase> <rate of FDI>

 Furthermore, when speaking of tax deductions of 100% or 50%, this figure refers to the
rate of foreign investment and not the amount of foreign investment. That is, the tax
deductions are given 100% or 50% to the rate of foreign investment.
- In this case, if the foreign investment were eligible for 100% tax deduction, the amount of
deduction would be 100% of the 50% rate of FDI, which is a deduction of 50%.

4 – 20. Is it possible to receive tax deduction for foreign investment

pursuant to Art.121 of the Tax Treatment Control Act, and at the same
time tax deduction for small-medium enterprises as stipulated in Art. 6?

 Tax deduction of only one kind can received; thus, a decision has to be made about
which deduction to receive.

4 – 21. If a company is operating a business eligible for tax deduction as

well as another business not eligible for tax deduction, how is the
income of the business sectors divided?

 According to relevant laws, if a company is operating both, two business sectors eligible
as well as not eligible for tax deduction, then the accounting has to be done separately.
 Common profits and losses have to be calculated proportionally as described below:
- The common profits have to be calculated proportionally to the income or sales amount of
the two business sectors.
- Common losses have to be calculated in proportion to the respective income or sales
amount, if the two business sectors belong to the same industry. If they are in different
industries, the losses have to be calculated in proportion to the individual losses of each
industry.

4 – 22. If a foreign investor has received dividends from a foreign-

invested company eligible for tax deduction, is the basis for withholding
tax the domestic tax rate pursuant to the tax law or the restrictive tax
rate pursuant to the tax agreement?

 The withholding tax is selected from whichever is lower among the two tax rates.

 What is the restrictive tax rate?

- The restrictive tax rate is a tax rate agreed upon through a tax agreement, which does not
permit the taxation above a certain maximum rate for investment profits such as interest,
dividend or fees.

4 – 23. Are fictitious dividends from capital decrease subject to tax

deduction?

 Profits from dividends from businesses eligible for tax deduction are subject to tax
deduction. However, in case of capital decrease it is not subject to tax deduction since it
goes against the purpose of attracting foreign capital.
- For reference, a certain price for the capital decrease has to be paid for capital decrease.
And if the price for the shares exceeds the acquisition price, the excess amount is the
fictitious dividend from capital decrease.

4 – 24. If a non-resident transfers shares, who, where and when to pay

the withholding of taxes from the capital gain?

 If the transaction is conducted through a security company, that company does the tax
withholding. However, if the transaction is conducted without the involvement of a security
company, the tax withholding is done by the person paying for the transfer of shares
(transferee). This is also the case, even if the transferee is a non-resident or foreigner.

 The withholding tax has to be paid until the 10th day of the following month from the day of
the transaction at the competent tax office.
4 – 25. A foreign investor transfers shares to another foreigner or
foreign corporation during the period of tax deduction. In this case, is a
surcharge levied on the deducted tax?

 If the foreign investor transfers his shares to a Korean national or a Korean corporation,
then surcharge is levied depending to the transfer rate.
 If the foreign investor transfers his shares to another foreigner or foreign corporation, then
no surcharge is levied, because the total amount of foreign investment does not change.
 If the shares are transferred to another foreign-invested company in Korea, surcharge will
be levied, since a foreign-invested company is considered a domestic corporation.

4 – 26. What is the transfer price tax system?

 In order to prevent international tax evasion of for example multinational companies, Korea
has a system to protect its country’s tax rights. If a company has a special relationship with
a company A and sells goods at a cheaper price or buys goods at a higher price (actual
price) compared to other trading partners (arms-length price), the tax rate levied will
correspond to the arms-length price and not the actual price.

4 – 27. How to calculate the normal price in relation to the transfer price
tax system?

 The normal price refers to the price applied to companies that have no special relationship
to the trading company. There are several methods to calculate the normal price. The price
is determined by selecting the most rational method:
- comparison to a third party
- resale price
- addition of cost price
- other rational methods
 Rational method means the method coming closest to reality such as considering
economic conditions and other factors.

4 – 28. Does it make any difference to taxes, if a foreigner acquires

existing stocks of a domestic company or acquires new stocks through
capital increase for a joint venture?

 There are no tax benefits for foreign investment made by means of acquiring existing
stocks, but tax deduction is applied for foreign investment through capital increase.
 If selling existing stocks, the seller has to pay the acquisition tax (corporate tax) and
transaction tax for the transfer of shares. The acquirer does not have to pay any special
taxes. One exception is for a corporation not listed on the stock exchange, where
acquisition tax is levied for the possession of more than 51% of total stocks.

4 – 29. What is the “small capital tax system” and what are the problems
when providing a loan of US$10 billion to a foreign-invested company
with US$1 billion in foreign investment?

 As a rule, in tax law interest is accepted as cost, however, dividends are not accepted as
cost. Accordingly, multinational companies establishing branch offices in foreign countries,
have the tendency to use small amount of capital and large amount of debt in order to
minimize the tax burden.
 “Small capital tax system” means, if the loan from the dominating stockholder and loan
from a third party with a payment guarantee is more than three-times (six-times for financial
institutions) the amount of invested capital, then the interest or discount of the exceeding
amount is usually not viewed as interest but as dividends. It is therefore not cost so that the
foreign-invested company has to pay corporate tax.
 In this case, the interest for the amount exceeding US$3 billion is considered to be
dividend.
4 – 30. Must a foreign employee of a foreign-invested company pay
income taxes in Korea as well as in his or her home country?

 In general, taxes are paid in both countries. However, it is possible to receive a tax
deduction for a considerable amount of the taxes paid in Korea. If the status of the foreign
employee has changed to “non-resident” in the home country and “resident” of Korea,
taxes only need to be paid only in Korea (however, this may differ depending on the home
country).

 According to the income tax law in Korea, there is no distinction between a Korean and
foreign citizen when referring to “resident” and “non-resident.” That is, no matter what
nationality, a “resident” is considered someone who has a permanent address registered in
Korea or has resided in Korea for a term of longer than one year.

4 – 31. Where to register the business, if the headquarters is in Seoul and

the factory or sales office is established in the province?

 According to the value-added tax law, business registration has to be conducted for each
business location, that is, business registration has to be made for the headquarters,
factory and sales office respectively.

4 – 32. Does a Korean citizen have to pay income tax for capital gain when
establishing a foreign-invested company on industrial land, which was
acquired in his name and used as investment in kind?

 For an individual business having operated a manufacturing company for more than one
year, income tax for the capital gain will be carried forward, and the acquisition and
registration tax for the corporation receiving the investment in kind are exempted.
 Tax carried forward means that the individual business reserves the income tax for the
capital gain, and instead the tax is levied to the corporation receiving the investment in kind
including the share of the individual business.
 If the individual is not conducting a business, there are no tax benefits for income tax of
capital gain, and also no exemption from acquisition and registration tax for the corporation
receiving the investment in kind.

4 – 33. When calculating the tax deduction rate, are long-term loans of
over five years included in terms of the foreign investment ratio as
stipulated in Art. 2 of FIPA?

 Long-term loans of over 5 years are not included in the calculation of the foreign-
investment ratio.

4 – 34. Is it necessary to apply for a change of tax deduction after the

approval for tax deduction was received and the FDI notification was
changed?

 The foreign investor had initially notified an investment of KRW10 billion with a foreign
investment ratio of 50%. This changed to KRW15 billion and 75%.
 If approval for tax deduction regarding the notified FDI amount was received, and the FDI
amount changed before the actual investment took place, then it is not necessary to apply
for a change of tax deduction. In such cases, the tax deduction will take effect depending
on the application for change in FDI. However, if additional investment was made after
starting the business, then application for tax deduction has to be filed for each capital
increase.

4 – 35. A foreigner acquires new shares by participating in a capital

increase of a domestic corporation that conducts a business, which is
subject to tax deduction. In this case, are the regulations of tax deduction
of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law applicable?

 Since it is a new foreign investment, the regulations of tax deduction are applicable
 Furthermore, it is also possible to receive tax deduction during the residual period, if a
foreigner acquires existing stocks of a foreign-invested company, which are owned by a
foreigner.

4 – 36. Is it necessary to apply for tax deduction even after having

received prior confirmation that the business is subject to tax deduction?

 Since the confirmation has no legal effect, it is necessary to submit a written application
and get the approval for tax deduction.

4 – 37. A foreign-invested company in business that is not subject to tax

deduction has conducted capital increase to conduct high-technology
business (manufacturing). If it has received approval for tax deduction,
when would be the day of reckoning for the deduction of corporate tax?

 According to Art. 121 of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law, the day of reckoning would
be the day when the change about the capital increase was registered.

4 – 38. Is it possible to receive tax deduction for a U.S. company A with

more than 10% of its shares owned by a Korean company G, if it
establishes a foreign-invested company in Korea?

 If a foreign company with direct or indirect investment from a Korean citizen or company
(excluding overseas Koreans with permanent residence or equivalent status) conducts
foreign investment in Korea, then the investment rate of the Korean citizen or company is
not subject to tax deduction pursuant to Art. 121 of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law.
 If the rate of investment by the Korean citizen or company is less than 10%, this rule does
not apply.
 In this case, the rate of investment by the Korean company G is more than 10%, and thus,
that part will be applicable to tax deduction.
4 – 39. Is it possible to receive tax deduction benefits, if the business
belongs to the high-technology sector, but is not on the list of sectors
published by the government that are subject to tax deduction?

 No, only the sectors that are listed are eligible for tax deduction benefits.

4 – 40. Is there any possibility to find out prior to starting the business, if
it is eligible to receive tax deduction benefits?

 A confirmation about the eligibility can be applied for at the Ministry of Finance and
Economy.
 However, the confirmation about the eligibility is not an approval to receive tax deduction,
as the application to receive tax deduction has to be submitted separately after FDI
notification.

4 – 41. Are there any incentives for a foreigner who wants to establish
research facilities for R&D activities?

 If establishing new or additional research facilities for R&D activities of high technology for
industrial-supporting service, with an investment of more than US$5 million as well as
designated as a foreign investment zone with more than 10 employees having more than
three years experience with at least a Master’s degree, then tax deduction of 100% for 7
(5) years and 50% for 3 (2) years in terms of corporate tax are given to the share of foreign
investment.
- The figures in parentheses are applicable from 2005.

 For domestic and not foreign shares, 7% of the cost for research activities and facilities are
subject to tax deduction (corporate tax) pursuant to Art. 11 of the Special Tax Treatment
Control Law. Article 10 of the same law stipulates that a system exists where a certain
 amount of tax is deducted for research and HR cost, regardless of the investment being
foreign or Korean.

4 – 42. What are the taxes related to real estate and what benefits exist for
foreigners acquiring land?

 The taxes for real estate such as land/ buildings are as follows:
 Acquisition of real estate
- acquisition tax (2%)
- special tax for rural development (10% of acquisition tax)
- registration tax (3%),
- education tax (20% of registration tax)
- VAT for the building (10%); there is no VAT for land

 Owning real estate

1. Land
- comprehensive land tax (0.3-5%)
- tax for rural development (10-15% of the comprehensive land tax)
- education tax (20% of the comprehensive land tax)
- urban planning tax (0.2%)
2. Building
- property tax (0.3-7%, for general buildings 0.3%)
- education tax (20% of property tax)
- community facility tax (0.06-0.16%)
- urban planning tax (0.2%)
- business place tax (250won/1m³, excluding places with less than 330m³)

 Lease and sale of real estate

1. Individual investors
- income tax (9-36%)
- inhabitant tax (10% of income tax)
- VAT (10%)
2. Corporations
- corporate tax (15-27%)
- inhabitant tax (10% of corporate tax)
- VAT (10%)

 There are no tax deductions for acquisition of land for foreigners. However, part of local tax
will be deducted, if land is acquired by a foreign-invested company to conduct business,
which is subject to tax deduction

4 – 43. Where to find tax agreements concluded with other countries?

 Tax agreements with other countries can be found on the National Tax Office homepage:
www.nts.go.kr

4 – 44. What are the taxes and tax rates for local companies and branch
offices?

 Generally, both local company and branch office have to pay corporate tax (15.27%),
inhabitant tax (10% of corporate tax), and VAT (10%).
 From 2005, corporate tax will be reduced by 2%.
 For certain countries, such as France, Canada, and Australia, a branch office tax (5-15%)
is levied under certain conditions.

4 – 45. A foreign-invested company in high-tech business receives tax

deduction for corporate tax from the year, when income is generated for
the first time. In this sense, what does income mean? And when is the day
of reckoning for income, if the company carries a loss from previous
years?

 Income as defined in tax laws is total profits minus total losses

- this definition is similar to the calculation of net profit in accounting (net profit = income
-cost)
 If losses accumulated over the years, then the tax deduction will start from the year when
the first income is recorded (if there were no income for the past five years, then the first
income is assumed to be in the fifth year). That does not mean that all the losses are
preserved until the year when income is recorded.

4 – 46. Is it possible to receive tax deduction when establishing a factory

in high-tech business within a metropolitan overpopulation control area?

 It is possible to receive tax benefits for high-tech businesses regardless of their location.

4 – 47. A foreign investor makes an investment of over US$100 million and

establishes a new factory. If the business is designated to a foreign
investment zone, although it is not a high-tech business, is it possible to
receive tax benefits?

 It is possible to receive tax deductions even if it not a high-tech business. The conditions
are that the foreign investor has to invest more than the minimum amount of investment
and get the permission for designation as a foreign-investment zone from the foreign
investment commission and the governor from the province or city for the establishment of
the factory. If the decision is positive, then the investor can receive tax benefits.
 For reference, the minimum investment amount for the manufacturing sector is US$30
million, for tourism and hotels US$20 million, for distribution and logistics US$10 million
and for high-tech and R&D facilities US$50 million.

4 – 48. How much tax needs to be paid when trading non-listed stocks
among non-residents?

 The transferor has to pay transfer income tax (10% of transfer amount or 25% of transfer
profit, whichever is smaller), inhabitant tax (10% of transfer income tax), and security
 transaction tax (0.5%).

 If the corporation issuing the shares is in possession of assets subject to taxation, and if
the transferee acquires more than 51% of the shares, then 2% of acquisition tax will be
levied.
- Acquisition tax: price of real estate x equity ratio x tax rate (2%).

 Special tax for rural development 0.2% extra.

 If the transfer income tax for the transfer of shares is levied on the foreign investor in the
country of residence, then there will be no tax levied in Korea.

4 – 49. Where can the regulations of tax deduction for foreign-invested

companies be found?

 The regulations were defined in FIPA, but due to amendments announced on May 24,
1999, only general principles of tax deduction are in FIPA. The details of tax deductions
can be found in Art.121 of the Special Tax Treatment Control Act.

4 – 50. A resident wants to use industrial land as investment in kind, and a

foreign investor wants to use the investment in kind as means to establish
a foreign-invested corporation. In this case, is transfer income tax levied?

 If the resident is not conducting business:

- there are no benefits regarding the deduction of transfer income tax, and also the transferee
does not get any benefits regarding acquisition or registration tax.

 If the resident is in manufacturing, mining, or construction business fulfilling conditions

pursuant to the Special Tax Treatment Control Law.
- the transfer income tax is carried forward until transferring the real estate.
- the acquisition and registration tax are exempted.
4 – 51. What documents need to be submitted to the tax office when
having received approval for tax deduction?

 The following documents need to be submitted with a copy of the approval for tax
deduction:
- sum of exempted or deduced tax amount - table (gab) and enclosed form no. 8 (gab) or
- calculation of exempted and deduced tax (4) and enclosed form no. 8.

4 – 52. Is it necessary to apply separately for tax deduction or exemption,

even if designated for a foreign investment zone?

 Yes. The application needs to be submitted separately at the Ministry of Finance and
Economy.

4 – 53. How is the tax calculated for a Korean employee of a foreign-

invested company?

 The standard tax base for income tax is calculated by deducting the income tax and
general income tax from the total income:
- the income tax is between 5% - 50% depending on the amount of wage
- the general income tax includes the basic deduction, deduction for spouse, insurance,
medical fee, etc.)

 First, tax is calculated by applying an extra progressive tax rate of 9% - 36% to the tax
base. The wage income tax is deducted, which is then the payable tax amount

 Deduction of income (limited to KRW500,000)

- if the calculated tax is under KRW500,000: 55% of the calculated tax
- if the calculated tax is over KRW500, 000: KRW275 million + 30% of the amount exceeding
KRW500, 000.
4 – 54. Are there any deductions for wage income tax of foreign
engineers?

 According to Art. 18 of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law, a foreign engineer providing
work to a Korean national is exempted from income tax for five years.

 Pursuant to Art. 16 of the Enforcement Decree of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law,
the technology and the work provided by the foreign engineer has to be subject to
deduction of corporate tax.

4 – 55. What is permanent establishment, and what are the conditions to

become a permanent establishment?

 A permanent establishment refers to a permanent place in Korea conducting all or part of

the business activities of a foreign company. The foreign company does not only decide on
how to pay the taxes regarding the withheld income, but also about whether or not the
profits from the business are subject to taxation.

 Several conditions must be met to be acknowledged as a permanent establishment:

- Existence of a business location (place);
- Business location has to be fixed (duration);
- Business has to be conducted through that location (function).

 Even if the above conditions are not met, a permanent establishment is also when:
- There is a person acting as a subordinate agent with the right to execute;
- A domestic liaison office actually executing business activities of the foreign company;
- A domestic liaison office conducting business activities not for the headquarters but for an
affiliate company.

5 – 1. What documents are required to get duty exemption or abatement,

if a foreign investor imports capital goods from invested capital and the
business area is subject to tax deduction?

 The following documents need to be submitted, if the foreign investor wants to get duty
exemption or abatement for the importation of capital goods by means of invested capital:
- Application form for customs, special excise tax, value-added tax;
- Document verifying that the business is subject to deduction of corporate tax (copy of
approval for tax deduction by the Ministry of Finance and Economy);
- Document verifying that the capital goods were imported through the cash of the foreign
investor (copy of the certificate of FDI notification);
- Confirmation of the declaration of capital goods import.

