Understanding Company Registration in South Korea

Register a company in South Korea with minimal capital (no fixed capital mandate) and a virtual office address, and enter the business community of the 13th-largest economy in the world, with the best industries in financial services, tourism, semiconductors, automotive, and electronics & maritime manufacturing. Company registration in South Korea is a charm with Enterslice.

The corporate income tax rate is just 9 percent. There are more than seven free zones and an easy remote setup process. You can relax while Enterslice handles all the tedious paperwork. Join over 500 entrepreneurs who have trusted us for online company registration in South Korea.

Let Enterslice file your application and draft incorporation documents. We will register an official business address and handle your legal paperwork. Enroll for taxes and open a corporate bank account with our help.

Get Cash Grants & Tariff/Tax Exemptions

Business-Friendly Environment

Advanced Tech Infrastructure

No Need to Visit the Country-Online Setup

Investment Benefits in Free Zones

3rd Best Tech Cluster

Strategic Location

100% Foreign Ownership

7 Active Free Trade Zones

Enterslice Makes Company Registration in South Korea Easy and Effortless

Enter into a market with high-tech infrastructure via online company registration in South Korea and enjoy fewer taxes and custom duties in free trade zones via Enterslice’s expert assistance.

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Types of Structures for Online Company Registration in South Korea

The types of structures for online company registration in South Korea are as follows:

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Private Limited Company (Yuhan Hoesa)

Mostly recommended for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs who provide limited liability to their directors, promoters, or shareholders. You can appoint at least 1 director and shareholder to register this setup. The maximum members are restricted to 50.

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Joint Stock Company (Jusik Hoesa)

Also known as a public limited company, this structure is recommended for large corporations. A joint stock company can raise funds from the public. As a public company, you’ll need to submit more declarations and compliance compared to a private LLC.

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Branch Office (Jijeom)

This business structure is not a legal entity. It is a mere extension of a foreign parent corporation in South Korea. The parent organization controls its governance and liabilities. A branch office is also liable to pay taxes just like any other legal entity in South Korea.

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Liaison Office (Yeonrak Samuso)

It is also known as a representation office, which is merely used for promotional and marketing purposes. It cannot engage in any type of profitable economic activity. Similarly, no taxes are levied on such a company structure for online company registration in South Korea.

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Partnership Firm (Hapmyeong Hoesa)

This is a type of business structure that is not a legal entity. It is formed with at least two members, who are partners, sharing equal profits and losses. The partners are personally held liable against any type of debt against the firm.

Comparison of Various Structures for South Korea Company Formation

Check out the table to understand the key differences in the various business structure types for South Korea company formation:

Type Liability Control Management
Private Limited 100% At least one director. Local representation only required for registration.
Public Limited 100% At least three directors (one of whom must be a South Korean National).
Branch Parent Company is liable Parent company One local representative
Representation Parent corporation is liable Parent corporation One local agent

How to Register a Company in South Korea with Enterslice?

Scroll down and find out how to register a company in South Korea with Enterslice:

Select a Business Structure

Provide basic details about your business activity and fund availability, and accordingly, our associates will help you select a suitable company structure. Most recommended for startups and new ventures is a private limited company.

Draft a Business Plan

Our business analysts will draft a business plan, which will include an executive summary, incorporation details, company description, organizational structure, financial projections, market research analysis, and a list of products/services.

Reserve the Company Name

Once we’ve prepared your business plan, we’ll move ahead with your company’s name reservation with the “Online Corporate Registry”. The name must be available before the reservation.

Registration of the Office Address

Depending on your instructions, we’ll register a business address for you, namely a physical space or a virtual office address, like a flexi desk. A physical address requires a lease or rental agreement, whereas a remote office requires a virtual address agreement. Our lawyers will draft the same on your behalf.

Preparation of Incorporation Documents

We’ll draft a memorandum of association and articles of association. Our team will gather mandatory documents, including ID proofs of all directors & shareholders, an agreement for office, proof of capital deposit, identification of local representative, and a power of attorney (POA).

