Startup Korea Special Visa: How to Get a Recommendation

This announcement is about applying for a recommendation letter for the “Startup Korea Special Visa.” This visa is specifically designed for non-Korean nationals who aspire to establish and operate a startup in Korea. The application process is currently open and accepting submissions on a rolling basis until December 30, 2026. This initiative by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups is crucial for foreign founders seeking to leverage Korea’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

The visa recommendation is issued following a thorough evaluation of the startup’s feasibility and innovativeness. This program aims to attract global talent and innovative businesses to contribute to Korea’s economic growth and technological advancement. Understanding the detailed eligibility and application process is key for prospective applicants.

Status as of 2026-10-09: Open

Key facts

Item	Detail
Program	[Startup Korea Special Visa] Announcement on Application for Recommendations for the “Startup Korea Special Visa”
Organizer	Minister of SMEs and Startups
Who can apply	Representative of a (prospective) startup who is not a Korean national. The (prospective) startup must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Support for Small and Medium Enterprise Establishment Act.
Foreigners eligible?	Yes, non-Korean nationals.
Application Deadline	2026-12-30 00:00 (KST)
Support / benefits	Issuance of “Startup Korea Special Visa” recommendation letter.
Official link	https://www.k-startup.go.kr/web/contents/bizpbanc-ongoing.do?schM=view&pbancSn=171419

Who can apply

This program targets non-Korean nationals who are representatives of a (prospective) startup. It is essential that your startup adheres to the eligibility criteria stipulated in the Support for Small and Medium Enterprise Establishment Act. The program is inclusive, welcoming representatives from startups associated with a broad spectrum of categories, including:

• Youth
• University students
• General public
• Universities
• Research institutions
• General companies
• One-person creative enterprises

Regarding your startup’s operational history, the program accommodates various stages of development:

• Prospective founder
• Less than 1 year old
• Less than 2 years old
• Less than 3 years old
• Less than 5 years old
• Less than 7 years old
• Less than 10 years old

Furthermore, applicants across all age groups are encouraged to apply, specifically those:

• Under 20 years old
• Between 20 and 39 years old
• 40 years old or older

What you get

Successful applicants will receive a recommendation letter for the “Startup Korea Special Visa.” This recommendation is pivotal as the visa itself is issued upon the endorsement of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS). The endorsement is granted after a rigorous evaluation process that assesses your startup’s feasibility and innovativeness. This support is designed to facilitate the entry and establishment of promising foreign-led startups in the Korean market.

How to apply (step by step)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the submission period closing on December 30, 2026, at 00:00 KST. To apply, follow these steps:

1. Prepare documents: Gather all necessary documents, which include:

• Recommendation application form
• Business plan
• A copy of your passport or alien registration certificate
• A copy of your corporate registration certificate or business registration certificate
• Co-representative verification document issued by the K-Scouter (if necessary)
• Consent to provision, use and collection of personal information

2. Submit online: Complete the online application form available at the official application link: https://airtable.com/appkd63wQDUOCZTXj/pagfG6KRvMhurBowl/form.

The evaluation process for recommendations involves several stages:

1. Review of requirements
2. Presentation evaluation
3. Judging committee review

For any questions regarding the application process or required documents, applicants are advised to contact the Global Startup Center directly.

FAQ

Can I apply for this recommendation from outside Korea?

The announcement specifies the program is for a representative of a (prospective) startup who is not a Korean national. However, it does not explicitly state whether applicants must be physically present in Korea to apply for the recommendation. For clarification on this specific requirement, please contact the Global Startup Center via email at startup.korea.visa@gmail.com or by phone at +82-2-3440-7346 during office hours (9am-6pm, Korean Time).

Do I need a specific visa status to apply for the recommendation?

The source texts do not specify if a particular visa status is required to apply for the recommendation letter itself. The program’s purpose is to provide a recommendation for the Startup Korea Special Visa. For precise information on any prerequisite visa status for the recommendation application, please consult the official contact channels provided: Global Startup Center at startup.korea.visa@gmail.com or +82-2-3440-7346.

Can international students in Korea apply?

Yes, the target audience for this program explicitly includes university students (대학생). Therefore, if you are an international student in Korea and meet the other eligibility criteria as a representative of a (prospective) startup, you are eligible to apply for this recommendation.

What is the contact information for inquiries?

For questions specifically about the application, you can reach the Global Startup Center:

• E-mail: startup.korea.visa@gmail.com
• Phone: +82-2-3440-7346 (Office Hour: 9am-6pm, Korean Time)

For other general questions, you may contact the KISED Global Expansion Team at now@kised.or.kr.

Sources

• [Startup Korea Special Visa] Announcement on Application for Recommendations for the “Startup Korea Special Visa”
• 창업진흥원 (Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development)
• K-Startup 창업지원포털 > 사업소개 > 2026년 창업지원사업 통합공고