 The above documents need to be submitted at the relevant customs office before the
import notification is completed. If the import process takes place in several steps, then it is
necessary to apply for duty exemption each time.

CUSTOMS

5 – 2. Deduction for corporate tax, acquisition tax, and comprehensive

land tax depend on the rate of investment. Is it also the same for
customs?

 If the capital goods with approval for tax deduction are used for the business activities, then
the imported capital goods are subject to duty exemption (100%) regardless of the rate of
investment. The capital goods have to be either investment in kind or cash within the range
of the investment amount.

5 – 3. A company wants to import machinery from its headquarters in

order to manufacture semiconductor equipment. Is there any possibility to
receive duty abatement/exemption?

 There are two ways for duty abatement/exemption: Duty exemption pursuant to the Special
 Tax Treatment Control Law and duty abatement pursuant to the Customs Act.
 According to the Special Tax Treatment Control Law, following conditions have to be met in
order to be exempted from duties:
- The capital goods have to be directly used for the business sector, which has received
approval for tax deduction.
- The capital goods have to be either imported as cash from the foreign investor, or
investment in form of investment in kind.

 Duty abatement according to the Customs Act:

- It is possible to receive 40%-50% duty abatement, if the business belongs to the designated
industries and products eligible to receive duty abatement pursuant to the Customs Act.
- It is possible to receive abatement pursuant to the Customs Act regardless of the approval
for tax deduction as stipulated in FIPA and the Special Tax Treatment Control Act.

5 – 4. Are duties exempted for raw material needed for export, if the
material is supplied from the parent company for free and processed in
Korea and exported?

 Even if the raw material for export was imported costless, the duty has to be paid unless
the rate is 0% or tax-free. The same is for import-export trade among affiliates.
 In order to reduce the payment of duties, it is possible to make use of the lump-sum
payment and posterior payment system. There is also the possibility to pay the customs
duty for import and get the duty refunded after the export is completed.

5 – 5. A foreign-invested company resells capital goods subject to

customs exemption to another foreign investor. It leases the same goods
and keeps using them for an industry, which is eligible for tax deduction.
In this case, would it still be possible to receive exemption from duty?

 In order to receive customs exemption for capital goods, which are used directly for
business that is eligible for tax deduction, the imported capital goods have to be invested
by a foreign investor through foreign or domestic payment or they have to be imported as
 investment with the purpose to buy stocks.
 Furthermore, even if the above conditions were fulfilled, the exempted duty may be
additionally charged, in case the capital goods were used for any other purpose than
initially stated in the FDI notification within the after-service period (3years from the date of
import notification).
 Reselling imported capital goods to a foreign investor means that it goes against the pre-
conditions of having to import capital goods by means of foreign or domestic payment or as
investment to buy stocks. It also is then used for a different purpose than initially stated in
the FDI notification and thus violates that condition as well. Therefore, in this case,
exemption from duty is not valid when reselling the capital goods.

5 – 6. Is it possible for a foreign investor to receive duty exemption for a

car, if it is used for business purpose of a foreign-invested company?

 It is possible to get duty exemption, if the car is imported through investment made by a
foreign investor or if received as investment in kind for the direct use in a business subject
to tax deduction as stipulated in FIPA and the Special Tax Treatment Control Act.

5 – 7. In order to receive duty exemption for imported capital goods as

investment, until when must import notification be made?

 In principle, according to the articles in FIPA, import notification has to be completed within
three years from the day when the FDI notification was made. However, in case the import
notification could not be completed within the above period due to unforeseen reasons or a
delay in obtaining the approval for factory establishment, it is possible to apply for an
extension up to a maximum of three years. If approval for extension was obtained from the
Ministry of Finance and Economy, the import notification can be made within the extended
period.

5 – 8. Is it possible to receive duty exemption for capital goods, which are

provided costless from a foreign investor to use in a business subject to
tax deduction pursuant to FIPA?

 Even if the capital goods were imported for use in a business subject to tax deduction, it is
not possible to receive duty exemption pursuant to FIPA or the Special Tax Treatment
Control Law, because they were not imported as investment.

5 – 9. Are all capital goods imported by a foreign-invested company

eligible for duty exemption?

 No, not all capital goods imported by a foreign-invested company are eligible for duty
exemption.
 In order to receive duty exemption, it is necessary to obtain an approval from the Ministry
of Finance and Economy that the business is eligible for tax deduction pursuant to the
Special Tax Treatment Control Act. Moreover, the capital goods have to be imported as
investment capital or as investment in kind and have to be used directly for the designated
business.

5 – 10. A company has received orders in bulk from a foreign-invested

company conducting business eligible for tax deduction by means of a
turnkey method to do construction work. Is it possible to receive duty
abatement for a domestic company importing capital goods to be used for
business, which is eligible for tax deduction?

 In this case, it is not possible to receive duty exemption, because the party meeting the
conditions to receive tax deduction and the party with the obligation to pay the duty are not
the same.

5 – 11. For foreign investment by means of long-term loan, is it possible

to receive duty exemption, if capital goods to be used in business eligible
for tax deduction are imported through that loan?

 According to articles in FIPA and the Special Tax Treatment Control Law, it is only possible
to receive duty exemption for imported capital goods with regard to foreign investment
through the acquisition of new stocks, which meet the conditions for duty exemption.
Investment through long-term loans is accepted as FDI. However, they are not eligible for
any benefits regarding duty exemption.

5 – 12. Until when apply for duty exemption, in case of importing capital
goods with the purpose of conducting foreign investment in business
eligible for tax deduction?

 In order to receive duty exemption for the imported capital goods, import notification has to
be completed within three years from the day when the FDI notification was made.
 In this case, the application for duty exemption has to be made before the import
notification is completed. It is not possible to apply after the import notification is
completed.

5 – 13. A foreign-invested company has received approval for tax

deduction from the Ministry for Finance and Economy. The company is
importing capital goods, which are used for both types of business,
eligible as well as not eligible for tax deduction. In this case, is duty
exemption possible?

 Capital goods imported as foreign investment can receive duty exemption, if the capital
goods are used for business eligible for tax deduction. If they are used for other purpose,
then the exempted duty will be charged.
 Furthermore, at the stage of customs clearance, it is not possible to divide the use of the
capital goods according to the type of business they will be used for. Therefore, it is not
possible to get duty abatement depending on their use.
5 – 14. A ship to remove polluted material from the water and water
surface was imported as investment in kind from Japan. What are the
conditions to get duty exemption?

 First of all, confirmation must be obtained from the Ministry of Finance and Economy,
whether the business is eligible for tax deduction. If the business is eligible for tax
deduction, then duty, value-added tax and special excise tax are all exempted, if the
investment in kind is used directly for that business.
 If the business is not accepted as business eligible for tax deduction according to the
Special Tax Treatment Control Act, then it is necessary to investigate other tax deduction
possibilities for products that prevent environmental pollution pursuant to the Customs Act.

5 – 15. What is the process and how is the price determined for
investment in kind that is imported as capital goods?

 Price Calculation
- If the foreign investor is purchasing the capital goods to be used as investment in kind, then
the price will be determined depending on the other factors concerning shipment and
additional cost. For example, if the foreign investor has paid transportation cost and
insurance fee until the goods arrive at the destination, then the cost for that will be included
in calculating the final price. Thus, the final price will be accepted as the amount of foreign
investment.
- If the capital goods are used products, the price will be determined through a customs audit
by an authorized institution or other rational methods.

 Process of Investment in Kind

- The price of the capital goods needs to be marked at the time of FDI notification (the price
must reflect the exact value of the goods).
- After completing customs clearance, a certificate of completing investment in kind will be
issued by the officer at Invest KOREA dispatched from the customs bureau after submitting
two copies of the application for the certificate of completing investment in kind and a copy
of the certificate of import notification.
- When receiving the certificate of completing investment in kind, it is not necessary to get a
 separate customs audit. The investor can just use it when registering the capital goods and
conduct foreign-invested company registration.

5 – 16. A foreign-invested company wants to import additionally

equipment as capital goods through capital increase. What is the required
procedure?

 An application for import clearance of the goods with a quantity, standard, price and
manufacturer of the items to be imported has to be submitted at the place of FDI
notification before shipment of the goods. It is also necessary to attach documents with the
price of the goods such as offer sheet.

5 – 17. If the capital goods go through the customs clearance in several

steps, how does one confirm the completion of the process?

 The confirmation of completing investment in kind is issued when the import of the capital
goods is completed. If the capital goods are imported in steps, then the confirmation is
issued after the last customs clearance was processed for all capital goods.

5 – 18. If a used car under the name of the company shall be used as
investment in kind, would the car be considered as capital goods?

 Capital goods include machinery, material, facilities, appliances, parts, livestock, seeds,
trees, fishes and shellfish as part of industrial facilities (including ship, car, airplane); also,
raw material, spare parts, and others needed for the initial operation of the facilities
(including test operation) as designated by the relevant ministry. This includes also
transportation or insurance fee as well as technology and outsourcing for the said facilities.
 Accordingly, a used car under the name of the company is acknowledged as capital goods
pursuant to FIPA.
5 – 19. Is it possible to get benefits regarding customs, if the imported
raw material is not used as investment?

 In order to use investment in kind as foreign investment, first of all it has to meet the
definition in FIPA regarding capital goods. But raw material needed for the manufacturing of
products is not considered as capital goods according to FIPA and therefore is not treated
as means of investment.
 However, it is possible to get the paid duty refunded, if the imported raw material is used
for the manufacturing of products for export, after the export process is completed.

5 – 20. A foreign-invested company wants to import machinery by means

of capital increase. Is there an audit procedure to register machinery as
capital?

 If the foreign-invested company wants to import capital goods such as machinery in form of
capital increase, it has to attach the certificate of import notification to the application for
the “confirmation of completing investment in kind” after customs clearance, and obtain the
confirmation from the customs bureau or the dispatched officer at Invest KOREA and use it
for company registration.

 If a domestic company makes an investment through investment in kind, it is required to

submit an audit report at the time of business registration. However, in case a “confirmation
of completing the investment in kind” is obtained from the officer of the customs bureau, no
special audit process is necessary, because the confirmation replaces such audit.

5 – 21. A foreign investor carries money for investment in cash into the
country. If the amount is deposited in a domestic bank and then the FDI
notification is made, will it be accepted as investment capital?

 The foreign investor needs to get a registration of foreign exchange from the customs
 officer when entering the country in order to use the money as foreign investment capital.
 In this case, the amount has to be deposited at a bank in foreign currency before departure
(the registration of foreign exchange is valid after entry until the first departure).

5 – 22. Capital goods were first imported with the purpose of investment.
Are there any restrictions, if the capital goods are disposed of due to
sluggish business?

 The capital goods have received duty exemption during import clearance. If they should be
disposed of before five years have passed from the date of import notification, a disposal
notification of capital goods has to be made in advance at the place of FDI notification.
 In this case, it is assumed that the imported capital goods are used for purposes other than
notified or disposed, so that the exempted value-added tax, and special excise tax have to
be paid.

5 – 23. The parties have agreed to investment in kind of US$0.5 million

each, but US$0.6 million were imported. In this case, is it possible to
import the excess amount as lease? Is there any way to transfer the
ownership after lease?

 It is possible to import the excess amount as lease. However, the lease part will have no
relation to the investment in kind. If transfer of ownership is desired after lease, permission
needs to be obtained from the Bank of Korea.
 In turn, if the investment in kind is US$0.6 million and different from the initially notified
amount, a change of FDI notification has to be made at a foreign exchange bank or at
Invest KOREA.

5 – 24. Duty exemption was received for imported capital goods. If the
goods are later exported to a foreign country, what happens to the
exempted duty?
 The reason why the imported capital goods have received duty exemption is because they
are used directly for business eligible for tax deduction.
 Accordingly, if the capital goods are not used for the original purpose within the after-
service period of three years, then the exempted duty has to be paid.
 If the goods were used for a certain period, then abatement for value loss is acknowledged.

5 – 25. How is the duty calculated, if no duty exemption can be received

for imported capital goods?

 The duty is calculated as follows:

- The prices of the goods before arrival at the destination port are converted into Korea won.
- The converted amount is multiplied by the tax rate of the goods.

 The exchange rate for converting the price of the goods into Korean currency is based on
the exchange rate of the foreign exchange banks announced daily (Mon-Fri).
- The rate applied will be the rate of the week prior to the week of the import notification day
and the amount is the average rate for selling of that week, which is valid for one week.

5 – 26. What are the policies for customs duty to support the assembly of
computer parts and supply them in Korea and overseas?

 It is possible to get a refund of the paid import duty, when applying for a refund, and it can
be confirmed that the imported computer parts are used for the manufacturing of export
products, which are indeed exported.
 Furthermore, it is possible to make use of the one-time payment and later payment system.
A collateral equivalent to the duty of around three months is provided, and then the duty to
be paid and the duty to be refunded are calculated after a specific period of time and
settled.
 If the products are only used for domestic supply, they can first be delivered and the duty
paid at a later time (within 15 days of delivery), if collateral is provided.
5 – 27. Who has to pay the customs duty during import clearance, if an
application for duty exemption for capital goods imported as foreign
investment was made, or the capital goods were imported as investment
in kind?

 In order to register imported capital goods as capital for foreign investment in the register
book, it is necessary to obtain duty exemption or a “certificate of completing investment in
kind” and get a certificate of business registration in the name of the foreign-invested
company before import clearance. Then import notification has to be made with the foreign-
invested company having the obligation to pay the duty.
 In principle, the certificate of business registration is issued after business establishment
(for a corporation). However, if the foreign-invested company makes only investment in
kind, the certificate of business registration may be issued before business establishment,
and can be used at import clearance.
- The certificate of business registration has to be obtained before import clearance and then
import notification has to be made, in order to receive exemption later on from the value-
added tax paid during import clearance.

5 – 28. No duty is levied for the import of foreign capital, but import of
capital goods is subject to duty. Why is that?

 Customs duty is levied for concrete goods passing through the customs line of the
importing country in connection to trade transactions between countries. However,
importing foreign capital is not concrete goods traded between the countries, but it is rather
financial transaction. Since there is no object to levy duty, it is not subject to customs duty.

5 – 29. A Japanese supplier of raw material buys the raw material from
Germany and exports it free of charge to a Korean trade company. The
Korean company manufactures export goods with the imported raw
material. If the Korean company sells the goods to the Japanese supplier
through export, can it get a refund of the paid duties?

 If products for export were manufactured or produced from imported raw material on which
import duty was paid, and later exported, the exporter or manufacturer of the goods can
apply for a refund of the import duty and get the duty refunded.

 The application for refund of duty (excluding VAT) has to be submitted to the customs
bureau and the necessary documents are:
- For a simple refund of the amount: application form and certificate of declaration of export
notification;
- For individual refund: application form, certificate of declaration of export notification, bill of
required quantity, documents verifying the amount of duty of the required raw material.

 It is possible to apply for the refund except for some exceptional cases paperless online
without the documents above. Even when applying paperless, it is necessary that the
applicant keep the documents for a certain period of time.

5 – 30. After importing machinery, a supervision fee was levied at

installation. Would the fee be included in the amount of duty?

 The amount of duty for the imported goods includes all costs such as transportation,
insurance fee in addition to the actual price until it arrives in the importing country. Cost
occurring after its arrival is principally excluded. Accordingly, the supervision fee is already
included in the price of the goods. If the cost can be distinguished, then it must be
deducted from the price.

5 – 31. Is it possible to import ATA Carnet and how is the clearance

process?

 The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that a traveler may use temporarily
to import certain goods into a country (such as commercial samples for exhibitions) without
having to engage in the customs formalities usually required for the importation of goods,
 and without having to pay duty or value-added taxes on the goods.
- If the importer wants to completely import the goods, it has to be notified at the relevant
customs bureau and get an approval.
- If certain conditions are met for the import, the necessary documents need to be submitted
before import is permitted.

5 – 32. What are the customs requirements for a foreign investor who
wants to bring a used foreign car into the country for business purposes?

 It is possible to import a used foreign car for business purposes as a capital good of a
foreign-invested company. In such cases, the vehicle is required to meet the standards for
gas and noise emissions according to the relevant laws and receive confirmation from the
Ministry of Environment. Furthermore, according to the Enforcement Decree of the
Automobile Management Act, a formal approval has to be obtained by the Ministry of
Construction and Transportation. If accepted as a capital good, it is possible to benefit from
tax reduction or exemption.

 Another possibility to import the car without formal confirmation or the certificates for gas
and noise emissions is to bring in the vehicle as part of freight when moving to Korea. The
freight has to be in personal possession and the required conditions are at least one-year
residency for an individual and six months residency if accompanied by family. However,
there are no tax benefits in this case.

5 – 33. How much tax has be paid during customs clearance for importing
a used car (foreign brand) when moving to Korea?

 Import conditions
- Certain conditions have to be fulfilled in order to be able to import a used car when moving
to Korea. For instance, the car has to be registered as private possession before departure
(at least three months). Furthermore, it is necessary to stay in Korea for a period of at least
one year, in order to be exempt from import conditions (formal confirmation, or certificates
for gas and noise emissions, etc.).
- If accompanied by family with more than six months residency in Korea, exemption from
formal confirmation, but certificates for gas and noise emissions have to be obtained.
- The size of the car should not exceed a capacity of 9 people and should be a sedan, jeep or
station wagon type of car. Other types such as large trucks, caravans and pick-up trucks
cannot clear customs when moving to Korea.
- For those types of vehicles, or if more than one car is imported, the conditions for the import
of automobiles have to be fulfilled. This is also the case when importing cars that are for
commercial use.