Application Filing

We’ll file the application and documents with the Korean Commercial Registry Office through your appointed local representative. The application requires a Korean Digital Signature, so only a local agent can complete the process on your behalf.

KOTRA Foreign Investment Registration

If you’ve foreign investment, then an investment report will be submitted to the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency.

Examination & Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation

The authority will examine the documents and applications to verify your details. If satisfied, they’ll issue the certificate of incorporation, granting you the status of a legal existence in South Korea.

Obtain Business and Tax Registration Certificate

Once we’ve obtained the incorporation documents, we’ll assist you in obtaining the business registration certificate and tax enrollment certification from the National Tax Service.

Acquire Business Licenses

Based on your type of economic activity, we’ll apply for various licenses and permits on your behalf after the company registration in South Korea.

Corporate Bank Account Opening

Based on your business's capital needs, we’ll help you set up a company bank account. Commonly opened bank accounts include current and merchant accounts. Your local agent will visit the bank’s office in person, if required.

Schedule a call with our South Korea business setup expert and enjoy a smooth process.

What is the Timeline for Company Formation in South Korea?

The timeline for company formation in South Korea is as follows:

Business Plan Drafting: 5 to 7 Days

Draft a business plan to demonstrate your goals and long-term objectives after online company registration in South Korea.

Name Reservation: 1 Day

Reserve the company name with the Supreme Court’s Corporate Registry Portal.

Official Company Address Registration: 1- 2 Days

Register a business office address. If you register a virtual address, then it’ll only take a day, whereas a lease will get registered in at least 2 to 3 days, depending on agreement preparation and deed certification.

Legal Documentation: 2 to 3 Days

Gather and prepare documents like MOA, AOA, power of attorneys, capital deposit receipt, and ID proofs through a notary or lawyer.

Foreign Investment: 2 to 5 Days (If Applicable)

If you’re applying for company registration in South Korea under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA), then you’ll need to submit the report to the Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.

Application Filing: 1 Day

The local agent will submit the documents in person or through the Startbiz portal to the Commercial Registry (District/Local Court) on your behalf using their Korean digital signature.

Examination & Registration: 3 to 5 Days

Once the registry examines your application and documents, it will issue the incorporation certificate.

Obtain Company Seal: 1 Day

Acquire the company seal from the Commercial Registry (District/local court), as required for entering into contracts after company registration in South Korea.

Tax and Business Registration: 1 to 3 Days

Register for taxes and obtain the business registration via the National Tax Service (NTS).

Corporate Bank Account Opening: 1 to 7 days

Open a company bank account to start your business operations after the conclusion of company formation in South Korea.

What are the Mandatory Documents for Company Registration in South Korea?

The documents required for company registration in South Korea are as follows:

Completed Application Form

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Articles of Association (AOA)

A Copy of Registered Office Address

Name and ID Proofs of all Directors & Shareholders

A Well Drafted Business Plan

Partnership Deed (If Applicable as Per Structure)

A certificate of the Bank Confirming Deposit

A Notarized Copy of the Power of Attorney (POA)

Name Reservation Certificate

Key Points for Foreigners Seeking Company Registration in South Korea

Foreigners like you who are seeking company registration in South Korea can own 100% complete ownership of their establishment. There’s no minimum capital requirement if you’re opting for a virtual business setup- no physical setup or plan to reside in the country, provided you hire a local representative/director.

However, if you wish to benefit from investment benefits or move to South Korean, then you’ll have to invest at least USD 70,000 in accordance with the Foreign Investment Promotion Law (FIPL).

Accordingly, we’ll help you obtain the D-8 visa, local representation, or raise capital, as per your business needs. Contact Enterslice today and get the start of your business journey from anywhere in the world- 24/7 client support available via our South Korea company formation services.

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9% Corporate Tax- Lowest

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No Office Required- Remote Setup

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Raise Capital for Funding

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Seamless Bank Account Opening

What are the Benefits of Company Registration in South Korea?

The benefits of company registration in South Korea include complete foreign ownership, tax benefits, fewer tariffs, and a business-friendly environment.

