Register Company in South Korea 2026

• Tetra Consultants will learn more about the company you wish to set up: intended business activities, capital as well as nationalities of directors and shareholders. Based on this information, we will recommend the most suitable type of business entity and whether any licenses are required to legally conduct business in South Korea. Some of these business entities are: 
  • Limited Liability Company (Yuhan Hoesa)  
  • Joint Stock Company (Chusik Hoesa)  
  • Partnerships  
  • Branch Office  
  • Representative Office 

• During the initial planning stage, our team of lawyers and incorporation specialists will first determine the most suitable market entry structure, such as establishing a subsidiary, branch office, or liaison office. Subsidiaries in South Korea are generally incorporated under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA), while branch offices and liaison offices are regulated under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act (FETA). If a subsidiary structure is selected, Tetra Consultants will then advise on the most appropriate legal entity type, such as a Limited Liability Company (Yuhan Hoesa) or a Joint Stock Company (Chusik Hoesa). 

• Tetra Consultants will ensure all the due diligence documents from the directors and shareholders have been received. Foreign investors can use a virtual office or a serviced office for initial company registration in South Korea. However, most of the Korean banks may need a physical lease agreement during the corporate bank account opening stage. Tetra Consultants’ lawyers and incorporation specialists will help our clients select a compliant business address that is best for both incorporation and banking requirements.  

• Tetra Consultants will then check for the availability of the preferred company name and reserve the same. Under the Korean company law, the legal company name should be registered with the Korean characters Hangeul (한글) requirement and should include the correct legal suffix like the 유한회사 (Yuhan Hoesa) for a limited liability company or 주식회사 (Chusik Hoesa) for a joint stock company.  

• For companies that are structured as Joint Stock Companies (JSC), Korean corporate law may need the appointment of a Statutory Auditor (Gamsa), once specific revenue or asset thresholds are reached. Tetra Consultants lawyers and incorporation specialists will advise on corporate governance requirements during the incorporation process.  

• Our team of experts will begin preparing all the relevant documents including the Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Association, and more. We will then proceed to submit all the relevant documents, on your behalf, for the company formation with the Supreme Court’s Internet Registry Office. 

• After Tetra Consultants has set up your South Korean company, you can expect to receive the documents of your new company including the South Korea business registration certificate, memorandum & articles of association as well as a register of directors and shareholders. These documents will include South Korea company registration number, which you will require for conducting business in the country and in opening a corporate bank account. 

• These documents will be in Korean. If you wish, Tetra Consultants will provide you with the translated versions in your preferred language. 

• Tetra Consultants will assist you in registering your business and receiving a tax identification number with the National Tax Service (NTS). Businesses that are operating in South Korea should also adhere to Value Added Tax (VAT) obligations. VAT filings are usually needed quarterly that is April, July, October, and January. Foreign-invested companies may also be eligible for tax incentives under the Restriction of Special Taxation Act depending on the nature of the investment. 

• Tetra Consultants team of tax specialists will help you fulfil your tax obligations.  

• Tetra Consultants will proceed to open a corporate bank account for your newly incorporated company. Corporate financial institutions in South Korea operate under the supervision of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). 

• We will take advantage of our existing banking network to help you open a bank account with a local or international reputable bank. 

• To know more about how to open a bank account in South Korea, refer to this webpage. 

• Once company formation is complete, Tetra Consultants will continue to support you in staying compliant with the laws of the government. 

• Our team of accounting and tax specialists will provide assistance in every way you require – preparing financial statements, filing annual returns, and more. 

• Additionally, employers in South Korea should also register their employees under the Four Major Social Insurances, such as: 
  • National Pension 
  • National Health Insurance 
  • Employment Insurance 
  • Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance 

• For foreign investors who want to relocate and actively manage their business in Korea may apply for the D-8 Investor Visa, which is issued to individuals who establish a foreign-invested company under Korean investment regulations. This visa typically requires a minimum qualifying foreign investment and proof that the applicant is involved in the management of the company. After obtaining the visa and relocating to South Korea, the investor will usually be required to obtain a ARC (Alien Registration Card) for legal residency and identification purposes. 

• If required, Tetra Consultants will guide clients through the investor visa application process after the company has been successfully incorporated and the foreign investment has been registered. 

• Lastly, foreign entrepreneurs who want to test the South Korean market before establishing a full legal entity can consider using an Employer of Record (EOR) model. An EOR model enables companies to legally hire employees in South Korea without establishing a subsidiary or a branch office. This approach is beneficial for companies that are planning to enter the market but are not fully ready to commit to the minimum capital investment usually needed for company incorporation. Our lawyers and incorporation specialists will advise clients whether direct company incorporation or an EOR structure is more suitable based on hiring plans and operational requirements.   

Timeline to register company in South Korea in 2026

• Company registration in South Korea- 2 weeks  

• Corporate bank account opening- 4 weeks 

• Overall estimated timeline- 6 weeks 

Cost to register company in South Korea in 2026

• Depending on type of business entity, share capital and services required, Tetra Consultants’ fees range from US$3,000 to US$15,000. The final fee to register company in South Korea will be based on multiple factors this includes the type of legal entity, paid-up capital, office requirements, and whether additional licenses are needed for the intended business activities.  

• At Tetra Consultants we follow a transparent fee policy, ensuring that all our clients are fully informed about all government fees, professional service charges, and third-party costs before the engagement begins. During initial consultation, our team will send you a detailed fees breakdown, so you know exactly what services you are paying for. 

Find out more!

• Tetra Consultants works as your advisor and trusted partner in your business expansion and South Korea company incorporation. With our own team of lawyers, incorporation specialists, compliance team, and accountants, we tell our clients what they need to know, instead of what they want to hear. Most importantly, we are known for being a one-stop solution for our valued clients.   
• Contact us to find out more about how to do business in Korea. Our team of experts will revert within the next 24 hours. 

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