 Customs duty
- The taxes to be paid are 8% customs tax, 5-10% special excise tax (depending on the size
of the vehicle), 30% education tax and 10% VAT.
- Customs duty for used vehicles is calculated by taking reference to the list price in the blue
book by taking also the depreciation cost and insurance fee into consideration.

5 – 34. What customs clearance regulations apply to freight when a

foreigner accompanied by family moves to Korea for a period of three
years?

 If a foreign national resides in Korea with his/her family for a period exceeding one year,
then generally goods such as furniture, electronic appliances and other household
equipment can be brought into the country tax-free.

 However, some items are subject to taxation such as airplanes, automobiles (except
Korean cars that were used for more than 6 months), ships and jewelry, pearls, and ivory
valued at more than KRW1 million per item.

 Certain items are subject to taxation if the value or quantity exceeds the following
standards (based on prices in Korea):
- Musical instruments such as pianos electric organs, etc. with a value of over KRW 2 million
per item.
- electronic audio devices with a value of over KRW 2 million per item.
- furniture and lighting with a value of over KRW 2 million per item.
- hand-woven silk carpets and rugs of more than 5m2
- hunting rifles and guns, air-conditioners, washing machines and dryers.
- refrigerators and freezers of over 600 liters.
- color TVs of over 20 inches, dishwashers and gas ovens
- movie cameras (photo cameras excluded) and movie projectors

FINANCE

6 – 1. What is the procedure for a foreign investor wanting to operate a

credit card business?

 “Credit card business” refers to a business incorporating at least two categories of the
below, including number 2.
1. Issuance and management of credit cards;
2. Settlement of payments related to credit card use;
3. Recruiting and management of franchise companies.

 Relevant regulations regarding credit card business can be found in the “Credit-Specialized
Financial Business Act,” and stipulates that permission needs to be obtained from the
Financial Supervisory Commission with regard to the specific payment characteristics of
the credit card business.

 According to Art. 3 of the Credit-Specialized Financial Business Act, the parties eligible to
receive the permission for credit card business are limited to specialized credit finance
businesses or to those companies wanting to become a specialized credit finance
company. Included are the ones as listed below:
- Parties that are established under different acts or laws or companies that have received
permission or approval by the Minister of Finance and Economy and are designated by the
President of the Republic of Korea.
- Parties in businesses, which are advised to add a credit card section to its business and are
designated by the President of the Republic of Korea.

 In case of a foreign investor, there are no restrictions to entering the credit card market.
However, the foreign investor has to obtain permission for establishment from the Financial
Supervisory Commission just as the Korean businesses are required to do by meeting the
 following requirements and minimum standards:
- Standard of financial soundness: adjusted net equity rate shall be more than 9%;
- Standard of human manpower and facilities: more than 300 employees, 30 stores,
necessary computers (including back-up), relevant software etc.
- Standard of capital: if operating less than two specialized credit finance businesses – KRW
20 billion, if operating more than three specialized credit finance businesses – KRW40
billion.

 According to the “Credit-Specialized Financial Business Act”, the businesses belonging to

the credit-specialized finance business sector are credit card business, facilities leasing
business, installment finance and new technology business financing.

6 – 4. Can an individual borrow foreign capital from overseas?

 Yes, an individual can borrow foreign capital from overseas.

 If the individual is a non-profit organization or a non-resident, then the designated
transaction has to be notified to the Bank of Korea through a foreign exchange bank.
 The individual who has borrowed foreign capital from overseas has to deposit the received
capital into an account of a resident in the designated foreign exchange bank and use it for
the purpose as stated at the time of notification / application for permission.

6 – 5. A foreign-invested company can import foreign capital from its

overseas parent company long-term loans of more than five years. In
this context, what does more than five years refer to?

 The term five years refers to the weighted average redemption period. It does not mean
that the loan has to be paid back five years after its import.
 Accordingly, even if the loan is paid back in installments from the fifth year and the
weighted average of the redemption period is more than five years, it will be considered as
a long-term loan.
6 – 7. Can a foreign-invested company borrow a short-term loan from
overseas of less than one year?

 Foreign-invested companies in the general manufacturing or high-technology sectors are

allowed to borrow short-term loans of less than one year within the range of a certain fixed
amount.
 If the foreign-invested company is a general manufacturing company, it can borrow a short-
term loan within 50% of the amount of foreign investment.
 If the foreign-invested company conducts high-technology business, it can borrow a short-
term loan within 100% of the amount of foreign investment. However, if the foreign-invested
company has a foreign investment ratio of less than one third, the range of the loan is 75%
of the amount of foreign investment.

6 – 8. Can a foreign-invested company receive loans from overseas and

what is the process?

 A foreign-invested company is a corporate entity legally-established under domestic laws,

and therefore it is possible to obtain loans from overseas just like Korean companies.

 According to foreign exchange regulations, a Korean company that wishes to borrow short-
term capital with a redemption period of less than one year has to get permission from the
Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE). However, a foreign-invested company only
needs to notify the designated foreign exchange bank if the loan does not exceed a certain
amount. If the redemption period exceeds the one-year period, then notification has to be
given to the foreign exchange bank, but only if the individual loan amount exceeds US$30
million does MOFE need to be notified.

 A foreign-invested company that has received loans with a weighted average redemption
period of more than 5 years from its overseas parent company or a company that has
capital affiliation with the parent is categorized and treated as a foreign direct investment.
6 – 12. What kind of financial support and benefits are given to foreign-
invested companies?

 There are generally no financial support facilities or benefits for foreign-invested companies
 However, foreign-invested companies can borrow short-term loans with a maturity of less
than one year from a non-resident (e.g. overseas parent company) by notifying a foreign
exchange bank about the transaction
 If the company is not a foreign-invested company and borrows a loan of the same
conditions as above, it has to get an approval from the Ministry of Finance and Economy
 But local governments are providing various kinds of financial assistance under certain
conditions to attract foreign investment. Therefore, foreign investors might get some
financial support under negotiations with the local governments.

6 – 16. It is often the case that a foreign-invested company in Korea

needs financial support from its overseas parent company from time to
time during the initial stage of setup. Compared to a branch office, is the
process of capital transfer and accounting more complicated?

 There are no differences in the accounting process of a branch office and a foreign-
invested company
 If capital is transferred from the parent company (operating capital, other financial needs,
etc.), the reason for its import and its accountability need to be examined.
 If the additional capital is to be treated as capital increase, then it has to follow the
regulations in the FIPA as newly acquired stocks of an existing company.
 If the additional capital is to be treated as a loan, a contract with the conditions of the loan
has to be signed before the necessary capital can be imported pursuant to the Foreign
Exchange Transaction Act.

6 – 17. What is the investment process for a foreign national who wants
to invest in the Korean stock market?

 A foreign national who wants to invest in the Korean stock market has to first register at the
 Financial Supervisory Service and designate a custodian bank.
 The necessary capital for the investment has to be sent to the custodian bank.
 It is possible to assign a proxy for further duties or tasks.
 After the above process is completed, the foreign national can make investment through an
assigned security company.
 In reality, it is possible that the security company conducts all the above procedures if
designating a specific security company to do so.

6 – 19. If a foreign investor wants to conduct a business in the financial

service sector, what is the procedure to obtain approvals and
permissions from relevant government institutions?

- Banking Sector
Type of approval or permit and relevant institution:
- Approval from the Financial Supervisory Committee
 Capital requirement:
- Banks in the cities: KRW 100 billion
- Banks in the province: KRW 20.5 billion
- Basis of judgement:
- Validity of the business plan;
- Appropriateness of the amount of capital;
- Composition of shareholders and the potential of successful fundraising;
- The management capabilities of the promoters or the management as well as their reliability
and interest to benefit the public.
 The same conditions are described above are applied when the foreign investor
participates in the setting up of a new bank;
 If a foreign bank wants to set up a branch office in Korea and has to obtain an approval
from the Financial Supervisory Committee, the capital basis is considered as the
operational fund of the branch.

1. Security Sector
 Type of approval or permit and relevant institution:
- Permit from the Financial Supervisory Committee
 Capital requirement:
- Comprehensive security business: KRW 50 billion;
- Security dealing and security brokerage business: KRW 20 billion;
- Security brokerage business: KRW 3 billion.
 Requirements, if the major investor is a foreign company:
- Has to conduct a security business in a foreign country as of the date of applying for the
permit;
- The amount of capital of the company according to the revised financial statement has to be
more than four times the amount of investment as of the end of the most recent business
year;
- Has to satisfy a certain credit rating level from an internationally renowned credit-rating
institute (e.g. above “investment-qualified”) or other standards set by a government
evaluation agency proving its financial soundness;
- No record of administrative penalty heavier than a corporate warning or a penal punishment
of more than a fine during the last three years;
- An establishment of a domestic branch of a foreign security company has to obtain a permit
from the Financial Supervisory Committee.

2. Insurance Sector
 Type of approval or permit and relevant institution:
- Permit from the Financial Supervisory Committee
 Capital requirement: KRW30 billion (KRW 10 billion, in case only partial business is
conducted)
 Documentary requirements for a foreign insurance business:
- The type of business to be conducted in Korea has to be the same as that conducted
overseas pursuant to foreign laws;
- Enough assets, and proven financial transparency and business stability to conduct
business in Korea. Status quo is to be internationally acknowledged;
- Possibility of protecting the insurance contractor, and enough physical facilities such as
professional manpower and computer equipment available to conduct the insurance
business;
- Sound and adequate business plan.

3. Credit-Specialized Financial Business Sector

 Type of approval or permit and relevant institution:
- For facility lease and rent, installment finance, new technology business financing:
registration at the Financial Supervisory Committee;
- For credit-card business: permit of the Financial Supervisory Committee.
 Capital requirement:
- less than two credit-specialized financial businesses – KRW 20 billion;
- more than three credit-specialized financial businesses – KRW 40 billion.

4. Security Investment Trust Sector

 Type of approval or permit and relevant institution:
- Permit of the Financial Supervisory Committee
 Capital requirement: KRW10 billion
 Requirements for a foreign investor:
- Has to conduct the same kind of business overseas at the day of filing the application for
the permit;
- The amount of capital has to be at least three times the amount for investment as of the end
of the most recent business year;
- Has to satisfy a certain credit-rating-level from an internationally-renowned credit-rating
institute (e.g. above “investment-qualified” level) or other standards set by a government
evaluation agency proving it’s financial soundness;
- No record of administrative penalty heavier than a corporate warning or a penal punishment
of more than a fine during the last three years.

FACTORY ESTABLISHMENT

7 – 1. What is the procedure for establishing a factory?

 If the process is planned and the factory shall be established in an industrial complex, then
an appropriate industrial complex has to be selected a priori. With the conclusion of a
contract to move into the complex, it is at the same time accepted as an approval for
factory establishment. Therefore, the construction and operation of the factory can follow.

 If the factory is to be established in a location other than industrial complex, then the
investor has to find out, if those locations are available for factory establishment and needs
to get an approval from the competent local government before starting the construction
and operation of the factory. The approval for factory establishment is compulsory for areas
of more than 500m2, but it is also possible to receive an approval for areas of less than
 500m2.

7 – 5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a

factory in an industrial complex vs. other locations?

 The general advantages and disadvantages are listed below, however, the actual
advantages and disadvantages of establishing a factory in an industrial complex or another
location vary for each company

Individual Location Industrial Complex

 Free choice of time, location  Industrial complexes are

Advantages and size of the factory systematically planned by the
 Purchase of farm or forest land government with various
at a cheap price financial and tax benefits such
as:
- Loan and fund
- Exemption from acquisition tax
and registration tax
- 50% reduction of property tax and
comprehensive land tax (within
five years of initial acquisition)
 Extensive infrastructure and
other facilities available for
convenient living
 Easy to exchange information
and cooperate with other
companies in terms of
technology or industry exchange
 Easy access to the industrial
complex for air-polluting
 industries due to the existence of
a common air pollution
prevention system
 Easy process to get approval for
factory establishment

 Complicated process to  It is difficult to find adequate

purchase land and get factories when needed, because
approval for factory they are usually sold first before
Disadvantages establishment occupation
 Weak industrial infrastructure  It is difficult to find factories in the
(electricity, water irrigation, desired locations, because the
harbor, roads, etc.) factory site locations are fixed
 Not enough educational or and dispersed throughout the
cultural facilities country
 Subject to various fees and  The locations are usually only a
payments section of land so that it is
 Civil petitions difficult to expand the factory
after moving in
 Generally, the price for the
industrial complex is fairly
expensive.

7 – 7. What are the requirements for and benefits of moving into

exclusive industrial complexes for foreign companies?

 Presently, there are six exclusive industrial complexes for foreign companies across the
country that solely house foreign-invested firms: Pyungdong (Gwangju Metropolitan City),
 Chonan (South Chungcheon Province), Ochang (North Chungcheon Province), Gumi
(North Gyeongsang Province), Jinja (South Gyeongsang Province), and Daebul (South
Jeolla Province). There are also three more such industrial parks managed by the
Gyeonggi Province in Pyungtaek Ehyun Hasan, Choopal and Poseung.

 The requirements to move into these exclusive complexes include meeting a fixed foreign
investment ratio (i.e., 10% in the case of Pyungdong and Daebul). Also, restrictions exist in
terms of the industry that a company belongs to. That is, only companies in specific
industries (i.e., high-tech) are eligible.

 For firms moving into the exclusive industrial complexes that belong to the high-technology
sector and have investment of over US$1 million, rent is reduced by 100%. For companies
in the general manufacturing sector with investment of over US$5 million, rent is reduced
by 75%. The period of lease can be extended for up to 50 years.

7 – 8. Where are the free trade areas and what are are the requirements
for and benefits of moving into the free trade areas for foreign
companies?

 The free trade zones are based on the Act on Designation of Free Trade Zones with the
purpose to designate zones nearby harbors and airports as well as industrial complexes for
attracting foreign direct investment, promote trade and develop the surrounding area.
Presently, eight zones are designated as free trade zones, and they are located in Masan,
Iksan, Gunsan, Daebul, Incheon harbor, Busan harbor, Gwangyang harbor, and Incheon
airport.

 The businesses eligible to move into the free trade zones are manufacturing companies,
logistics, trade and supporting service companies:
- There are no restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing industry;
- Logistics companies in the sectors of storage, freight, transportation, packaging, exhibition,
sales;
- Wholesale companies with the main purpose of import and export trade;
- Supporting service companies in the sectors of finance, customs clearance, information
management, and welfare of workers.
 The lender of the site is the government and it is possible to receive various benefits such
as reduction of rent and withholding of customs as well as one-stop service for
administrative support. For the manufacturing sector with an investment of more than
US$10 million, and for the logistics sector with an investment of more than US$5 million,
tax reductions are given for corporate and income tax (100% reduction for five years, and
50% for two years), as well as for local tax (100% for three years and 50% for two years).

7 – 9. What are the requirements for companies in the manufacturing

sector to be designated as foreign investment zones and what are the
benefits?

 A foreign investment zone is designated in order to attract large-scale foreign investment in

locations where the foreign investor wants to set up a factory.
 The requirements for the designation of foreign investment zone is a foreign investment of
more than US$30 million.
 The tax benefits are the same as for high-technology businesses, and various benefits are
given for the development and establishment of infrastructure such as harbors and roads.
Furthermore, a 100% reduction of rent is given for land owned by the government.

7 – 16. What are the areas where Invest KOREA can provide support
when a foreign-invested company wants to establish a factory?

 Invest KOREA helps foreign investors who want to establish a factory in Korea to go
through the administrative procedure:
- The administrative support provided by Invest KOREA includes approval to establish a
factory and obtain a construction permit by communicating and cooperating with the
relevant agencies.
- For important cases, a separate task force team is set up for closer and more effective
support.
- Invest KOREA also helps to find locations for factories (individual locations or industrial
complexes).
7 – 19. Are there any professional agencies dealing with factory
establishment?

 The agency in charge of factory establishment is the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation
(KICOX). Its headquarters are located in Seoul with ten branches across the nation. For
advice regarding factory establishment you can call 1566-3636 from anywhere in Korea
and get consultation about factory establishment. Alternatively, please refer to the following
contact points or check out their English web site at http://www.kicox.or.kr/english/e-
Home.html.

Branch Responsible Region Telephone Number

Support Center for Factory Nationwide Supervision and 02) 6300-5731

Establishment Operation of a Factory
Establishment Management
Information System (FEMIS)

Seoul Center Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi 02) 6300-6513

(excluding Yangpyong, Yeoju)

Wonju Center Gangwon, Chungbuk, 02) 6300-7124

Gyeonggi

Suwon Center Gyeonggi 031) 259-6241

Chonan Center Daejon, Chungnam 041) 554-9636

Gumi Center Daegu, Gyeongbuk 054) 467-0731

Chongju Center Chungbuk 043) 236-4107

Changwon Center Busan, Gyeongnam 055) 260-1211

Ulsan Center Ulsan, Gyeongnam 052) 228-1550

Gwangju Center Gwangju, Jeonnam, Jeju 062) 953-5713

Gunsan Center Jeonbuk 063) 468-6900

BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT

8 – 1. What is the procedure for incorporation?

 Some 95% of all Korean companies are chusik hoesa (stock, or incorporated companies)
with very few of the other three kinds of companies, namely hapmyung hoesa (partnership
companies), hapcha hoesa (limited partnership) and yuhan hoesa (limited liability
companies).

 The procedure for incorporation is as follows:

1. Organizing promoters (at least one promoter is required);
2. Studying the existence of similar company names;
3. Inaugural meeting of promoters and preparation of minutes;
4. Preparing and notarizing the articles of incorporation;
5. Deciding matters concerning the issuance of shares (incorporation through subscription and
incorporation through promotion);
6. Subscription and distribution of shares;
7. Capital contribution (including contribution in kind);
8. Inquiry about progress of establishment;
9. Inaugural general meeting;
10. Board of directors meeting;
11. Notification of incorporation and business registration.