100% Ownership

There’s no bar or restriction on foreigners like you who want to register a company in South Korea. You can completely own your business without any intervention in most sectors.

Low Taxes

The tax rate is 9 per cent for companies with an annual turnover of USD 138,000, reducing the tax burden for new startups after company formation in South Korea.

Free Trade Zones

You can enjoy low taxes and fewer customs duties if you’re operating in any of the seven active free trade zones (FTZs) after online company registration in South Korea.

Tax Benefits

As a company owner, you can avail tax exemptions and deductions under the investor scheme, especially in the free zones. Less tax liability means more revenue and profit, which can be used for business expansion.

Stable Economy

After online company registration in South Korea, you can enjoy a stable economy with a high-tech infrastructure.

Government Incentives

The government provides subsidies and financial support to companies engaged in AI, tech, IT, and R&D business activities.

No Mandate for Travel- Online Process

The entire process is remote, meaning you don’t have to visit any government offices to register a company in South Korea. Your local representative will handle everything on your behalf.

Criteria for Company Registration in South Korea

The criteria for company registration in South Korea include company name, directors & shareholders, business address, document preparation, local representation, and incorporation papers. Some primary requirements are as follows:

  • A well-developed business plan, demonstrating goals, capital sources, company structure, organizational hierarchy, risk-management system, and compliance policies.
  • Appoint a local representative or agent to complete your setup process virtually.
  • A minimum of one director, who can be a foreign national for private limited company registration.
  • At least one shareholder, who can be both a natural or artificial person.
  • At least three directors, one of whom must be a local Korean national if you’re opening a joint stock company (listed).
  • Register a business address, which can be a physical or virtual office, depending on your business and capital requirements.
  • Reserve a company name as per South Korean laws and public order through the Supreme Court online registry.
  • Prepare documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).
  • Deposit USD 70,000 if you’re seeking investor benefits and a physical office as per the Foreign Investment Promotion Law (FIPL).

Corporate Tax Rates Applicable for Company Formation in South Korea

Given below are the corporate tax rates applicable for company formation in South Korea-

  • A well-developed business plan, demonstrating goals, capital sources, company structure, organizational hierarchy, risk-management system, and compliance policies.
  • 9% on taxable income up to KRW 200 million
  • 19% on taxable income over KRW 200 million up to KRW 20 billion
  • 21% on taxable income over KRW 20 billion up to KRW 300 billion
  • 24% on taxable income over KRW 300 billion

Business Opportunities for Company Formation in South Korea

Some promising business opportunities for company formation in South Korea include the following:

Which are the Top Industries to Register a Company in South Korea?

  • AI and Tech
  • Manufacturing
  • Export
  • E-commerce
  • Research and Development
  • Financial Services
  • Entertainment
  • Maritime Logistics
  • Green Energy
  • Automotive
  • Tourism
  • Biotech and Pharmaceutical

Top Businesses for Company Registration in South Korea

  • AI-Powered Software Solutions
  • Semiconductor and Consumer Electronics Manufacturing
  • Machinery, Vehicle & Integrated Circuits Exports
  • Online Marketplaces and Streaming Platforms
  • Tech and Market R&D Companies
  • Fintech and Asset-Management Institutes
  • Web Series and Movie Studios
  • Hydrogen and E-Vehicle Manufacturing Plants
  • Travel Agencies and Hotel Bookings
  • AI-Powered Biotech Development Startups & Medical Equipment

Compliance After Company Registration in South Korea

The compliance after company registration in South Korea includes annual return filings, tax reporting, general meetings, and policy updates. Our experts and consultants will assist you with the following compliance practices are as follows:

  • Enroll your employees in the National Pension and Health Insurance.
  • Deposit the paid-up capital in the corporate bank account to manage the finances and expenses of the company.
  • Draft lease or rental agreements for the registered business address.
  • Hold and record minutes of annual general meetings (AGM).
  • File annual financial statements and return report within two weeks after the annual general meeting to the Supreme Court Registry Office of the Commercial Registry.
  • Submit annual tax returns to the National Tax Services (NTS) within the last three months after the end of the relevant financial year.
  • File Value Added Tax (VAT), both preliminary and final, to the NTS as per approved deadlines.
  • Submit annual reports (if publicly listed) within three months after the end of the financial year to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) via the DART portal.
  • Manage corporate seals to prevent unauthorized access and transactions.
  • Register any Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), such as trademarks or copyrights.

