Register Company in South Korea

Fionzqa Consultants specializes in facilitating seamless company registration in South Korea. Our comprehensive service package encompasses South Korea company formation, corporate bank account setup, and financial license application. Trust Fionza Consultants as your ultimate one-stop solution to kickstart your business activities in South Korea legally.

South Korea

Company Registration – 2 Weeks
Local Director? – No
Bank Account Opening – 4 Weeks
Travel Required – No

Register company in South Korea

Embark on a hassle-free journey to register your company in South Korea with Fionza Consultants. Entrust us with the process, freeing up your valuable time and resources for crucial business endeavors.

Benefit from our streamlined approach as our proficient team ensures a smooth experience throughout the entire company registration process in South Korea. Our commitment is to have your South Korean company operational within the designated timeframe.

Our comprehensive service package covers all aspects of setting up your business in South Korea, including:

Registering your company with the South Korea Registry of Companies.
Providing a local company secretary and a registered address.
Facilitating the opening of local or international corporate bank accounts.
Handling the application for a business license in Korea, if necessary.
Offering annual accounting and tax services.
Ensuring continuous compliance with local laws and regulations.

Count on Fionza Consultants for a results-driven approach to company registration in South Korea.

Can a foreigner register company in South Korea?

Explore the government-backed opportunity for foreign investors to seamlessly register a company in South Korea with the expert guidance of Fionza Consultants. Our services ensure strict compliance with government policies, offering valuable advice on the necessary steps for a smooth company registration process.

In alignment with government policies, businesses registered by foreigners can enjoy complete ownership. For instance, a South Korean Limited Liability Company is open for incorporation by foreigners with minimal requirements, including:

One director of any nationality.
One shareholder of any nationality.
A legal registered office address.

Complying with the Foreign Investment Promotion Law (FIPL), a capital investment of KRW 100 million (approximately USD $90,000) in the intended company is mandated. Additionally, entrepreneurs are required to apply for the D-8 form to secure an entrepreneur visa.

For those not intending to conduct business activities within the country, leveraging the fiscal benefits of establishing a business in a South Korean Free Zone is an option. This includes complete exemptions from income tax and tariffs on commodities within the designated zone. Further details on this option are provided in a later section. Rely on Fionza Consultants for a seamless and compliant entry into the South Korean business landscape.

How long does it take to register company in South Korea?

Experience a seamless foreign company registration in South Korea with Fionza Consultants, offering a hassle-free process. Upon receiving the necessary due diligence documents from directors and shareholders, our expert team initiates the process by reserving your preferred company name and preparing incorporation documents.

Fionza Consultants takes pride in conducting the entire South Korea company formation remotely, eliminating the need for owners and incorporators to be physically present in the country. Throughout the process, international travel is not required.

Anticipate the completion of the company registration process in South Korea within approximately 14 days of engagement. Following this, we promptly dispatch all necessary documents for your company registration in South Korea.

Within 4 weeks of successfully registering your company in Korea, Fionza Consultants will expedite the opening of a corporate bank account with a reputable local or international bank. As a result, your South Korea international business corporation will be fully operational, capable of issuing invoices within just 6 weeks from the commencement of your engagement with Fionza Consultants. Trust us for a swift and efficient entry into the South Korean business landscape.

How to register company in South Korea?

Step 1: Planning and Strategic Consultation Initiate your South Korean business journey with Fionza Consultants by sharing details about your intended business activities, capital, and the nationalities of directors and shareholders. Based on this information, we will recommend the most suitable business entity and advise on necessary licenses for legal business operations in South Korea.

Step 2: Pre-registration Requirements Ensure a smooth process by submitting all due diligence documents of directors and shareholders to Fionza Consultants.

Step 3: Reserve Preferred Company Name Fionza Consultants will verify the availability of your preferred company name and secure its reservation.

Step 4: Document Preparation and Submission Our expert team will prepare essential documents, including the Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Association. We’ll then submit these documents on your behalf for the company formation process.

Step 5: Post-registration Upon successful incorporation, Fionza Consultants will provide you with important documents such as the South Korea business registration certificate, memorandum & articles of association, and a register of directors and shareholders. These documents, in Korean, will feature your South Korea company registration number necessary for business operations and opening a corporate bank account. If desired, we can also provide translated versions.

Step 6: Tax Registration Fionza Consultants will guide you through the process of registering your business and obtaining a tax identification number.

Step 7: Opening a Bank Account Leverage our extensive banking network as Fionza Consultants facilitates the opening of a corporate bank account for your newly formed company, ensuring convenience with local or international reputable banks.

Step 8: Compliance with Laws Post-formation, Fionza Consultants remains your partner in compliance, offering ongoing support such as preparing financial statements, filing annual returns, and more.

Explore Fionza Consultants’ comprehensive guide for a step-by-step explanation of the entire company registration process in Korea.

What are the types of entity structures available to register company in South Korea?

Pre-Engagement Business Model Understanding

Before commencing our engagement, Fionza Consultants thoroughly comprehends your business model, considering crucial factors such as the nature of business activities, tax obligations, and potential personal liability. Based on these considerations, we recommend the most suitable business entity for your company registration in South Korea.