8 – 5. What is the procedure for registration of the incorporation of a

shareholder’s company?

 Objective of registration
- The incorporation is completed through the registration and has the objective to notify about
the incorporation of the company as well as about the general principles of its organizational
structure.

 Period of registration
- In case of incorporation through promotion: within two weeks from the date of terminating
the inspection about the incorporation process.
- In case of incorporation through subscription: within two weeks after closing the inaugural
general meeting or procedures according to Art. 314 of the Commercial Act were
completed.

 Contents of the registration (Art. 314)

1. Purpose, trade name, total number of shares authorized to be issued, par value per share,
method of public notice, and place of principal office;
2. Total amount of the capital;
3. Total number and class of the outstanding shares and contents and number of each class of
shares;
4. Provision that the transfer of shares shall be subject to the approval of the board of
directors, if so determined;
5. Places of branch offices;
6. Duration or reasons for dissolution of the company, if determined;
7. Dividend of interest prior to the commencement of business, if determined
8. Matters regarding convertible shares;
9. Name and residence registration number of each director and auditor as well as name,
residence registration number and address of the representative director;
10. Name, residence registration number and address of the director to represent the company;
11. Provision that two or more representing directors shall jointly represent the company, if so
determined;
12. Provision about the redemption of shares out of profits to be distributed to the shareholder,
if so determined;
13. Trade name and principal office of a transfer agent, if any.

 Documents to be submitted for the registration

1. Certificate of FDI notification (copy)
2. Power of attorney
- when the CEO is applying for registration: the CEO has to be the appointee for all
documents;
- when the judicial scrivener is applying for registration: the proxy is the appointee (not the
promoter or executive).
3. Executive’s written consent to take a position in the company
- Korean national: residence registration ID and certified seal impression registration after the
seal;
- Foreign national: authentication of signature (original) and copy of passport;
4. Custody certificate of paid-in capital
5. Corporate registered seal
6. Purchase of bonds
7. Supreme Court Revenue Stamp
8. Receipt of local registration tax payment: issued at the competent “gu” office
9. Seal of each individual director and promoter (including foreign directors and promoters)
10. Articles of incorporation (notarized)
11. Certificate of underwriting
12. Written subscription
13. Report of the incorporation process
14. Written agreement of curtailing the period of the inaugural general meeting
15. Minutes of the inaugural general meeting (notarized)
16. Minutes of the board of directors meeting (notarized)
17. Notification of the seal and application form for the corporate seal card
18. List of shareholders
19. Written consent agreed upon the matters concerning the issuance of shares

8 –6. What are the average administrative costs of setting up a

corporation in Korea?

 Several types of taxes and fees as described below have to be paid in order to establish a
corporation in Korea:

1. Registration Tax: 0.4% of paid-in-capital (in large cities often three-fold this amount)
2. Education Tax: 20% of the registration tax
3. City Railroad Public Bond: 0.1% of paid-in capital
4. Application Fee: KRW 5,000
5. Notarization Fee: around KRW150, 000 (for articles of incorporation, etc.)

 Thus, for establishing a foreign-invested corporation with the minimum capital requirement
of KRW50 million, the total expenses would amount to KRW935, 000, excluding the fee for
the notary public.

8 –7. How does one do notification of incorporation and business

registration?

 If notification of incorporation and business registration are made concurrently, the

application form for both can be obtained at the tax office.

1. Place of Notification / Registration:

Invest KOREA or competent tax office, which has jurisdiction over the corporation.

2. Notification / Registration Period:

For notification of incorporation – within two months from the date of incorporation
 registration;
For business registration – within 20 days from the date of business commencement.

3. Required documents:
- Application form (provided)
- Articles of incorporation (including detailed list for investment in kind)
- Incorporation register book
- Initial balance sheet (can be prepared by Invest KOREA)
- List of shareholders and investors (with seal)
- Copy of FDI notification
- Certificate of foreign currency exchange (purchase and deposit)
- Copy of business permit (if required)
- Certificate of foreigner registration or passport (if the representative is not a domestic
resident), show original and submit a copy
- Copy of lease contract or proof of ownership for office space (e.g. building register book)
- Notification of designating a tax manager (if the representative is a foreign national and
there is no Korean employee to receive documents) – with a copy of the resident register
book or business register book of the tax manager.

 If business registration is done prior to incorporation (investment in kind):

- Normally, application for notification of incorporation and business establishment is done
concurrently.
- In cases where a foreign national establishes a company by means of investment in kind,
the business registration should be filed before the registration of incorporation in order to
get deduction of the VAT when the capital goods are brought into Korea. In this case, the
required documents when applying for business registration are as follows:
1. Resident register book of all promoters (instead of the incorporation register book);
2. Application for business permit (if required);
3. Business plan;
4. Other documents required for business establishment are to be submitted after business
establishment.

8 –8. What is the difference between a private company and incorporated

company (corporation)?
 Different types of business:
1. Private company:
- All business is conducted in the name of the owner of the private business. That is, all
business transactions are conducted in the name and responsibility of the owner, and holds
also unlimited liability.

2. Corporation
- The company and individuals are completely different entities, and if the company
representative conducts business activities under the company’s name, then all liability or
security can take place only within the range of company assets. Individuals making up the
company (CEO, director, shareholder etc.) do not hold liability.

 Different process of establishment

1. Private company:
- No special process is necessary except FDI notification. Business activities can be
conducted after business registration is filed at the competent tax office.

2. Corporation
- The process is more complicated and a separate incorporation procedure is necessary in
addition to FDI notification. For the preparation and process of the required documents, 1-2
weeks of additional processing time might be necessary.

8 –10. What are the differences among a foreign-invested company,

branch office and liaison office?

1. Foreign-invested company
 A foreign-invested company is a company established in Korea through foreign investment.
It is therefore a domestic company subject to the application of the FIPA and Commercial
Act. According to the Commercial Act, a minimum capital investment of KRW 50mil. is
required, and pursuant to FIPA, the minimum investment for each investor is KRW 50mil.
- The foreign-invested company and the foreign investor are separate entities and therefore
the accounting and settlement of accounts are done individually.
2. Branch office
 A branch office is to conduct business activities of a foreign company in Korea. The branch
office has to be established according to the regulations stipulated in the Foreign Exchange
Transactions Act and go through court registration. The same tax rate as for Korean
companies is applied to profits that are made in Korea.
- The accounting and settlement of accounts are linked to each other since the foreign
headquarters and the domestic branch are one entity.

3. Liaison office
 The main difference between a branch office and a liaison office is that a branch office can
conduct profit-generating business activities whereas a liaison office can only engage in
nonprofit-making activities. Accordingly, the liaison office does not require a court
registration, but gets only an individual number from the competent tax office.

REAL ESTATE

9 – 1. Can a foreign national (or foreign company) acquire land in Korea?

 A foreign national can acquire and own land in Korea just as a Korean national without any
restrictions, even when not residing in Korea.

- Regulations regarding land ownership and its use and development are applied to foreign
nationals under the same conditions as for Koreans.

 However, exceptions exist for areas under protection for military use, cultural property
protection zones as well as ecosystem preservation districts, for which prior permission is
required. (Article 4 of the Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act)

- In this case, the authorities shall grant permission, if land acquisition located in the districts
and regions subject to prior permission does not obstruct the defined purpose of the said
land.

 It is possible to get details about restrictions on a particular piece of land when getting a
 “confirmation of land use plan” from the competent office in the city, county or district.

9 – 2. What procedure should a foreigner follow for acquiring land in

Korea?

 For a resident foreign national:

- The resident foreign national should file a “real estate acquisition notification” at the
competent city/”gun” (county)/”gu” (district) office and register transfer of ownership within
60 days after conclusion of the contractual agreement. It is not necessary to file notification
pursuant to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act.
- The foreigner registration certificate or transcript of branch registration replaces social
registration number and documentary proof of address.

 For a non-resident foreign national:

- A non-resident foreign national has to file a “real estate acquisition notification” prior to
remitting the capital for real estate acquisition pursuant to the Foreign Exchange
Transaction Act.
- If the real estate is land, then a “land acquisition notification” has to be filed at the
competent city/county/districts office and register transfer of ownership.

 The Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act only stipulates laws concerning the acquisition of
land. If other real estate (buildings) or other rights (jonse, mortgage, etc.) are acquired,
then it is unnecessary to process notification according to the Foreigner’s Land Acquisition
Act. But it is not common in Korea to buy and sell buildings and land separately.
 A registration number needed for the registration of real estate can be obtained at the
immigration office (for individual non-resident foreign nationals), or at a city/”gun”
(county)/”gu” (district) office (for a branch or company).
 Definition of a resident:
- Individual: an individual having a residence or address in Korea, a foreigner involved in
business activities or working in a business office in Korea, a foreigner residing in Korea for
more than six months.
- Corporation: a company having a physical office in Korea and a branch / office of the non-
resident foreigner.
9 – 3. Is it possible for a foreign corporation to acquire land without
establishing a separate company or branch?

 Acquisition for non-profit purposes

- It is possible to acquire land without establishing a separate branch or corporation.
However, in this case, leasing land or conducting other profit-making activities is not
allowed.

 Acquisition for profit-making purposes

- According to Art. 614 of the Commercial Act, it is obligatory to establish a branch or
corporation.

 Art. 614 of the Commercial Act

- Paragraph 1: “A foreign company intending to engage in business in the Republic of Korea
shall appoint a representative in the Republic of Korea and shall establish a business
office.”

 If a foreign company establishes a separate branch or corporation after acquiring real

estate for the purpose of lease or other profit-making activities, the company has to pay
acquisition and registration tax when changing the ownership of the real estate. For that
reason, it is recommended to acquire real estate after establishing the branch or
corporation in order to avoid the payment of the taxes.

 In recent days, companies conclude contracts of sale & lease due to lack of capital. This
also is a profit-making activity and therefore the foreign company needs to set up a branch
or company in Korea.
- Even if a foreign company does not have a business office in Korea, it is possible to register
the acquired real estate. The registration number for real estate registration can be obtained
at the competent city/”gun” (county)/”gu” (district) office.

 Required documents for the issuance of a registration number are: corporate registration
issued by the relevant country, proof of the status and address of the representative.
9 – 4. What procedure should an overseas Korean national follow for
acquiring land in Korea and what documents are needed?

 A Korean national with permanent residence of a foreign country is not a foreigner pursuant
to the Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act. Therefore, the process according to the land
acquisition notification is not necessary, but the inflow and outflow of capital need to be
notified pursuant to the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act, because according to that Act,
the overseas Korean national is a non-resident.

 Required documents for transferring ownership

1. Social registration card (if still existent);
2. If the social registration card is cancelled, then the following documents are needed:
- Proof of address or proof of residence (issued by an overseas public institution, or notarized
by a foreign notary office);
- Real estate registration number issued by the registry division of the Seoul District Court
(Tel. 02-530-1892).

 When applying for the registration number, the following documents need to be submitted:
- Certificate of registration of overseas Korean (issued by a Korean embassy or consulate
overseas);
- Family register;
- Power of attorney (if proxy files application);
- Application through mailing service is available.

9 – 5. Does land acquisition notification have to be filed if an apartment or

officetel (commercial complex) was acquired by means of sale by
parcels?

 If an apartment, residence or officetel (commercial complex) was acquired by means of

sale by parcels, then it is subject to the general procedure of land acquisition.

 The notification has to be filed at the competent city/”gun” (county)/”gu” (district) office
within 60 days from the date the contract of the sale of parcels was concluded. The
 necessary documents are an application form for land acquisition notification with a
certificate of land registration, and the contractual agreement.
- In this case, the area of acquired land will be the size of land allotted to the apartment or
officetel.

 Usually, the registration of transferring ownership shall be filed at the competent

city/county/district office within 60 days from the date of completing the remaining
payments.

9 – 6. Can a foreign national freely transfer proceeds overseas from

selling real estate? What is the procedure?

 Proceeds received from selling real estate, which was acquired by money transferred to
Korea through a bank account, can be transferred freely to other countries without special
restrictions.
 Non-resident foreign nationals
- For non-resident foreign nationals, both the carrying in of capital into Korea needed for the
purchase as well as capital to be transferred to another country, which is derived from the
selling of real estate, has to be notified to a foreign exchange bank in Korea (document
verifying the acquisition or sale of real estate has to be submitted).

 Resident foreign national (more than six months residence)

- For foreign nationals with residence in Korea, capital needed for the purchase of real estate
can be carried into the country without any restrictions or obligation for notification.
However, capital derived from the selling or lease of real estate in Korea has to be notified
to the Bank of Korea when transmitting the amount to another country.

9 – 8. When acquiring real estate in Korea, what taxes have to be paid, and
what benefits are provided to a foreigner acquiring land in Korea?

 Taxes are levied on the owner during acquisition, registration, holding and selling of real
estate.
- During acquisition, the taxes to be paid are acquisition tax (2% of purchasing price), special
tax for rural development (10% of acquisition tax) and value-added tax (10% of purchasing
price). VAT is exempted in the case of acquiring property less than 85 m2 in area.
- Registration tax (3% of purchasing price) and education tax (20% of registration tax) are
levied during the registration of the real estate. Furthermore, national housing bonds have
to be purchased. The amount depends on the value and type of the real estate.
- While holding the real estate, property tax (between 0.3 and 7% of the price of the building)
and aggregate land tax (between 0.2 and 5% of the price of the land), as well as education
tax (20% of the property tax/aggregate land tax) and special land tax for rural development
(10% or 15% of aggregate land tax) are levied.
- At the time of selling the real estate, an individual must pay transfer income tax (9% to 36%
of the gains) and inhabitant tax (10% of the transfer income tax). In the case of a
corporation, a corporate tax (15% to 27%) and inhabitant tax (10% of the corporate tax) are
levied.

 Tax benefits and incentives for real estate acquisition:

- Acquisition tax, registration tax, property tax and aggregate land tax shall be exempted for
the first five years and reduced 50% for the following three years, if the acquired real estate
is located in a Foreign Investment Zone or when the FDI company belongs to the advanced
technology sector or industry-supporting service industry.
- For a company registered as a foreign-invested company pursuant to FIPA, all taxes are
exempted for foreign-invested companies registering real estate to be used for their
business, which is subject to tax benefits pursuant to the Special Tax Treatment Control Act.
For other foreign-invested companies, reduction is according to the ratio of investment.
Stage Category Description

 New real estate for

headquarters and
construction / expansion
of factory within over-
Acquisition tax (2% of the Surcharge concentration control
purchasing price) region: 3-times the
standard tax (6%)

Acquisition  Acquisition of real estate

Special tax for rural for luxury properties
development (10% of such as golf courses and
acquisition tax) villas: five-times the
standard tax: (10%)

 For business introducing

Reduction advanced technologies,
and for business located
in Foreign Investment
Zone (FIZ)

 Deduction as expense tax possible when

Value-added tax (10% of operating a business
purchasing price)
 Exemption in case of acquiring a house
with less than 85m2
  Construction / expansion
of factories within over-
concentration control
Registration tax (3% of region: triple the
purchasing price) standard tax (9%)

Surcharge  Registration of real

estate and
Registration Education tax (20% of establishment/transfer of
registration tax) head office/branch in a
over-concentration
control region, as well as
real estate acquisition
made within five years of
establishment/transfer:
triple the standard tax
(9%)

Reduction  Same as acquisition tax

 When an FDI company

registers real estate for
business use, then the
purchase requirement of
national housing bonds
shall be reduced in
National housing bonds Reduction proportion to FDI ratio of
the company

 If standard market value

of the property is more
than 100 million won:
residence building 6.5%
  Construction / expansion
of factories within over-
Property tax (0.3%-7%) Surcharge concentration control
region: five-times the
standard tax for five
years

 For business introducing

Reduction advanced technologies,
and for business located
Holding in Foreign Investment
Zone (FIZ)

 For business introducing

Aggregate land tax (0.2%- advanced technologies,
5%) Reduction and for business located
in Foreign Investment
Zone (FIZ)

 Local education tax (20% of property tax,

Other surtaxes aggregate land tax)

 Special tax for rural development (10 or

15% of the aggregate land tax)
 Individual Transfer  70% for the transfer of
income tax Surcharge properties without having
Disposition (9%-36%) filed registration

Corporation Corporate  The gains from transfer are included as

tax (15-27%) non-operating profits, and thus assessed
corporate tax

Inhabitant tax  10% of transfer income or corporate tax

Value-added tax  10% of transfer price of building (collected

from the transferee)

9 – 9. How much commission has to be paid to realtors?

 Realtors receive brokerage fees from a client including costs for confirming facts related to
ownership of the real estate concerned in the process of purchase, sale or lease of the real
estate.
- However, the realtor cannot receive brokerage fees, if the real estate transaction was
nullified or cancelled due to the negligent or intentional action of the realtor.

 In principle, the commission rate paid to realtors depends on the price at which the
property is sold or purchased. The amount of commission is calculated by multiplying the
price of the property by the commission rate. However, there exists a maximum limit to the
amount of commission. Even if the calculated commission exceeds the maximum amount,
then only the maximum amount of commission needs to be paid to the realtor.

 The commission rate for general residential buildings and housing is as follows:
 Purchase / Sale

Amount Commission Rate

< KRW 50 million 0.6% (max. KRW 250,000)
KRW 50 ~ < 200 million 0.5% (max. KRW 800,000)
KRW 200 million ~ < 600 0.4%
million

Lease / Rent

Amount Commission Rate

< KRW 50 million 0.5% (max. KRW 200,000)
KRW 50 ~ < 100 million 0.4% (max. KRW 300,000)
KRW 100 million ~ < 300 0.3%
million

 The commission rate is determined separately through mutual agreement by the client and
realtor (between 0.2 ~ 0.9% for sales/purchase and 0.2 ~ 0.8% for lease) for residential
buildings and property of over KRW600 million purchase price or over KRW300 million
lease price or for property that is non-residential in nature.