Why Trust Enterslice for South Korea Company Formation Services?

Enterslice has proved its mettle in the space of international business consulting and compliance management. Given below are the reasons why Enterslice is the first choice for South Korea company formation services-

  • Expert guidance on business structures through a 30-minute free consultation
  • Complete end-to-end support from application filing to final registration
  • Network of 200+ lawyers with strong knowledge in South Korean laws
  • Compliance support for 1 year – filing made easy, error-free, and stress-free
  • Drafting of business plan
  • Risk management and liquidity-risk policy drafting by experienced professionals
  • Annual filing with deadlines – avoid penalties
  • Full support in corporate bank account opening with leading banks in South Korea
  • No hidden charges – 100% transparent pricing packages
  • Payroll and tax filings
  • Best internal governance
  • Individual case manager for streamlined and simplified process

FAQs on Company Formation in South Korea

Yes, foreigners can absolutely start a business in South Korea, provided they require a local representative to complete all the administrative formalities on their behalf.

The criteria for online company registration in South Korea include:

  • A power of attorney (POA)
  • Incorporation documents, such as the company charter and bylaws agreement
  • Passport copy and address proof for the applicant
  • ID proof of the local representative
  • A well-drafted business plan
  • Name reservation certificate
  • A distinct company seal
  • At least one director and one shareholder

The various types of company structures include limited liability company, joint stock company, partnership, branch office, and representative office.

There are more than seven free trade zones, including Incheon, Busan-Jinhae, Gyeonggi, Gwangyang Bay, Chungbuk, East Coast, and Daegu-Gyeongbuk.

You can carry out the following business activities:

  • AI and tech startups
  • Food delivery and restaurants
  • Fintech companies and investment businesses
  • Real estate agencies and business-management services
  • Travel agencies and online booking apps

Check out the key reasons to apply for online company registration in South Korea:

  • Government support
  • Business-friendly community
  • Advanced infrastructure
  • Low corporate income tax slabs
  • Stable economy
  • Simplified registration process with flexible remote office options
  • Access to free trade zones

The various company tax slabs are as follows:

  • 9% on taxable income up to KRW 200 million
  • 19% on taxable income over KRW 200 million up to KRW 20 billion
  • 21% on taxable income over KRW 20 billion up to KRW 300 billion
  • 24% on taxable income over KRW 300 billion

The initial registration takes around 10-14 days. However, the entire process takes around 2 to 4 weeks to conclude, starting from business plan drafting and application filing to business/tax registration and company bank account opening.

Follow the below-mentioned simple steps and understand how Enterslice will help you to open a bank account after South Korea company formation:

  • Draft a business plan
  • Select a bank
  • File the paperwork through your local representative
  • Give the interview
  • Obtain the account access and related benefits like debit/credit card, internet banking, locker facility, and investment schemes

No, there’s no minimum paid-up or share capital mandate if you’re applying for most business structures. However, if you’re seeking a D-8 investment visa or tax benefits as a foreign investor, then you’ll have to deposit at least USD 70,000.

Yes, you can easily register a company in South Korea from anywhere by registering a virtual company address. However, as a foreign applicant, you require a local representative who will help you register your business through their digital signature and open a bank account.

A private limited company is the best company structure for foreigners seeking to enter the 13th largest economy, especially for mid-size startups, because there’s no minimum capital requirement and fewer compliance declarations.

Yes, before you start the process of company registration in South Africa, you must search and reserve a business name with the Supreme Court’s online registry system to ensure nobody else applies for the same.

A local representative can help you complete your administrative formalities for online company registration in South Korea, whereas a local director is involved in the management of the company, which is required for a publicly listed company with foreign investment.

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