Setting up a company in Korea involves more moving parts than most foreign executives expect.
This guide breaks down every cost involved in Korea company registration cost — government fees, document preparation, professional services, and ongoing compliance — so you can build an accurate budget before you start.
The total will vary depending on which entity type you choose and whether you engage a local specialist to manage the process.
Quick Summary: What Does Korea Company Registration Cost?
For a standard foreign-invested subsidiary (Jusik Hoesa), the government and administrative fees typically fall between KRW 500,000 and KRW 2,000,000, depending on your registered capital. When you add professional service fees, the realistic all-in cost for a fully incorporated entity runs from approximately KRW 3,000,000 to KRW 7,000,000 or more, depending on complexity and the scope of services engaged.
Foreign companies registering under FDI status and applying for a D-8 investor visa are required to invest a minimum of KRW 100,000,000 (approximately USD 75,000) in paid-in capital. This is a statutory investment requirement, not a service fee — the capital belongs to the company and is used for operating expenses.
Government and Administrative Fees
The following costs are fixed and paid directly to Korean government authorities. They apply regardless of which service provider you use.
Court registration fee
Paid to the district court where your company is registered. The fee is calculated as a percentage of your registered capital, approximately 0.4%. However, if your company’s capital is KRW 28,000,000 or less, the registration license tax is fixed at KRW 112,500.
Capital registration tax (0.48% of paid-in capital)
A local tax levied on your paid-in capital at the time of incorporation. On KRW 100,000,000 in capital, this equals KRW 480,000. This is paid to the local tax office.
NTS business registration
Filing for a business registration number with the National Tax Service (NTS) is free of charge. It is a mandatory step and must be completed after court registration.
Articles of incorporation notarization (Jusik Hoesa only)
For a Jusik Hoesa (stock company), the articles of incorporation must be notarized by a Korean notary public before registration. This notarization fee is typically KRW 20,000 to KRW 50,000.
Corporate seal (Dojang)
Every Korean company requires an official corporate seal for contracts, banking, and filings. Production costs are minor — typically KRW 20,000 to KRW 80,000 — but the seal must be registered with the court.
Foreign Investment Declaration at a Korean bank
Before transferring investment capital into Korea, foreign investors must file a Foreign Investment Declaration through a designated Korean bank. There is no government fee for this filing, but it is a required procedural step for FDI registration under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
Document Preparation Costs (from Your Home Country)
Before you can register in Korea, you will need to obtain and authenticate a set of official documents from your home country. These costs are incurred abroad and are separate from any Korean government fees.
Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company
You will need an official certificate confirming your parent company’s legal existence and good standing. This document must be apostilled by the relevant authority in your home country. Apostille fees vary by country but generally range from USD 20 to USD 150 per document.
Notarization and apostille of director ID documents
Korean authorities require notarized and apostilled identification for the foreign director or representative. This typically includes a passport copy and, in some jurisdictions, a power of attorney. Costs depend on your home country’s notary and government fees.
Korean translation
All documents submitted to Korean authorities must be in Korean or accompanied by a certified Korean translation. If your incorporation documents and director IDs are in English, a certified translation may still be required depending on the reviewing authority. For documents in languages other than English or Korean, certified translation is mandatory. Professional legal translation costs in Korea typically run KRW 50,000 to KRW 150,000 per page depending on document complexity.
Business Address Costs
A valid, verifiable physical address is a legal requirement for company registration in Korea. The address is recorded in your corporate registry and must match your NTS business registration. You cannot use a P.O. box or a residential address for most business types.
In 2026, the National Tax Service has significantly increased audits on registered business addresses, particularly targeting companies using addresses that show no evidence of actual business activity. A credible, verifiable address is no longer just a formality — it is a compliance matter.
Shared office or registered address services in Seoul
Serviced offices and registered address providers in central Seoul (Gangnam, Jongno, Mapo) typically charge between KRW 100,000 and KRW 500,000 per month for a registered address service. These arrangements are generally accepted by the NTS, but the address must be associated with a proper lease agreement.
Dedicated office space
Companies with staff in Korea or those requiring a more substantial presence will need to lease dedicated office space. Costs vary significantly by location, size, and building grade. Small private offices in major Seoul business districts typically start from KRW 800,000 to KRW 2,000,000 per month.