9 – 10. What are the ways to invest in SOC (social overhead capital)
projects?

 In order to achieve visible results regarding private investment projects, the Korean
government has exerted many efforts into developing multi-dimensional areas, such as in
system improvement, investment presentations etc.

 As a result, the country is presently managing 37 projects; and 97 projects are managed by
local governments as of December 2003.
- Most of the SOC projects consisted of the participation of construction companies, however,
recently the participation of financial investors is on the increase.
- The increase is boosted by guaranteeing a certain level of profitability and loss due to
foreign exchange as well as by some improvements made in the financing system.
 There are several ways to get information for foreign companies and investors interested in
SOC investment in Korea:
- The Private Investment Center for Infrastructure in Korea (http://picko.krihs.re.kr) supports
foreign private investment by providing consulting service, presentations and meetings in
Korea and abroad.
- Local governments hold annual presentations abroad to attract foreign investment such as
in the United States, Europe and Japan.
- Through the overseas KOTRA offices, information about investment sectors, contact points,
etc, are gathered.

 If investing on the basis of the Act on Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI), there are
36 types of SOC investment

Sector Ministry Type of SOC

Roads Construction & Transportation Roads and appurtenances,

intelligent traffic systems,
parking lots, etc.

Railways Korea National Railroad Railroads

Construction & Transportation Subways

Harbors Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Harbor facilities, aquarium

facilities

Airports Construction & Transportation Airport facilities

 Water Resources Construction & Transportation Multi-purpose dams, river
appurtenances

Environment Canalization, aqueducts

Information & Communication Information & Communication Electricity and communication

equipment, information
communication network, high-
speed broadband network

Construction & Transportation Geographical information

system

Energy Commerce, Industry and Electricity equipment, gas

Energy supply facilities, mass energy
facilities

Environment Environment Waste and sewage

management, public
management of waste and
feces of livestock, terminal
waste management, recycling,
terminal sewage management
facilities

Distribution Construction & Transportation Fulfillment complex, freight

 terminal and storage,
passenger car terminal

Culture and Tourism
Culture & Tourism Tourist places and complexes,
youth training facilities, athletic
facilities, library, museum and
art center, international
conference facilities

Science & Technology Science hall

Construction & Transportation City parks

 Incentives for SOC investment:

- Guarantee given for minimum income: 90% for max. 15 years for government projects, and
80% for private projects.
- Every five years the guaranteed income is decreased 10% (however, if the actual income is
less than 50% of forecast, then no guarantee will be given).
- If more than 20% loss due to foreign exchange occurs, financial support or adjustment of
usage fee will be considered.
- If construction or management of the project cannot be continued due to unforeseen
circumstances such as natural disasters, it is possible to ask the government to buy back
the business.
- It is possible to conduct additional business such as the construction of residential buildings,
development of land, tourism, and others to support the smooth management of the
facilities and preserve investment costs.
- The executor of the project is given the right to expropriate land, and can use government-
owned or public assets for free or can buy them through private contract.
- Zero percent value-added tax is applied to the construction sector for BTO and BOT
projects. In case of BOT business, deductions for various taxes and fees are given such as
 exemption from acquisition tax of real estate and registration tax.

CONSTRUCTION

10 – 8. What is the building coverage (building to land ratio) for

construction sites?

 The building-to-land ratio is called the building coverage. Depending on the use of the
area, the building coverage may differ. However, construction must not exceed the
determined building coverage as described below (Art. 77 of the Act on the Utilization and
Management of the National Territory):

- Residential area: private use (50%), general type 1 and 2 (60%), general type 3 (50%)
- Commercial area: center (90%), general (80%), neighborhood (70%), distribution (80%)
- Industrial area: 70%
- Green belt area: 20%
- Administrative area: maintenance and production (20%), planning (40%)
- Agriculture & forestry area: 20%
- Natural environment area: 20%
- Village, natural park and park conservation area, agriculture & industry complex: 60%
- Development promotion site, marine conservation area: 40%
- National industrial complex & local industrial complex: 80%

10 – 9. How many floors are permitted when constructing a building (floor

area ratio)?

 The floor-area ratio must not exceed the standards as described below (Art. 78 of the Act
on the Utilization and Management of the National Territory):

- Exclusive residential area: type 1 (100%), type 2 (150%)

- General residential area: type 1 (200%), type 2 (250%), type 3 (300%)
- Commercial area: center (1,500%), general (1,300%), neighborhood (900%), distribution
 (1,100%)
- Industrial area: private use (300%), general (350%), semi (400%)
- Green belt area: maintenance (80%), production (100%), nature (100%)
- Administrative area: maintenance (80%), production (80%), planning (100%)
- Natural environment area: 80%
- Development promotion area, natural park and park conservation area: 100%
- Marine conservation area: 80%
- Agriculture & industry complex: 150%

10 – 10. Where is it possible to construct a factory in accordance with the

Building Act?

 The areas where the construction of factories is possible or selectively possible are
residential areas, semi-residential areas, commercial areas, industrial areas, and green
belt areas. The details are as follows:

 Residential areas
- Businesses in the following sectors: printing, copying of printed media, sewing,
manufacturing of computers and appliances, assembly of computer-related electronic
products, factories for the manufacturing of tofu, apartment-style factories (excluding
factories, which discharge hazardous elements pursuant to the Clean Air Conservation Act).

 Central commercial areas

- Publishing and printing, reprinting of printed media (excluding factories, which discharge
hazardous elements pursuant to the Clean Air Conservation Act).

 General and neighborhood industrial area

- Only factories, which discharge hazardous elements pursuant to the Clean Air Conservation
Act are excluded.

 Exclusive and general industrial areas

- All factories (no restrictions).

 Semi-industrial areas
- Factories of less than 5,000 square meters ground area total.

 Green belt and rural production areas

- Apartment-style factories, rice mill, food factories, factories for pharmaceutical preparation
in the rural areas, and factories in the high-technology sector.

 Planned administrative areas

- Factories of more than 10,000 square meters area size and factories in areas of more than
15,000 square meters, which were determined by the city governor or the magistrate of the
county and are available for factory construction (excluding the construction of facilities for
the production of chemical products).

10 – 13. How does one get permission for the construction of new
buildings?

 It is possible to construct or remodel a building after obtaining permission from the city
governor, the magistrate of a county or the chief of a ward. But if the building is to be
constructed in the capital city or a metropolitan city, permission needs to be obtained from
the mayor of the capital or the metropolitan city. And if the governor of a city or the
magistrate of a county wants to give permission for the construction of a building, approval
needs to be obtained prior from the provincial governor.

10 – 16. Are there any institutional measures to settle disputes during the
construction of buildings?

 If any disputes arise during the construction of buildings, it is possible to apply for the
settlement of a dispute at the Construction Dispute Settlement Committee at any city or
provincial office
 The duties of the Committee include the following:
- Disputes between builders and residents of construction sites claiming damage of any kind;
- Disputes between professional engineers and residents;
- Disputes between builders and professional engineers;
- Disputes between builders;
- Disputes between residents;
- Disputes between engineers.

TOURISM

11 – 6. What is the procedure to register a new hotel as a business?

 First of all, an application for business plan approval must be submitted to the tourism
division of Seoul Metropolitan City, metropolitan cities or provinces. When approval is
obtained, a construction permit according to individual laws has to be acquired. Next, after
completing the construction of the facilities, registration as a tourism business must be
submitted to the competent authorities where the initial approval for the business plan was
obtained.

11 – 7. What are the standards for registration of a new hotel business?

1. More than 30 rooms with a bathroom or shower facilities;

2. A system capable of providing service to foreign customers;
3. Ownership or usage rights of real estate.

 There is no differentiation between a comprehensive tourist hotel and a general tourist

hotel.

11 – 8. Are there any differences in obtaining permission for a new

casino business between a foreign and Korean national?

 The conditions are basically the same for foreign nationals and Korean nationals.
11 – 11. What are the standards for casino facilities?

 The standards for casino facilities are as follows:

- Exclusive business area of more than 330m2
- More than one foreign exchange booth;
- Adequate casino computer facilities meeting the requirements set by the Minister of Culture
and Tourism;
- Operating more than four types of casino games as listed in relevant laws by providing
adequate facilities and game tools.

11 – 14. Are there any differences in taxation for FDI in casino and hotel
business between foreigners and Koreans? What is the tax rate when
wiring profits overseas?

 Usually 25% withholding tax is applied to profits that are wired overseas. However, the
Republic of Korea has established tax agreements with the majority of countries except for
Hong Kong and Taiwan. According to the individual agreements the withholding tax rate for
the corresponding country is set at 5% - 15%.

11 – 15. If a foreign national has acquired the business rights to a

country club, are there any differences in the tax rate depending on
whether the club is operated through a branch or a liaison office?

 A liaison office cannot conduct profit-making activities, and thus cannot operate the club
directly.
 If the club is operated through a branch, the amount of corporate tax for operating profits
as well as the acquisition tax and registration tax for real estate acquisition is the same as
for an incorporated company.
 However, at the time of business registration, the registration tax is 0.4% for a company,
whereas for a branch the registration tax is a fixed amount of KRW 23,000.
 Especially in large cities, the registration tax and acquisition tax when establishing a
 business and acquiring relevant real estate may be as large as triple the amount than in
smaller cities.

M&A

12 – 4. What is the notification procedure for an M&A of a foreign

company by a foreign investor?

 The notification process for foreign direct investment has to first be completed at a branch
or headquarters of a foreign exchange bank, Invest KOREA or a KOTRA office overseas or
in Korea. At the place of notification, the foreign-invested company needs to be registered.

12 – 5. What are the laws and regulations in Korea, which are relevant for
M&A?

 Securities and Exchange Act:

- It sets the rules for the purchase of stocks of a company through the stock exchange
market, powers of attorney and public offerings;
- According to Art. 190 of the Act, “in case of a merger between a stock-listed corporation and
a stock-unlisted corporation, the approval by a general meeting of stockholders (…) shall
not take effect unless it is made after two months from the date on which the stock-unlisted
corporation has registered (…)”;
- Art. 191 of the Act regarding the appraisal rights of stockholders;
- The determination of the purchase price pursuant to Art. 191 paragraph 3 of the Act.

 Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act

- Restriction on combination of enterprises that suppress the competition in a particular
business area pursuant to Art. 7, Art. 12 of the Act, and Art. 18 of the Enforcement Decree.

 Commercial Act
- Merger of companies pursuant to Art. 174 and Art. 600 of the Act.
 Tax Act
1. Corporate tax and income tax
- The same reductions and benefits for industry-supporting service businesses as well as
high-technology businesses subject to tax reductions and for businesses in foreign
investment zones.
- Amount of tax reduction: corporate tax or income tax multiplied by the amount of foreign
investment.
- Period and rate of reduction: 100% reduction for seven years from the year when the initial
income has occurred, and 50% for three years thereafter.

2. Corporate tax and income tax for dividends

- Amount of tax reduction: total income multiplied by the ratio that is subject to taxation.
- Period and rate of reduction: same as for corporate tax and income tax of foreign-invested
companies.

3. Acquisition tax, registration tax, and property tax for land and building
- Amount of tax reduction: calculated tax amount multiplied by the ratio of foreign investment.
- Period and rate of reduction: 100% reduction for five years after starting the business, and
50% reduction for three years thereafter (local governments may extend the period of
reduction up to 15 years or increase the level of reduction).

 Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA)

- The foreign-invested company has to be registered and foreign capital can be imported,
after the notification of the foreign investment pursuant to the FIPA and the Enforcement
Decree.
- If the foreign-invested company has a foreign investment ratio of less than 50% and the
foreign investor is not the major stockholder, then the company is considered a domestic
company. In this case, it is possible to acquire stocks from a company, which is in an
industry restricted for foreign investors (in the past, a company was considered a foreign
company, if the ratio of foreign investment exceeded 10%).
- It is possible that the foreign investor acquires old shares of a domestic company (M&A), if
the ratio of foreign investment (in a foreign-investment-restricted sector) is very small (less
than 1%).
12 – 8. Is it possible to list a company on the KOSDAQ after an M&A? If
yes, what are the conditions or requirements?

 There are no restrictions to list a foreign-invested company on the KOSDAQ. Thus, it is

possible to list a company on the KOSDAQQ when meeting the following requirements:
- At least three years have passed since its establishment;
- More than 1 billion KRW capital;
- No restrictions to the transfer of shares in the articles of the association;
- The face value has to be 100 won, 200 won, 500 won, 1000 won, 2,500 won, or 5,000 won;
- No negative equity in the most recent business year;
- The audit report has to be satisfactory for the most recent business year ;
- Ordinary profit made;
- Less than 1.5 times of companies in the same industry;
- Further details can be found on the website of the Korea Securities Dealers Association
(www.ksda.or.kr).

12 – 9. Is it possible to list foreign companies on the Korean stock

exchange? If yes, what are the requirements or conditions?

 Requirements:
- The number of stocks to be listed has to be more than 1 million on the day of listing;
- Continuous business for more than three years after the establishment of the company.
However, if changes have occurred due to M&A, division or a combination of both, the
actual period of business activities will be considered;
- The amount of capital and net assets must on the application day be worth more than KRW
3 billion and KRW7.5 billion respectively.
- The sales amount of the most recent year has to show at least a 20% increase compared to
the previous year. Or, the most recent business year has to record a sales amount of at
least KRW 5 billion and the average sales amount of the last three years has to be at least
KRW 0 billion.
- The rate of minority shareholders has to be over 30%, or, the rate of public offerings has to
be over 30%.
- For further information please refer to the homepage of the Korea Stock Exchange:
http://www.kse.or.kr
12 – 12. What is the procedure for foreigners’ investment in stocks and
bonds in Korea?

 Investment in the stock and bond market in Korea is completely open to foreigners. In
order to trade on the stock market, the following procedure must be followed:
- Contract with a permanent agent of a security company;
- Issuance of an individual foreign investor number from the Financial Supervisory Service;
(needed documents: copy of passport of the individual, company description and company
registration documents [corporate entity] );
- Opening of an account for securities in Korean and foreign currency at a foreign exchange
bank;
- Account at the security company.

ENVIRONMENT

13 – 1. What are the environmental laws to be complied with when

establishing new factories?

 If the factory site is larger than 150,000m2, then an evaluation concerning environmental
impacts has to be conducted. And even if the site is less than 150,000m 2, an environmental
evaluation consultation is necessary when the region shall be used for other purposes.
 A notification needs to be made to the governor of the city or province, depending on the
size or type/region/location of the waste material of the factory, before it is established.
Furthermore, permission needs to be obtained for various pollutants. That is, if air
pollutants are discharged, a permission of establishing air pollutant disposal facilities
pursuant to the Clean Air Conservation Act, and a permission of establishing waste water
disposal facilities pursuant to the Water Quality Conservation Act has to be obtained for
waste water. For noise or vibration, permission has to be obtained pursuant to the Noise
and Vibration Control Act.
 If the factory discharges flying dust directly into the air without a separate outlet, then
notification has to be given to the governor of the city or province pursuant to the lean Air
 Conservation Act, and has to take measures or install facilities in order to reduce the
formation of flying dust.
 If discharge facilities shall be installed, then it is necessary to install prevention facilities in
order to discharge pollutants below the permitted level. When the installation of the
prevention facilities is completed and the facilities are to be operated, then the operation of
the facilities has to be notified at the competent authorities according to the Clean Air
Conservation Act, Water Quality Conservation Act, or the Noise and Vibration Control Act.
However, no notification is necessary, if the waste discharge is always below the permitted
level, or the discharge of the waste can be conducted by other means than the prevention
facilities and permission to use such means is obtained by the relevant authorities.

13 – 2. What types of business need to undergo an assessment of impact

on the environment and what is the procedure?

 The assessment of impact on the environment is a process, which examines various

business plans not only in terms of its economic and technological capabilities, but also
regarding environmental elements and compares all these factors in a comprehensive
perspective before making the final decision about the most appropriate business plan.
 The assessment process is a preventive system for environmental pollution, which has the
objective to create an environment-friendly and sustainable development, as well as to
build and maintain a fresh environment. The projects subject to this assessment are as
follows:
- Projects that are likely to damage the natural environment and ecosystems such as the
creation of country clubs;
- Projects taking place in environmentally-sensitive areas such as natural parks;
- Projects, for which environmental impact is difficult to predict due to the long-term and
complex nature of the effects through the construction of dams and land reclamation
projects;
- Projects creation of housing sites and industrial complexes.

 The businesses subject to the assessment pursuant to the present Act on Assessment of
Impacts of Works on Environment are 62 project units in 17 areas setting up tourist
complexes above a certain size (refer to Appendix 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act
on Assessment of Impacts of Works on Environment, Traffic, Disasters, etc.).
 It is possible that the business itself acts as the proxy for filling out the documents for the
assessment process by collecting the opinions of the citizens and relevant administrative
authorities and requesting cooperation from the institutions in charge of the assessment
(Ministry of Environment or local environment management agencies) after collecting the
opinion of residents and relevant administrative organs.
 After the assessment, it is possible to execute the project, and after the project is
completed the after-service is taken care of by the local environment management
agencies.

13 – 3. What are the categories of the assessment?

 The major categories of assessment are as follows:

- Natural environment (5): climate, topography and geology, animals and plants, oceanic
environment, navigability and hydrology;
- Living environment (11): use of land, atmosphere, water quality, soil, waste, noise and
vibration, bad odors, radio wave disturbances, sunlight disturbances, leisure and scenery,
hygiene and public health
- Social and economic environment (7): population, housing, industry, public facilities,
education, traffic, cultural goods, etc.

