1. Visa Overview
The D-9-2 (Industrial Facility) visa is issued to foreign technicians dispatched or invited to a company that imports industrial equipment (machinery) to provide the technology needed to install, operate, and maintain that equipment. It falls under the D-9 (Trade and Management) category and is designed for technicians who follow the equipment they install.
2. Eligibility
- ✓Employee of an overseas equipment exporter
- ✓Dispatched to Korea for equipment installation, repair, or technical service
- ✓Equipment export or technical service contract exists between the parties
- ✓Dispatch order (head-office issued) or proof of dispatch/invitation
- ✓Inviting company has a business registration and annual tax payment certificate
3. Required Documents
| # | Document | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form (Annex 34) | Immigration |
| 2 | Valid passport | Personal |
| 3 | Equipment import contract or proof of industrial equipment introduction | Exporter + Korean company |
| 4 | Dispatch order | Overseas company |
| 5 | Inviting company business registration copy or corporate registry | Technician |
| 6 | Annual tax payment certificate (inviting company) | Korean company |
| 7 | Standard-specification photo | Bank / employer |
| 8 | Application fee | Immigration |
4. Application Process
STEP 1 — Document Preparation
Collect the equipment import contract, dispatch order, inviting company's business registration, tax payment certificate, and other required documents
STEP 2 — Apply for Visa Issuance Authorization
Korean company applies to the relevant immigration office (processing time varies by Immigration Office)
STEP 3 — Apply at Korean Embassy Abroad
After authorization is issued, apply for D-9-2 visa at a Korean embassy or consulate abroad (confirm which mission accepts the application with that mission)
STEP 4 — Entry & Alien Registration
Apply for alien registration within 90 days of entering Korea
5. D-9-2 vs D-8
| Aspect | D-9-2 (Industrial Facility) | D-8 (Corporate Investment) |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Equipment installation technician | Foreign investor establishing/running a company |
| Purpose | Technical service for equipment | Direct business operation in Korea |
| Investment | Equipment export evidence | Foreign capital investment |
| Duration | Contract period (single-entry visa of up to 1 year) | Varies by sub-category (D-8-1/D-8-3 up to 5 years, D-8-2/D-8-4 up to 2 years per grant) |