Pearson and Partners Korea can assist clients in identifying a compliant registered address solution that meets NTS requirements and suits their operational needs.
Professional Service Fees
Most foreign companies engage a local specialist to manage company registration in Korea. The process involves coordinating between multiple Korean authorities — the court registry, the NTS, a designated bank, and in some cases KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) — and requires accurate preparation of Korean-language documents. Errors at any stage can cause delays or rejections.
Full company registration service fees from a qualified Korean specialist typically range from KRW 2,000,000 to KRW 5,000,000, depending on entity type, capital structure, and the scope of work involved. This fee is separate from government taxes and disbursements.
A comprehensive registration engagement typically covers:
- Preparation and filing of all Korean-language corporate documents
- Court registration and corporate registry filing
- Capital registration tax payment coordination
- Foreign Investment Declaration support
- NTS business registration
- KOTRA FDI notification (where applicable)
- Corporate seal production and registration
- Bank account opening support
- Liaison with government authorities throughout the process
Contact Pearson and Partners Korea to receive a clear, itemized proposal tailored to your company’s structure and registration requirements.
Ongoing Annual Compliance Costs
Company registration is a one-time cost. Once your entity is active, you will incur recurring compliance obligations. Budgeting for these from the outset avoids surprises in your first operating year.
Monthly bookkeeping and accounting
Korean companies are required to maintain accrual-basis accounting records in accordance with Korean GAAP (K-GAAP) or K-IFRS. Monthly bookkeeping and accounting services for a small foreign subsidiary typically cost between KRW 200,000 and KRW 600,000 per month, depending on transaction volume.
Corporate income tax rate
Korea operates a progressive corporate income tax structure. The rate is 9% on taxable income up to KRW 200,000,000, 19% on income between KRW 200,000,000 and KRW 20,000,000,000, and 21% above that threshold. A local income surtax (10% of the corporate tax amount) applies on top of these rates.
VAT rate and filing frequency
Korea’s standard VAT rate is 10%. VAT returns are filed twice per year (for general taxpayers), covering January–June and July–December. Preliminary filings are made quarterly. Most foreign subsidiaries are required to register for VAT from the date of business commencement.
Pearson and Partners Korea provides ongoing tax and accounting services for foreign-invested companies, ensuring your entity remains compliant from day one.
EOR as a Lower-Cost Alternative
If your company is not yet ready to commit to the full cost and administrative burden of incorporating a Korean entity, an Employer of Record (EOR) arrangement is worth considering. Under an EOR model, a licensed local entity employs staff in Korea on your behalf — handling payroll, social insurance, tax withholding, and employment contracts — while your staff work for your business operationally.
EOR is particularly well-suited for companies that are testing the Korean market, deploying a small initial team, or waiting for regulatory approvals before committing to a full subsidiary. It removes the need for capital investment, court registration, and ongoing corporate compliance, while still allowing you to have legally employed staff on the ground in Korea.
Read our complete Korea EOR Guide to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum capital requirement for Korea company registration?
There is no statutory minimum capital for a standard Korean corporation. However, a minimum of KRW 100 million is required to qualify as a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) company under FIPA and to be eligible for a D-8 investor visa.
Can I register a company in Korea without visiting in person?
Yes. Pearson and Partners Korea provides full power-of-attorney representation, allowing the entire process to be completed remotely. Note that some Korean banks require an in-person meeting to open a corporate bank account, though this can often be handled by an authorized representative.
How long does Korea company registration take?
The process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks from start to finish. Corporate bank account opening is often the longest step at 1 to 2 weeks.
What is cheaper, EOR or company registration?
EOR has lower upfront costs and no minimum capital requirement, making it ideal for market entry or small initial teams. Full company registration has higher setup costs but gives you full legal entity status, your own brand presence in Korea, and the ability to sign contracts directly. The right choice depends on your timeline, team size, and long-term plans.
Why Pearson and Partners Korea
Pearson & Partners Korea is a boutique professional services firm specialising exclusively in Korea market entry for foreign companies. We manage every stage of Korea company registration — from entity selection through court filing, banking, tax registration, and social insurance setup — under one roof, in your language.
For the complete step-by-step registration process, read our 2026 Korea Company Registration Guide.