 There also exists a focused assessment system, which concentrates on special categories
of the company with important environmental impacts considering their special
qualifications and specifications.
 The assessment document filled out by the business itself is submitted to the competent
agency. From there, the document is conveyed to the Ministry of Environment (or local
environmental agency) for review. The Ministry or local agency will then review the
assessment document and send the result back to the competent agency for approval with
comment after making necessary changes or supplementation, if necessary.
 For the effectiveness of this assessment system, a proper execution of this system is
required, and the business shall therefore comply with the results of and the regulations set
in the assessment. Therefore, obligation to conduct further research about impact on the
environment as well as appoint a person in charge to manage and comply with the
regulations of the assessment etc. have to be fulfilled. Furthermore, a penalty will be levied
when violating the amount of concentration of pollutants that are discharged.
 In addition, the competent agency in charge of approval has to undertake the necessary
measures to guarantee the compliance with the results of the assessment and if necessary
also have the authority to order the halt of the construction through on-spot inspection.
Local environment agencies can request to the business or the approving agency to
undertake necessary measures such as stopping ongoing construction processes if it finds
it necessary.

13 – 4. What are the business sectors that need prior inspection of their
impact on the environment and what is the procedure?

 The assessment of impact on the environment does not apply to small-scale administrative
plans and development projects, so that they need to undergo a prior inspection. This
inspection has the objective to coordinate government policies with the environmental
guidelines and for conservation of the environment.
 Prior discussion with the Minister of Environment or the head of the local environmental
agency is necessary, if an administrative plan or development project will have some kind
of impact on the preservation of the national environment or the maintenance of the
environmental standards pursuant to Art. 25 of the Framework Act on Environmental Policy.
The discussion needs to be conducted before the confirmation or approval of the plan or
project.
 The regulations for the discussion including the period, business and required documents
etc. are stipulated in the Enforcement Decrees [appendix 2] and [appendix 3] of the
Framework Act on Environmental Policy.
 If the purpose to utilize territory shall be changed pursuant to the Act on the Utilization and
Management of the National Territory (for example from using the land as semi-agricultural
area to a semi-urban area), then the plan to utilize the territory has to be modified and for
that the competent person has to draft the modified plan and discuss the matter prior with
the Minister of Environment or the head of the local environment management agency.
 Excluded are:
- Plans or development projects for which the period of the discussion is the same as the
period for assessment;
- Individual projects that do not involve the cutting of trees, digging up sand or stones or
changing the form and quality of land;
- Projects for emergency relief of disasters pursuant to Art. 36 of the Natural Disasters Relief
 Act;
- Plans or development projects, which are considered of high military confidentiality or are
needed urgently for the execution of military strategies;
- Plans or development projects with prior environmental assessment pursuant to any other
Acts.

13 – 10. Can a foreigner or a foreign company also be in the environment

sector pursuant to the environment-related acts such as the waste
processing business?

 The permissions and approvals needed for environment business do not make a distinction
between foreigners and Korean nationals. Therefore, it is possible for a foreign national or
foreign company to be involved in an environment-related business.
 In order to conduct a business in the environment sector such as environmental pollution
prevention facilities, relevant approvals and permissions need to be obtained from the local
environment management agency in line with the conditions as stipulated in the
environment-related acts
 It is possible to supply material for and design of prevention facilities business to
prevention facilities businesses even if not being registered as an environmental pollution
prevention facilities business, if public institutions and agencies as well as registered
prevention facilities businesses make such an order.

13 – 18. What are the types of environmental pollution prevention facilities

and where is the place of registration?

 The types of facilities can be divided as for the following:

- Air pollutants;
- Water pollutants;
- Prevention of the discharge and generation of noise and vibration;
- The design or execution of facilities to reduce or control the above.

 Depending on the industrial sector, the businesses are divided into air pollution prevention
 facilities business, water pollution prevention facilities business, and noise / vibration
prevention facilities business.

 People interested in prevention facilities business have to possess the necessary

technological capabilities as stipulated in the Enforcement Decree of the Development of
and Support for Environmental Technology Act, and need to register at a local environment
agency.

13 – 67. What is payment for waste and which types of waste are excluded
from the payment?

 The payment for waste is levied on those types that contain elements hazardous to the
atmosphere or water, poisonous elements or are difficult to recycle. The cost to process
these kinds of waste is levied on the manufacturer or the importer in order to control the
generation of such waste. Furthermore, the waste of resources should be prevented by
making the payment a basic principle levied to the business causing the pollution and also,
include the “environment fee” to the product price for a rational distribution of the costs.
 Excluded from the payment are samples for research objectives imported by the Industrial
Technology Research Association or a corporate annex research center as well as the
products imported or manufactured for export.

LABOR

14 – 1. What changes are involved with employment in case of M&As?

 Transfer of employment depends on various factors such as how the M&A took place, how
many businesses were acquired, or how many stocks were purchased etc.

14 – 2. When and how does restructuring take place after M&As?

 According to the Customs Act, the employment of the worker has to be transferred and
M&A alone is not a justifiable reason enough to undertake a restructuring.
 However, if restructuring is unavoidable, and meets the necessary requirements for
undertaking a justified restructuring procedure, the two parties can merge after the
restructuring or do the restructuring procedure after the merger.

14 – 3. What happens in case of a statutory merger in terms of

restructuring?

 An example of a statutory merger is the acquisition of a weak company B by a strong

company A.

 If both companies go through a restructuring before the merger:

- In case of company A, it would be difficult to find a justifiable reason, since restructuring
would take place only on the assumption that a merger will take place in the future.
Therefore, compromise with the workers would be difficult and layoff of personnel
unacceptable;
- As a result, company B would have to dismiss workers due to deteriorating business
conditions and pursue an M&A after the layoff of workers.

 If restructuring is implemented after the merger:

- After the merger, all workers are legally employees of company A and not company B, so it
is impossible to discriminate between the workers.
- Therefore, the criteria to layoff workers must also include workers of company A and in this
case, the workers of company A will anticipate the situation and be against the merger in the
first place.

 In reality, it takes several months from the negotiations until the merger is completed and
during that time, the plans for dealing with the worker problem will be subject to discussion.
- The plans about restructuring and layoff will be led by company A and discussed between
the management and labor union of company B and the labor union of company A.
- Before the merger, both companies A and B will commence preparations concerning
restructuring. However, after the merger, company A will complete the process on a legal
basis.
14 – 4. What happens to employment succession in case of a business
transfer?

 Employment succession in case of a business transfer depends on the contents of the

contract, in which the rights and obligations are stipulated.
- If there is a clause in the contract referring to the issue of employment succession between
the transferor and transferee company, and that not all employees will be transferred, then it
is possible that part of the employment relationship will be terminated. However, such a
clause has the notation of a dismissal, and in that case, a justifiable reason is needed for a
dismissal as stipulated in Art. 30 of the Labor Standards Act.

 Thus, business transfer means a transfer of the whole personal or material system or
organization by maintaining the same identity with a consistent goal.

14 – 5. What happens to employment succession, if purchasing only the

assets needed for the business operations?

 In this case, this cannot be called a business transfer and thus there is no obligation for
employment succession.
 Therefore, an exact definition needs to be made, because the issue of employment
succession will be decided depending on whether it is a transfer of “business” or a transfer
of “assets”.

14 – 6. What happens to employment succession in case of selling stocks

or shares?

 There is no relationship between employment succession and the change of the majority
shareholder after selling stocks.
 However, if the change of the majority shareholder leads also to a change of the
management, and the new management is considering a new business direction, then it
might also have an impact on the employment of the workers.
- But in that case, it would be equal to a layoff, which would require a justifiable reason
pursuant to Art. 30 of the Labor Standards Act.

14 – 7. Is holiday leave included in the standard working hours and wages

of the workers?

 The standard working hours of the workers include the official holidays, but not the main
holidays.
 If the wage is paid monthly, the main holidays are included in the wage. However, if the
worker is paid by the hour or day, then the main holidays are not included, so that they
have to be paid separately.

14 – 8. Are social insurance fees included in the wage of an employee?

Social insurance is obligatory in Korea and includes national pension, health insurance,
employment insurance, and accident compensation insurance.

The cost of the insurance is divided between employer and employee according to the table
below. In the case of employees, the share of the cost for the social insurance is deducted from
wages.

(unit: %)

Employer Employee

National Pension 4.5 4.5

 Health Insurance 2.105 2.105

Accident average 1.48

Compensation ---
Insurance (0.4 ~ 40.8)

Employment 1.15 ~ 1.75 0.45

Insurance

TOTAL 9.2 ~ 9.8 7.0

14 – 9. Does the Labor Standards Act apply to all businesses?

 Pursuant to Art.10 of the Labor Standards Act, “This Act shall apply to all businesses or
workplaces in which five or more workers are ordinarily employed.” For businesses or
workplaces that ordinarily employ less than four people, only some of the articles shall
apply.
- The term “ordinarily employed” in this sense means that at least five employees must be
continuously employed, and this criterion is to be evaluated objectively based on commonly
accepted social standards.
- Businesses or workplaces that employ workers on a daily or temporary basis may be
judged to have these workers included in the evaluation of having at least five workers
ordinarily employed.
- Accordingly, even if the number of workers are at times less than five, such businesses will
be subject to the Labor Standards Act when the number of workers is commonly considered
to be five or more.
14 – 10. What are the requirements for the term of a labor contract?

 Pursuant to Art. 23 of the Labor Standards Act, it stipulates that “the term of a labor
contract shall not exceed one year, except in cases where there is no fixed term or where
there is an otherwise fixed term as deemed necessary for the completion of a certain
project.”
- A contract without a fixed term is permitted.
- If a term is fixed, the term cannot exceed one year.
- In exceptional cases, a contract exceeding one year is accepted, if the term is needed to
complete a certain project.

 The term of employment concludes with the expiration of the contract. But if the worker has
the intention of renewing the contract and if it became a usual practice and the employer
has no specific reasons not to renew the contract, the renewal of the contract cannot be
rejected.

14 – 11. What are the working conditions for a part-time worker?

 A part-time worker refers to a worker, who is working less hours per week compared to full-
time workers performing the same kind of work.

 The working conditions of the part-time workers have to be in proportion to the working
hours of the full-time workers.
- Paid monthly and yearly leave has to be in proportion to the amount of leave granted to the
ordinary workers, and have to be granted in hours.
- Official public holidays, menstrual leave and maternity leave have to be the same as for the
full-time worker, and in this case, the wage has to be based on ordinary wages.

 For part-time workers with less than 15 hours work per week in an average four weeks, it is
not necessary to grant severance pay, main holidays, monthly leave and yearly leave.
14 – 12. Is it likely that the legal severance payment system will be
abolished?

 Most of the industrialized countries have a three-level social security system (government,
company, and individual) regarding pensions. The severance pay system of Korea falls
within the level of company pension.
 The level of the Korean social security system is lower than those of the advanced
industrialized countries. Also, an optional severance system will face strong opposition
from the people and workers.
 The contribution of the company for the legal severance payment is around 8.3%. And it is
not the severance payment system per se that is a burden for the companies, but rather
the system of the accumulated severance system which the labor and management agreed
upon. However, this problem needs to be solved by the labor and management
themselves.
 The present severance pay system is not voluntarily implemented, but mid-term settlement
and pension systems of severance pay were introduced to match the company’s actual
conditions and minimize the burden, if managed efficiently.

14 – 13. Are any improvements planned for the severance pay system?

 In order to reduce the burden for the company and the employer, a mid-term settlement of
severance pay was introduced.
- A mid-term settlement of severance pay is to pay severance for the period of continuous
work the employee has provided even before retirement. In case of mid-term settlement, the
continuous period of work will be newly-calculated from the day the mid-term severance pay
was settled.
- Other conditions such as those concerning promotion, incentives or paid leave will be
considered as continuous even after the mid-term settlement of severance pay.

 There is also a severance pay insurance system:

- The severance pay insurance allows the worker to receive severance pay at retirement as
bulk payment or as pension;
- In this case, the amount of severance pay to be received as bulk payment must not be less
than the severance payment of the severance pay system.
14 – 14. How are holidays and leave defined in the revised Labor
Standards Act?

 The legal working hours were previously 44 hours per week, but have now been reduced to
40 hours per week in order to increase the quality of life of the workers.
 In terms of the “Flexible Working Hour System”, the unit period will be extended up to three
months from the present one month period for more efficiency.
 The employer can conclude a written agreement with the representative of workers and
grant holiday leave instead of paying for night / holiday and overtime work.
 According to international legalization, paid monthly leave is abolished. Instead, the paid
monthly menstrual leave will be transformed to unpaid leave, thus reducing the burden on
the employer.
 Until now, for a worker having worked for more than one year, 10 days of paid holidays
were granted, and for a worker having worked more than 90% a year, 8 days of paid
holidays were granted. Now, however, 15 days of paid holidays are granted to workers
having worked more than 80% a year. Every two years, one day’s holiday is added, up to
the maximum limit of 25 days.
 The employer is not obliged to compensate for any unused leave, if the worker did not use
up the paid yearly leave, despite the employer having urged him or her to do so. This new
rule should encourage workers to use their paid yearly leave entitlement.
 The date of implementation of the new law is as follows:
- Business or office with more than 1,000 ordinary employees and the finance / insurance
sector, certain government-invested institutions: July 1, 2004
- Business or office with more than 300 and less than 1,000 ordinary employees: July 1, 2005
- Business or office with more than 100 and less than 300 ordinary employees: July 1, 2006
- Business or office with more than 50 and less than 100 ordinary employees: July 1, 2007
- Business or office with more than 20 and less than 50 ordinary employees: July 1, 2008
- Business or office with less than 20 ordinary employees and national as well as local bodies
and institutions: not later than 2011 (day to be decided by the President of the Republic of
Korea)
14 – 15. Is it compulsory to pay for student grants and for congratulations
/ condolences?

 In return for wage increases demanded by workers, companies used to give other
allowances or welfare benefits.
- For that reason, the wage system became complicated and also management costs
increased. The allowances became fixed payments no longer reflecting the workers’
performances.

 To solve this problem, it should be settled between the labor and management themselves.
However, administrative support is also given by the government.
- If possible, the various allowances should be included in the basic wage, so that only the
allowances reflecting the performance of the worker are retained.

 The government is making efforts to expand social welfare, especially for small-medium
enterprises that have a relatively weak welfare system compared to large conglomerates,
and for low-wage workers. The welfare includes scholarships, financial support for medical
expenses and condolences / congratulations among others.

14 – 16. What are the principles of the no-work, no-pay system?

 According to the amendments of the Labor Relations Act of March 1997, there is no
obligation to pay wages for no work during periods of industrial action.
- It is forbidden to start industrial action with the purpose of demanding wages during that
period, and in case of violation, penalties are imposed.

 The government will continue to pursue the policy of the no-work no-pay principle.
- If the labor union goes on strike to demand wages during the strike period, the government
will take measures according to the law.

14 – 17. Are there any changes being planned regarding the obligatory
wage system for full-time labor unionists?
 According to the amendments of the Labor Relations Act of March 1997, an employer is
not obliged to pay wages to a full-time labor unionist.
 However, it became common practice in Korea, different from in other countries, for the
employer to pay the full-time unionists. If the employer one day suddenly did not give any
wages to them, then difficulties in maintaining labor activities would be expected.
Therefore, the implementation of the amended law of non-payment to full-time unionists
has been postponed until 2006.
- During the period of postponement, the amount of wages paid to the full-time unionists will
be gradually reduced.

14 – 18. Is a dismissed worker still a member of the labor union?

 Labor union membership for people who are not workers of the company is prohibited, and
a worker dismissed from a company has thus, in principle, lost the right to membership of
the labor union.
 However, if the worker was dismissed on grounds of his activities in the labor union, the
worker can apply for relief at the Labor Relations Commission. In that case, the worker
remains a member of the union until a decision is made by the Central Labor Relations
Commission.

14 – 19. What happens to the agreement of the union representative, if the

decision of the general meeting is a rejection of the agreement?

 The agreement of the union representative is effective as a collective agreement

regardless of the rejection by the general meeting.
- According to the amendments of the Labor Relations Act of March 1997, grounds of
criticism concerning the right of the labor representative to conclude agreements were
nullified through Art. 29 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, stipulating
that “the representative of a trade union shall have the authority to bargain and make a
collective agreement with the employer or employers’ association for the trade union and its
members.”
- Accordingly, if the trade union demands a rebargaining due to the rejection by the general
meeting, the employer can refuse the demand without corresponding to a “denial of
bargaining.”

14 – 20. Is the demand to participate in HR and management a justified

industrial action?

 Management rights imply comprehensive rights related to organization, management and

HR, which is an exclusive right bestowed upon the employer.
 Therefore, if the main goal of industrial action is to participate or take part in the
management of the company, it is not a justifiable cause for industrial action.
 However, if temporary participation in management is demanded for improving or
maintaining specific working conditions, the reason and cause for industrial action is
justified.

14 – 21. Are there any restrictions on recruiting new workers during

industrial action?

 According to Art. 43 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, it is prohibited
to replace or recruit new workers during industrial action as it stipulates, “An employer shall
not hire or substitute any person not related to the relevant business during a period of
industrial action in order to continue work which has been interrupted by the industrial
action”.
- This means that it is not possible to change the workplace, establish a branch, employ a
person not related with the industrial action, or manufacture products through another
business or individual in order to prevent or replace losses caused by the industrial action.

 However, there are no restrictions in the following cases:

- Selling or manufacturing personally, which is included in the definition of an employer as
stipulated in Art. 2 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act;
- Substituting with a worker from the same company and conducting the same kind of work
but not participating in the industrial action;
- Supplementing workers due to a natural reduction of staff and through new recruitment due
to an already planned business expansion ;
- Collective action with the purpose of achieving management participation without any
relation to maintaining or improving working conditions is not regarded as industrial action.
In this case, there are no restrictions for recruiting a replacement.

14 – 22. Are there any restrictions for the employer concerning industrial
action by outsourced workers?