Limited Liability Company (Yuhan Hoesa)

The Limited Liability Company is a commonly chosen entity structure for foreign investors entering the South Korean business landscape. It’s a closely held company allowing up to 50 shareholders with limited liability, confined to their share capital. Notably, this structure is restricted from securitizing shares and issuing company bonds.

Joint Stock Company (Chusik Hoesa)

Foreign investors often opt for the Joint Stock Company to establish subsidiaries in South Korea. This is the only business entity in South Korea that publicly issues shares. Shareholders enjoy limited liability based on their initial capital investment, and stocks can be freely transferable with board approval. Annual shareholder meetings are mandatory, and a statutory auditor is appointed to oversee management and accounts.

Partnerships

Partnerships, including General (Hapmyeong Hoesa), Limited (Hapja Hoesa), and Limited Liability (Hapja Johap), involve two or more partners sharing profits and losses. General Partnership holds unlimited liability, while Limited Partnership and Limited Liability Partnership feature a mix of unlimited and limited liability. The latter is considered a separate legal entity, exempt from corporate taxes.

Branch Office

A branch office serves as an extension of the parent company, with the parent company assuming full accountability for all liabilities incurred by the South Korea branch. No restrictions on investment or ownership apply, but such entities may not benefit fully from government support or tax incentives.

Representative Office

Ideal for foreign investors not intending to conduct business in South Korea, a representative office is limited to non-commercial activities such as market research and marketing. While not fully exempt from registration and reporting requirements, it is a popular choice for those exploring the market before establishing a full-fledged business in South Korea.

South Korea Free Economic Zones:

Explore Strategic Business Opportunities in South Korea Free Economic Zones (FEZs)

Consider establishing your business in one of South Korea’s eight Free Economic Zones (FEZs) strategically located across the country, providing robust support services to businesses in high-tech and industrial sectors.

Qualifications for FEZ Entry: Your business must meet one of the following criteria:

Manufacturing Industry with over 30% of total sales generated from exporting.
Trading Industry – Import and Export.
Logistics Industry – Including warehousing, loading, and transportation services.
Businesses supporting other companies in the Free Zone with finance, data processing, and more.

Key Benefits of Operating in FEZs: In these zones, the South Korean government waives corporate and income taxes for both foreign and local businesses. Moreover, businesses are exempt from paying tariffs on foreign and locally traded commodities within the zone.

Explore the Free Economic Zones:

Incheon FEZ:
- Positioned as the business hub of Northeast Asia.
- Diverse industry focus with excellent connectivity to China.
Busan-Jinhae FEZ:
- Ideal for logistics firms with major global ports.
- Thriving in shipbuilding, auto, and machinery industries.
Gwangyang Bay Area FEZ:
- Strategically located on the Pacific Ocean’s main sea route.
- Strong infrastructure and industrial stability across multiple districts.
Yellow Sea FEZ:
- Located on the east coast of Gyeonggi-do.
- Divided into districts specializing in logistics and unmanned vehicles.
Daegu-Gyeongbuk FEZ:
- Focus on IT Convergence, Transportation Components, Green Energy, and Medical services.
- Home to various Research and Development institutions.
East Coast FEZ:
- Specializing in green materials, logistics, and tourism.
- Houses the largest non-ferrous metal cluster in the country.
Chungbuk FEZ:
- Central location allows access to inland markets in all directions.
- Prime zone for the aviation industry with a well-suited workforce.
Saemangeum-Gunsan FEZ:
- Focus on future-oriented new industries and tourism.
- Known as the Korea-China economic cooperation zone, offering tariff exemptions.

Expert Guidance: Our team of experts at Fionza Consultants will analyze your business needs and activities, providing tailored advice on the most suitable Free Economic Zone for your firm’s successful establishment and growth.

Is South Korea good for business?

Pros and Cons of Doing Business in South Korea: A Comprehensive Overview

South Korea, recognized as one of Asia’s Four Tigers with a strategic location between China and Japan, offers advantages and presents challenges for investors.

Advantages:

Strategic Location: Positioned between the two largest GDPs, China and Japan, making it advantageous for investors entering the Asian market.
Economic Development: As one of Asia’s most developed economies, South Korea boasts a diverse economic landscape, excelling in electronics, telecommunications, automobiles, machinery, ships, petrochemicals, and robotics.
Free Trade Zones: Eight Free Trade Zones provide a five-year exemption from corporate tax, encouraging business growth.
Global Presence: South Korea actively participates in global organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, OECD, G-20, APEC, and East Asia Summit.
Government Support: The 1998 Foreign Investment Promotion Act offers security, tax benefits, and cash benefits for foreign investors.
Skilled Workforce: High literacy rates, 80% of adults with a university education, and a reputation for the best national IQ, as per OECD.
Technological Innovation: Known for high-tech innovation and commercialization, with major players like Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Hyundai Motor.
Legal Ease: Globally ranked 5th for ease of doing business by the World Bank, thanks to minimal legal requirements.