 According to Art. 43 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, it is prohibited
to replace or recruit new workers during industrial action. It stipulates that “An employer
shall not hire or substitute any person not related to the relevant business during a period
of industrial action in order to continue work which has been interrupted by the industrial
action”.
 Accordingly, it is not possible to replace or recruit new workers without any relation to the
industrial action during the period of industrial action of the outsourced workers and
through other means such as termination of the contract.

14 – 23. How about industrial action concerning alterations and abolition

of clauses in collective agreements?

 A collective agreement is decided autonomously by the labor and management aiming at

achieving a stable labor-management relationship. It is a legal entity and both parties are
obliged to stick to the regulations faithfully.
 The parties involved in the collective agreement must not commit themselves to industrial
action for a change of the agreement. They are also obligated to discourage other workers
from industrial action (obligation for peace), which is not a clause in the collective
agreement, but rather an inherent obligation.
 Accordingly, it is not possible to engage in industrial action demanding any changes in the
collective agreement during its validity. In case of violation, the person will be subject to
civil and penal liability.
14 – 24. How are holidays and vacation leave calculated after a legal
industrial action?

 If the industrial action was legal according the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment
Act, then the calculation of the main holidays, paid monthly leave, and paid annual leave
will be based on the days the worker came to work according to the Labor Standards Act.
 If the period of industrial action lasted a whole week, or entire month, or entire year, then
the employer does not need to grant paid weekly leave, monthly leave or annual leave.

14 – 25. Is it possible to engage in union activities during working hours?

 Union activities are in principle conducted outside working hours. It is not permitted to
engage in union activities such as general meetings during working hours.
 In all cases, without exception, the behavior has to be in accordance to the collective
agreement.
- Thus, it is only possible to engage in union activities during working hours, if the collective
agreement contains a clause referring to such action and permitting it.

14 – 26. Is there anything in the amendments to the Labor Standards Act

that is of special advantage to foreign companies?

 The Labor Standards Act was amended to allow a liberalization of the labor market and
improve its flexibility as well as maintain the balance in the bargaining process between the
management and labor
 It is expected that the amendments will be more efficient in terms of HR management,
because it should improve the flexibility of the labor market, especially in terms of working
hours and employment adjustment.
- Flexible working hours were introduced, which can be changed in units of two weeks or
three months under certain conditions of the new law.
- That is, the selective working hours system determines only the total working hours within a
 period of one month, so that the worker can freely decide over when to start and stop
working and on what day.
- A new system was implemented according to a written agreement between management
and labor stating that specific working days can be replaced by annual and monthly leave.
- A flexible severance pay system was introduced, allowing for more flexible management
and including a mid-term settlement of severance pay as well as the severance pay pension
system. The mid-term settlement of severance pay is a system providing severance pay
before retirement for the years of continuous work up to the day of the settlement. The
pension system is a retirement insurance, which allows the worker to receive his severance
pay as a bulk payment or in installments (as pension).
- The conditions and process of employment adjustment were clearly defined through the
amendments of the Labor Standards Act in February 1998 and implemented immediately by
abolishing the deferment period until March 1999. In order to prevent a deterioration of
business, it was noted that consultation is needed in times of transfer, merger or acquisition
or businesses in order to allow an active and smooth company restructuring.
- Flexibility in HR management could be achieved through the utilization of outsourcing
workforce.

 The bargaining process between the labor and management could be improved by
changing the existing system and abolishing irrational elements.
- Paying wages to a full-time unionist is an illegal action of the employer, however, the
application of the new law is postponed for five years for those companies (the payment will
be gradually reduced over the years and the reduced money used as a financial source for
the union).
- The employer is not obligated to pay wages during the period of industrial action for the
workers participating in the action, and it is not possible to engage in industrial action
demanding wages for that period.
- The law prohibiting industrial action outside the business place was abolished and instead it
is now prohibited to undertake industrial action in the major facilities for production etc. by
obstructing the operation or entrance to those facilities or occupying them.

14 – 27. The recent violent demonstrations of the labor unions have

shocked many foreign investors, with negative consequences for the
credibility of the Korean government. What are the prospects for future
demonstrations and what counter-measures are being planned by the
government?

 An increase in discontent and demands by labor has emerged since the restructuring of
businesses in 1998, when some labor unions were involved in illegal gatherings and
strikes. However, since 2000, the number of illegal and violent strikes has drastically
declined.
 The government will ensure peaceful and legal gatherings by labor, but will take stern legal
action against any behavior that goes against the law, uses force or leads to social
disorder.
 Therefore, continuous efforts will be made to discuss and persuade labor in order to
achieve “cooperative labor-management relations”, which will support the development of
the economy as well as bring stability to society.

14 – 28. Is it a violation of equal treatment, if the retirement age is different

for different status and positions of the workers?

 There is no clause about the retirement age in the Labor Standards Act, so the retirement
age will be defined in the collective agreement or the employment regulations of the
company.
- For example, if the collective agreement stipulates a different retirement age for different
positions, then it is not a discriminating treatment of sex, nationality, religion or social status,
and is also not in violation of Art. 5 of the Labor Standards Act.

14 – 29. If the representation of the labor union lacks justification, what

about the validity and effectiveness of the dismissal for managerial
reasons when exercising collective dismissal?

 Article 31 of the Labor Standards Act stipulates that “Where an employer wishes to dismiss
a worker for business reasons, there must be an urgent necessity in relation to business. It
shall be deemed that there is such an urgent business necessity in the case of business
transfer, merger or acquisition of the business to prevent business deterioration. (…) the
 employer shall make every effort to avoid dismissal and shall establish and follow
reasonable and fair criteria for the selection of those persons subject to dismissal (…)
Where there is an organized labor union which represents more than half of the workers at
a business or business location, the employer shall inform and consult in good faith with
the labor union regarding the methods for avoiding dismissals and the criteria for dismissal
(…) at least 60 days before the intended date of dismissal”.
- Thus, the above law clearly states that dismissal for managerial reasons can only be carried
out if justified reasons exist.

 There are no special rules for selecting the labor representative, but the representative has
to be based on the autonomy of the workers and has to be able to represent their opinions.
If a labor-management council is established, and the members represent more than half
of the workers, then they are acknowledged as justified representatives of the workers.

 Accordingly, if the representative does not represent more than half of the workers, then
the representative is not a justified representative, and thus collective dismissal for
managerial reasons is invalid.

14 – 30. If the employer has changed after an M&A, what happens to the
employment succession of workers dismissed prior to the merger, and in
cases where the effectiveness of the dismissal was controversial?

 If the employer has changed due to an M&A, only the workers who are presently working in
the company are subject to employment succession. A worker, who was dismissed prior to
the merger, is not included in the employment succession.
 In this case therefore, if an application for relief of unfair dismissal was submitted to the
Labor Relations Commission, it will likely be rejected due to lack of proper eligibility.

14 – 31. The number of workers subject to obligatory employment is so

high that it is leading to a lower competitiveness. Are any measures
planned to solve this problem?
 Pursuant to the Labor Relations Act, compulsory employment includes physically disabled
people as well as safety and health specialists.

 Obligatory employment of health and safety specialists:

- In order to guarantee the health and safety of workers, it is common to employ health and
safety specialists, which is also the case in advanced industrialized countries such as in
Germany and Japan.
- In advanced industrialized countries the standards for their selection are even stricter and
also the fields are more subdivided.
- The Korean government has been continuously liberalizing regulations, and especially in
May 1997, the obligatory employment in the field of industrial health was revoked. Also,
liberalization took place in other areas such as for expansion of double-posts, common
recruitment system (new), reduction of obligatory employment, more exemptions etc.
- However, the health and safety field will be maintained or strengthened to preserve the
health and safety of the workers

 Obligatory employment of disabled people

- The obligatory employment of disabled people is intended to give them the opportunity to
participate in society and live an ordinary life through their work.
- This system is based on the idea that the entire community has to take responsibility for
employing disabled people. Employment leads to economic autonomy and independence of
the disabled, but if this system was left to the free decision of the companies, then many of
the disabled would face severe shortages of work opportunities.
- Many advanced industrialized countries are protecting disabled people through this system
of obligatory employment, which allows them to live a higher quality of life. This was made
possible through the charges levied to the employer, which have to be paid if not employing
disabled people. This fund is used as the basic financial source for training, facilities, etc. of
the disabled and therefore returned to the employer through direct or indirect means.
- The Korean government will make efforts to lay the foundation for the employment of
disabled people through the development of job training, and provide skilled disabled
workers to the company. This would lead to an improvement of productivity as well as solve
the problem of shortages in the workforce.

14 – 32. If the company could dismiss workers at will or even if the

present system was maintained, would unjust dismissal be defined as a
crime?

 If companies could dismiss workers at will, then there would be a great danger that
dismissal will be misused. Especially in Korea, where the social welfare system is still
almost non-existent, such a law would constitute a serious economic, as well as social
blow to such workers.

 Therefore, it is necessary to place certain restrictions to dismissing a worker such as

justifiable reasons and process.
- Penalties are necessary for companies violating the laws, which are designed to prevent the
misuse of the right of dismissal.

 On the other hand, the Labor Standards Act was amended in February 1998 allowing an
immediate execution of a dismissal for managerial reasons in order to improve the flexibility
of the labor market.
- That would be the case when deteriorating business makes it necessary to conduct a
business transfer, merger or acquisition in order to avoid further deterioration of the
business.

14 – 33. Various allowances such as for scholarship, certificates and

commutation are a burden to the company. How can this problem be
solved?

 The payment structure of Korean companies consists of basic wages and various
allowances. The types of allowances are very diverse and the payment structure is very
complex, which is in fact not an easy task for the company to manage.

 However, that payment structure is not obligatory, but rather a custom resulting from the
bargaining between the management and labor. It has to be in principle solved by the
company itself.
- It is recommendable to include most of the allowances in the basic wage, and only the
categories reflecting the work performance should be listed separately.
 Furthermore, the annual compensation system should be introduced and implemented for
managerial and professional positions.

14 – 34. The Labor Standards Act stipulates a high level of wage and high
labor cost, which is difficult for foreign companies to manage. Are any
changes planned for the future?

 The Labor Standards Act stipulates that besides wages, additional labor costs are
severance pay, official holidays and paid annual leave.
 The severance pay decided by law is an imported system to guarantee the existence of the
worker due to the low level of social welfare in Korea.
- A unilateral abolishment of the system would face opposition from the workers and citizens,
and in the current situation of high unemployment it could also trigger labor unrest. It is
necessary for the company to make use of the mid-term settlement of severance pay or the
severance pension system introduced in 1997, if it wants a more flexible management.
- The contribution paid by the company is around 5.3% and is thus not a great burden. This
system is also implemented in most companies in Japan through employment regulations.
- The level of paid annual leave is not so high compared to other countries. Payment for
unused paid annual leave might be a burden on the company, but workers can be
encouraged to make use of their leave, if the company wants to save the expenses.

14 – 35. The present wage system of Korea is very complex. Are there any
plans to simplify the system?

 The wage system in Korea is based on an average wage and ordinary wage. The average
wage is the basis for calculating severance pay and remuneration for accidents, whereas
the ordinary wage is used for calculating additional allowances such as overtime payments.
 In order to simplify the wage system, the dual system of average wage and ordinary wage
should be changed to a simplified system of a standard wage.
 The elements to be included in a standard wage would be of much interest for both the
labor and management, so that much time will be needed to gather opinions from both
parties, as well as academic circles, before reaching any final conclusions.
14 – 36. Concerning the system of flexible working hours, are overtime
working hours that are not planned, also applicable to this system?

 The system of flexible working hours has the objective to increase the competitiveness of
the company (productivity) as well as improve the quality of life of the worker (more
vacation leave) at the same time through an efficient distribution of working hours.
 Since this system is based on the employment regulations of the company or the
agreement between management and labor, the worker has to be able to predict the
working hours.
 If this system shall be applied also to working hours that were not planned, the worker
would not be able to predict when to work and not, so that the regular life pattern would be
disrupted. This would also lead to difficulties in terms of health and cultural life of the
worker.
 Accordingly, applying the system of flexible working hours to unplanned overtime work is
not possible.

14 – 37. Shouldn’t collective action only be allowed outside the business

location and shouldn’t the company also be allowed to replace workers
during the period of a strike?

 The clause prohibiting industrial action outside the business location was abolished,
because business facilities were often occupied by the striking workers.

 In order to minimize damage within the business location, the following rules have to be
complied with:
- Occupation of facilities for production is prohibited;
- normal operation will continue during the period of industrial action to avoid damage of
facilities and deterioration or decay of raw material;
- industrial action obstructing the entrance or operation of work is prohibited;
- encouragement to participate in industrial action has to be done in a peaceful manner.
 The problem of replacing workers during the period of industrial action has to be viewed
both from the perspective of the employer (right to operate business) and the labor union
(right to industrial action).
- If the employer allowed the replacement of workers participating in the industrial action,
although there are also the options of closing the work place, no payment during strike
action or using other workers not participating in the industrial action for the business
operations, there would be a danger of destroying the basic principle of labor-management
relations, namely “maintaining a balance of bargaining power.”

14 – 38. Don’t irrational labor activities also have to be included as unjust

labor actions in the same way that it is for unfair labor actions of the
employer?

 The system of unjust labor action was established to ensure the workers are guaranteed
certain rights and prevent the employer from infringing on the workers’ rights to solidarity.
 Prescribing irrational activities of the labor union as unjust labor actions is said to be
unconstitutional.
 It is nevertheless possible to sanction irrational labor activities as unjust labor action
according to the present laws through a government order, if any rules, resolution,
measures or collective agreements violate the Labor Relations Act.
 Even if the employer rejects an unjust bargaining demand made by the labor union during
wage or collective bargaining, it will not be accepted as an unjust labor action.

14 – 39. What demands are usually made by the workers during labor
disputes, and how are the disputes resolved these days?

 Before 1998, most of the disputes were about wage increases and collective agreements.
But recently, the majority of the disputes deal with job security in connection with
restructuring.
 Concerning the resolution of the disputes, there is an increase of resolutions resulting from
autonomous bargaining
 The government ensures autonomous bargaining between the labor and management in
 terms of wage and collective bargaining
 Objective date and information needed for the bargaining are quickly provided, but if the
dissenting opinions persist, the Labor Relations Commissions will help to find a quick
solution to the problem through mediation.

14 – 40. Korea is perceived as a country with intense labor disputes. What

is the recent status of disputes?

 For about three years since 1987, Korea experienced intense labor disputes, but it has
learned from the experience that both parties cannot get any actual gains from immature
strikes and disputes.
 Since the 1990s, the number of labor disputes has steadily decreased. However, after the
financial crisis of 1998, disputes occurred frequently due to the restructuring processes of
many companies. The disputes were related to the preservation of employment and wages
or increase thereof. This trend continued until 2001, when the disputes started to decrease.
 Recently, the number of illegal disputes has started to decrease, and instead, more and
more labor activities are within lawful boundaries.
 The Korean government is trying to reduce the occurrence of labor disputes by establishing
a permanent Tripartite Commission, which allows discussion and participation of all parties.
It also expects the Korean people to form a national bond as a result of overcoming the
financial crisis, which would also lead to maintaining stable and peaceful labor-
management relations.

<Status of Labor Disputes>

2002 2003 % Change

Number of Business 322 locations 320 locations - 0.6%

Locations in Dispute
Loss of Working Days 1,580,424 days 1,298,663 days - 18.8%

14 – 41. Are there going to be any changes to the compulsory paid

monthly menstrual leave for women?

 According to the amendment made on September 15, 2003, the paid monthly menstrual
leave for women was changed to unpaid leave when applied for.
 The implementation of the amended law commenced on July 1, 2004 for businesses with
more than 1,000 employees and will be expanded to other businesses over the years in
stages.

SME SUPPORT

15 – 1. Is a foreign-invested company also eligible for government grants?

 According to the present law, even a foreign-invested company with a foreign investment of
100% is. just like a Korean company, also eligible for government grants.

15 – 2. What is the definition of a small-medium enterprise?

 A small-medium enterprise (SME) is defined by its number of permanent workers, assets,

sales, etc. and by the specifications of its industry. If it meets the requirements and
standards as stipulated in the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and
Medium Enterprises, it is eligible to receive benefits regarding the promotion of SMEs.

Requirements stipulated in the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and
Medium Enterprises

Industry Size Requirement

1. Manufacturing Less than 300 permanent workers or

Less than KRW 8 billion capital

2. Mining, construction, transportation Less than 300 permanent workers or

Less than KRW 3 billion capital

3. Large-scale retail, hotel Less than 300 permanent workers or

Information management and other Less than KRW 30 billion in sales

computer-related operation

4. Seed and sapling production, fishery

Electricity, gas, water works Less than 200 permanent workers or

Wholesale of fuel and related products Less than KRW 20 billion in sales
Operation of recreational condominiums
Travel agency, storage and transportation-
related service
Communication, engineering service
Hospitals, film industry, broadcasting

5. Wholesale and product agency, mail-order

selling
Less than 100 permanent workers or
Visiting sales, leasing machinery for Less than KRW10 billion in sales
commercial use
Professional, scientific and technological
service
Business-supporting service, performance
News provider
Operation of recreation and amusement
parks
 Sewage and waste management, cleaning
service

6. Others Less than 50 permanent workers or

Less than KRW5 billion in sales

 However, exceptions are made in the following cases:

- Companies with over 1,000 permanent workers;
- Corporations with over KRW 500 billion in total assets (referring to the total assets in the
balance sheet of the last day of the most recent business year) pursuant to Art. 2 of the
Security Transactions Act.

15 – 3. A foreign company needs information about SMEs to invest in a

domestic company. Where can such information be obtained?