Challenges:

High Labor Costs: Relatively high labor costs compared to some neighboring countries.
Tax Rates: Corporate tax at 22% on capital gains and a flat 19% on income.
Language Barrier: Most legal corporate documents are in Korean, requiring translation for activities like opening a corporate bank account outside South Korea.
Limited English Proficiency: Less than 20% of the workforce is fluent in English, potentially causing communication challenges.
Environmental Concerns: One of the largest carbon dioxide producers globally, ranked 60th on the Environmental Performance Index.
Cryptocurrency Regulation: Although comprehensive cryptocurrency laws have been enacted, their impact on businesses in the sector remains to be fully understood.

Conclusion: Before venturing into the South Korean business landscape, it’s crucial to weigh these advantages and challenges, ensuring a safe, legal, and goal-oriented establishment of your entity. Fionza Consultants can guide you through the intricacies, facilitating a smoother entry into the South Korean market.

Find out more!

FAQ

How can I verify a company in Korea?

In order to verify a company in Korea, you can search with the tax authority, using the South Korea company registration number. Alternatively, you can refer to the DART Korea website to verify the company.

Can a foreigner start a company in South Korea?

Yes, a foreigner can start a company in South Korea. However, there are certain requirements and procedures that need to be followed.

To set up a company, the foreigner must first register the company with the Korean Commercial Registry and obtain a business license. The company must have a local agent/representative and a local address and must comply with Korean labor laws and tax regulations. Depending on the type of company structure, you may also be required to have a local director. Fionza Consultants can assist with the provision of nominee director services in South Korea.

In addition, foreigners must obtain a visa to reside and work in South Korea if they plan to manage the company themselves. The visa type will depend on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay. Overall, while there are specific requirements and procedures that must be followed, foreigners can start a company in South Korea and benefit from the country’s vibrant economy and skilled workforce.

Is it hard to start a company in South Korea?

Starting a business in South Korea can be a difficult task, particularly for foreign individuals who are not familiar with the country’s legal and regulatory framework. Some of the main obstacles include language barriers, understanding local business customs and practices, and meeting legal and regulatory requirements. However, the South Korean government has made efforts to simplify the registration process and provide support to foreign entrepreneurs.

To overcome these challenges, foreign entrepreneurs may consider enlisting the services of a local agent or a consulting firm specializing in company registration. It is also important to establish relationships with local partners and customers, seek guidance from local experts, and ensure that legal and regulatory requirements are met. Despite the challenges, with the right guidance and preparation, foreign individuals can successfully establish and operate a business in South Korea.

How much does it cost to register a company in Korea?

The total engagement fee depends on the services you require from us. Our service package includes planning and strategizing, assisting you through the incorporation process, ensuring your compliance with the law, and more.

This total fee also includes the cost of incorporating the business and the government fees. We believe in complete transparency and have, therefore, uploaded the estimated cost on our website. We will discuss with you the total fee in detail before starting the incorporation process.

How much money do you need to start a business in Korea?

As per the World Bank’s report “Doing Business 2020”, an individual requires approximately KRW 4.9 million (approximately USD $4,300) to register a business in South Korea. For a foreigner, an additional KRW 100 million needs to be invested in the company.

How do I start a start-up in Korea?

In order to start a start-up in Korea, you must research the industry you are interested in. Thereafter, you should choose your business activity and select your preferred business name. You can then follow the steps found on our website.

You can contact us for more information as well. Our team of experts will revert to you within 24 hours.

What business should I start in Korea?

The business that you should start in Korea depends on your interest, capabilities, capital, and more. There are multiple opportunities to choose from. One such business opportunity is to take advantage of the growing e-commerce industry and potentially start a dropshipping business. In such a business, the company purchases the products directly from a third party and sends them to the customer. Another business opportunity is to start a financial consulting firm, provided you have the necessary accounting skills. This could potentially be a good business idea because many small and medium businesses do not have the account skills needed to file the returns of the business.

Is it easy to do business in South Korea?

Yes, according to the Ease of Doing Business index, South Korea has a ranking of five out of 190 countries. This is because of the factors including enforcement of contracts and insolvency resolution.

When setting up business in South Korea you should?

When setting up a business in South Korea, you must keep in mind that you are compliant with government regulations. Fionza Consultants can provide you with services assisting you in preparing your Korean company financial statements, completing your annual filings and tax returns, and more.

Can foreigners buy stocks in Korea?

Yes, foreigners can buy stocks in Korea. Foreigners who wish to invest in the market are required to register with the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) to obtain the investment registration certificate. Resident foreigners who work in Korea do not need to complete the registration process.

How can I get a business visa for South Korea?

To get a business visa for South Korea, you must submit a visa application along with other relevant documents including a passport, invitation letter, business registration certificate, and more.

Is setting up foreign companies in Seoul a good idea?

Yes, Seoul is the capital of South Korea and is strategically located. It is the largest trade, business, and finance hub. Moreover, many IT companies in South Korea such as LG and Samsung, have been established in this region.

Register Company in South Korea