 The Small Business Corporation operates a website with a search function via keyword
input. Over 30,000 small-medium enterprises in Korea are listed in the database
categorized according to their products. It is also possible to apply online for a “free
business matchmaking service” introducing the clients to appropriate domestic SMEs and
providing services from negotiation and mediation to contract conclusion.
The website address is www. koreasme.org

 Foreign companies looking for long-term partners, not only for joint, ventures but also in
areas of technological and manufacturing cooperation, should refer to a professional
matchmaker in the International Cooperation Division of the Small Business Corporation.
For further questions please call Seoul 82-2-769-6852/6853 or email to
findkorea@sme.or.kr.
15 – 6. A foreign venture company in the high-technology sector wants to
make an investment in Korea. What kind of benefits can the investing
company receive and how?

 Objective
- To make use of the technology possessed by SME4s and promote the productization and
commercialization of the technology as well as promote SMEs with focus on technological
skills.

 Amount of Benefits:
- KRW75 billion (based on the standards of 2004)

 Eligibility for Benefits:

- Any SME, which has participated in a technology-supported business organized by a
government agency such as the Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA) within
the last three years and has completed technology development successfully, and an Inno-
Biz company selected by the SMBA.
- Any SME, which is in possession of a patent right within three years of its technology
evaluation registration of the patent (including patent pending technology)
- Any SME, which wants to commercialize technology received through a transfer from a
university or research institute in Korea or abroad within the past three years.

 Range of Benefits
- For the production facilities and tests / evaluations needed for the mass production of
products using the developed technology;
- For the operation of daily business activities and for the commercialization of the developed
technology and the patent, such as purchase of raw material and market penetration costs.

 Conditions of the Loan

- Annual interest rate of 4.9% (flexible rate);
- Repayment within a maximum of five years (including a two-year grace period);
- Amount of loan is KRW 500 million per year per company (KRW300 million for operating
capital);
- The loan can be applied for directly at the Small Business Corporation (SBC).

 Process
1. Application and Registration
- Application at a local office of the Small Business Corporation (SBC);
- In case of a loan through a reference, the SBC notifies the Korea Technology Credit
Guarantee Fund (Technology Evaluation Center) and requests an investigation.

2. Investigation and Final Decision

- In case of a pure credit loan, a pre-evaluation will be made at the local office of the SBC and
an on-the-spot inspection will be conducted by the local office of the SBC together with the
local office of the SMBA before the final decision is made by the Fund Selection Committee;
- In case of a loan through a reference by the Korea Technology Credit Guarantee Fund, the
final decision about the grant will be made after evaluation and investigation of the
technology in one of the 10 local technology evaluation centers.

3. Location of Application and Registration

- Local office of the Small Business Corporation (SBC)

15 – 7. Is a foreign-invested company eligible for the same benefits (tax,

finance, government grants, etc.) given to domestic small-medium
enterprises? If yes, what is the process to get the benefits?

 Yes, a foreign-invested company is also eligible for the same benefits. If the company
meets the requirements, then the foreign-invested company is eligible to apply without any
additional procedure.
 More detailed information can be found in the following websites:
- Small and Medium Business Administration, www.smba.go.kr
- Small Business Corporation, www.sbc.or.kr
- National Tax Service, www.nts.go.kr
- Information system for policy funds, www.finainfo.go.kr

15 – 18. Where to find comprehensive information about grants for SMEs?

 Small and Medium Business Administration, www.smba.go.kr

 Small Business Corporation, www.sbc.or.kr
 Information system for policy funds, www.finainfo.go.kr

15 – 19. What are the tax benefits for venture start-ups and start-up
SMEs?

 Various benefits are given to start-up SMEs (for SMEs established outside the metropolitan
area before Dec.31, 2006) and venture start-ups (confirmed as a venture start-up company
by the SMBA within two years of its establishment). The benefits include reduction of
national taxes such as corporate tax and income tax, as well as local taxes such as
acquisition tax and registration tax.

Tax Category Relevant Regulation Details

Corporate Tax Art. 6 of the Special Tax 50% tax reduction from the tax
Income Tax Treatment Control Act year in which the initial profits
were recorded until five years
from the beginning of the
following tax year.

Royalty Tax Art. 116 of the Special Tax No stamp duty for documents
Treatment Control Act such as certificate, bank
account or contract needed for
the application of a loan at a
financial institution, if the loan
is applied for within two years
of business establishment.
However, the only businesses
that are eligible are those
established pursuant to the
 Support for Small and Medium
Enterprise Establishment Act.

Registration Tax Art. 119 of the Special Tax No registration tax for assets
Treatment Control Act needed for businesses that
are acquired within two years
after business establishment.

Special Tax for Rural Art. 4 of the Special Tax for No Special tax for rural
Development Rural Development Act development (20% of tax
reduction) is levied on tax
reductions of corporate tax,
acquisition tax, registration tax
or income tax of the
established SME.

Property Tax Art. 121 of the Special Tax 50% reduction of property tax
Comprehensive Land Tax Treatment Control Act and comprehensive land tax
for five years from the date of
business establishment for
assets in possession of the
company and needed for the
business activities of the
company.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

16 – 2. Where can I get information about the IT industry?

 Basic information about Korea’s IT industry can be found at the Korea Association of
Information & Telecommunication’s Internet site – www.kait.or.kr. If additional information is
required, just refer to the listed contact points.

 For more detailed information on specific issues and topics related to the IT sector such as
analyses of government policies or market developments, refer to the homepage of the
Korea Information Strategy Development Institute at www.kisdi.re.kr. This institute regularly
publishes research reports, white papers and detailed information about Korea’s IT industry
in English.

16 – 6. What does it cost to obtain permission to open a key

communications business?

 There are two kinds of payment. The first is a one-off payment at the time of obtaining the
permission for key industries, and another is an annual payment after business
commencement. The annual payment is a fixed amount in correlation to the annual sales
amount.

1. One-off payment
- Only the companies in the wireless sector providing communications service through the
allocation of frequency follow the laws of radio waves.

2. Annual payment
- Businesses with a sales amount of over KRW30 billion with profit in the previous year after
launching the business are subject to payment.
- The amount of payment is 0.5% of the sales amount of the previous year (0.75% for
businesses that fall under Art. 34 of the Business Act).
- The amount of payment for the present year is within the range of the net income of the
previous year.

16 – 7. How much investment can a foreigner make in the IT sector?

 People falling into the following categories cannot possess more than 49% of total issued
shares of the key communications companies:
- Foreign nationals or foreign governments;
- A company of which a foreign national or government is in possession of more than 15% of
the total issued stocks and is the major stockholder.

 A foreign national cannot become the majority shareholder of Korea Telecom.

- However, it is only possible when possessing less than 5% of shares.

16 – 12. Is it possible to sell foreign telephone cards in Korea? If so,

then what is the procedure?

 A foreign communications business can register as a special communications business. Or,

it can conclude a contract with a key communications business or a special
communications business in Korea and obtain approval from the Minister of Information
and Communication to sell the telephone cards in Korea.

FREE TRADE ZONES

17 – 1. What is the concept of a Free Trade Zone (FTZ)?

 A Free Trade Zone (hereafter FTZ) is a zone for free manufacturing, logistics and
distribution receiving benefits and incentives pursuant to relevant laws such as the
Customs Act, and Foreign Trade Act. An FTZ is an area as defined in the Act on the
Designation of Free Trade Zones. It is a new version of integrating the existing “Free Trade
Zone”, which was focused on the manufacturing sector and the “Customs Free Zone,”
focused on logistics.

 The FTZs enjoy free customs clearance and exemption from customs and taxes.
Furthermore, the carrying in and out of freight as well as simple manufacturing processes
can be freely undertaken.
 Flow Chart

 The foreign-invested companies in the FTZ, which are in the high-technology, industry-
supporting sector, manufacturing companies with an investment of more than US$10
million, as well as companies in logistics with foreign investment of more than US$5 million,
enjoy extensive tax benefits, cheap leases and other incentives when moving into the area.

 The FTZs eligible for the benefits are the ones in Masan, Gunsan, Iksan, Daebul, Busan
harbor, Gwangyang harbor, and parts of the Incheon harbor

17 – 2. What are the benefits for foreign-invested companies in the FTZs?

 Reduction of direct taxation

- For foreign-invested companies in the high-technology and industry-supporting sector;
- For foreign-invested companies in the manufacturing sector with a foreign investment of
over US$10 million;
- For foreign-invested companies in the logistics sector with a foreign investment of over US$
5 million.

 For national tax (corporate tax and income tax) and local tax (acquisition tax, registration
 tax, comprehensive land tax): 100% exemption for three years, 50% reduction for two
years.

 Indirect taxes
- Customs for foreign goods carried in and out of the FTZ are reserved;
- Zero percent value-added tax is applied to internal trade (within the companies in the FTZ)
and for Korean goods carried into the FTZ;
- Reservation for the following taxes: temporary import surtax, liquor tax, special excise tax,
traffic tax, special tax for rural development, education tax.

 Excluded are exemption for traffic violations and the application of the Act on the Honorable
Treatment of Persons of Distinguished Services to Independence.

 Incentives for lease

- Exceptionally cheap lease price expected (one-fifth of the lease price in other regions);
- Maximum 100% reduction of lease for foreign-invested companies;
- Up to 50 years lease possible for national and public land and permission to construct
permanent facilities.

 Facilitated notification procedure for the logistics of various value-added, such as the use
and consumption of foreign goods as well as the moving and transfer of goods between the
companies within the FTZ.

17 – 3. What is the procedure for locating a factory or offices in an FTZ?

 In order to open a business or factory in an FTZ, it is necessary to obtain permission from

the competent authorities;
- In case of a manufacturing company, an application for permission to enter an FTZ has to
be submitted together with the business plan and the FDI notification;
- For other companies, an additional document verifying that it has received permission, the
approval, certificate or registration has to be submitted in addition to the other documents. If
it is a new foreign investment, the relevant permission, approval, certificate or registration
has to be obtained within six months from the date of FDI notification.
17 – 4. What is the procedure for carrying foreign products in and out of
an FTZ?

 The company in the FTZ has to notify the tax officer about the following goods to carry in
and out of the FTZ:
- Machinery, tools, appliances and equipment as well as their parts;
- Raw material, lubricant, computers for office use and construction material;
- Other goods needed for business activities, which are accepted and designated by the
Customs House.

 Import notification needs to be made and customs have to be paid for the following cases
pursuant to Art. 241 of the Customs Act:
- If the company in the FTZ carries in foreign goods, which are not included in the above list
for notification;
- If another company / person besides the company in the FTZ wants to carry foreign goods
into the FTZ.

17 – 5. What is the procedure for carrying goods out of the FTZ?

 If foreign goods are carried out destined for overseas, then a notification has to be made to
the customs bureau. If only goods (not foreign goods) are to be carried out, then an export
notification has to be made.
 If goods are manufactured or produced in the FTZ by using foreign goods (whole or part of
it), and foreign goods in their original form are carried into the customs area (Korea), then it
is necessary to make an import notification and pay customs duty.

17 – 6. Are there any special matters regarding the customs clearance into
the FTZ such as restrictions when importing new products vs. used
goods?
 There are no special restrictions regarding the import of new and used goods, but certain
conditions have to be met for specific goods in order to pass the customs (for example,
certain certificates for automobiles, or certain examination or formal approval for
construction equipment)
 The goods carried into the FTZ are not subject to the conditions of the comprehensive
notification, but the goods listed below are restricted entry:
- Goods with negative impacts on people’s health and environmental preservation;
- Waste,such as industrial waste;
- Weapons and other illegal weaponry, drugs and narcotics;
- Products that infringe trademark and intellectual property rights.

17 – 7. What is the difference between a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and a Free
Economic Zone (FEZ)?

 Both types are similar in that they are designated to boost foreign investment. Companies
can receive dual benefits and support by choosing the kinds of benefits that best suit their
needs, which is more advantageous to the company.
 FEZs are a special administrative area designated to support foreign-invested companies
by accommodating not only the facilities of logistics, manufacturing and service industries
but also housing, schools and hospitals for foreign investors. It provides exemption from
taxes, rents, customs duty and VAT to improve the living conditions of foreigners.
 FTZs are in turn a special industrial area, especially designated to allow the smooth flow of
international logistics, promote trade and attract foreign investment by exempting not only
rent and taxes, but also customs duty and VAT.

<Comparison of Free Trade Zones and Free Economic Zones>

Category Free Trade Zones Free Economic Zones

Relevant Act - Act on Designation and - Act on Designation and

Management of Free Management of Free
Trade Zones Economic Zones
Purpose - Promotion of foreign - Improvement of business
investment, trade and environment & living
international logistics conditions of foreign
investors

Competent Authorities - Industrial complex: - Free Economic Zone

Ministry of Commerce, Authorities in Cities and
Industry and Energy Provinces
(MOCIE)
- Port and hinterland:
Ministry of Maritime
Affairs & Fisheries
(MOMAF)
- Airport and hinterland:
Ministry of Construction &
Transportation (MOCT)

Criteria - Regular shipping routes - Regular shipping routes

that can handle more than for container ships
10 million containers a - A capacity to process
year more than 10 million tons
- A port for container ships of cargo
larger than 30,000 tons - A port for container ships
2
- More than 500,000 m of larger than 20,000 tons
port area and hinterland
Eligible Industries - Logistics & manufacturing - Logistics & manufacturing
businesses businesses, foreign
schools, and hospitals
exclusively for foreigners

- No customs - Limited exemption from

Tax Benefits - 0% VAT customs duty on capital
goods for three years
- Payment of VAT

Rent of national or public land - Basic rate: as notified - Basic rate:

- Period of rent: max. 50 Asset value X 10/1000
years - Period of rent: max. 50
years

17 – 8. How long does it take for customs clearance to bring good into an
FTZ?

 Normally, it takes about one and a half hours in average for general goods after the import
notification.
 Around 1% of the goods are subject to inspection. Goods not requiring inspection are
processed immediately, whereas goods needing inspection take a little bit longer. However,
they are processed within the same day.
17 – 9. What is the procedure for notification regarding the logistics of
various value-added, such as moving and transfer of goods between the
companies in the FTZ, use and consumption of foreign goods?

 The moving and transfer of goods between companies within the FTZ are handled through
the notification and records in the account books of the companies (via e-mail).
 There is no need for a separate process regarding the use and consumption of foreign
goods. They are notified to the Customs House via e-mail through import notification when
carrying them into the FTZ.

17 – 10. What approval or permission needs to be obtained from relevant

institutions when constructing new logistics storage within an FTZ?

 Approval and permission (from the mayor or governor of the city, county or province
- Permission for construction
- Approval for using the building

 Notification (to the mayor or governor of the city, “gun” or “gu”)

- Notification of groundbreaking
- Approval for using the building

17 – 11. Are other employment standards applied in an FTZ compared to

other areas?

 Foreign-invested companies in an FTZ are excluded from the following regulations, which
have to be obeyed by companies located in other areas (Art. 3 of the Act on Free Trade
Zones):
- A certain level of elderly people have to be employed (Art. 12 of the Employment Promotion
for the Aged Act);
- If people with distinguished services to the state or their families apply for employment,
additional points and privilege must be given to them (Art. 31 of the Act on the Honorable
Treatment and Support of Persons of Distinguished Services to the State);
- If a person has contributed or sacrificed in relation to the 5.18 democratization movement
and family of the person apply for employment, additional points and privilege must be
given (Art. 22 of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of Persons of Distinguished Services
to the Gwangju Democratization Movement);
- Employment must be guaranteed to those who have sacrificed for the state with a special
duty and for their families (Art. 21 of the Act on the Support of Persons Executing a Special
Duty);
- A certain level of disabled people must be employed for companies with a certain number of
employees (Art. 24 of the Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation of Disabled
Persons Act);
- In order to preserve the stability of business for small-medium enterprises, the participation
of conglomerates in specific sectors shall be restricted and instead assigned to small-
medium companies (Art. 4 and 12 of the Act on the Protection of the Business Sphere of
Small and Medium Enterprises and Promotion of Their Cooperation).

17 – 12. Are the benefits that Korean companies in FTZ receive different
from the benefits for foreign-invested companies?

 The hinterland of harbors is designated as an FTZ and both Korean and foreign-invested
companies are eligible to enter the FTZ. However, there are mainly three broad differences
concerning the benefits provided to the companies as stipulated in amendments of the Act
on Free Trade Zones:
- First of all, if not all the applications can be accepted, the foreign-invested companies will be
given priority.
- Secondly, Korean companies and foreign-invested companies will be offered very low
rentals within the FTZ. However, the amendment of the Act on Free Trade Zones stipulates
that foreign-invested companies fulfilling certain conditions will be provided with additional
reductions to the already low rentals.
- Thirdly, Korean companies and foreign-invested companies enjoy an exemption from
indirect taxes such as custom duty and value-added tax. However, incentives for direct
taxes such as corporate tax will be given only to foreign-invested companies investing more
than US$5 million (for logistics sector), which is a 100% reduction for three years and 40%
reduction for the following two years.
17 – 13. Is it easy to enter an FTZ in a harbor area regardless of whether
the company is in the logistics sector or manufacturing sector? Or is
there any discrimination during the selection process?

 The hinterland of harbors which are designated as FTZs are close to piers for international
freight ships. Therefore, it is more preferable and convenient for international logistics
companies linked to the harbors, or else companies producing and assembling products to
be re-exported, to move into the FTZ.
 Accordingly, the focus is more on international logistics companies in the case of the
40,000 pyung hinterland of the Busan harbor and the Busan new harbor area. The Busan
harbor hinterland has a well-developed service industry related to harbors and is close to
the piers, and the Busan new harbor hinterland has an already well-developed industrial
complex. Attracting manufacturing companies is limited to an extent, as they do not pose a
problem to the harbor and its role of a logistics hub.
 The hinterland of the Gwangyang harbor is a large international harbor, but nearby
industrial complexes are not yet sufficiently developed. Gwangyang harbor plans to also
attract manufacturing companies for export and expand the area into a compound
production and logistics hub.