Expat Investment Advice in South Korea: Banking, Investing and Residency

South Korea has become one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for foreign investors. It combines world-class infrastructure and a mature financial system with strong government incentives for innovation and foreign direct investment.

This article gathers common expat investment advice in South Korea: everything an expat investor needs to know about South Korea’s investment landscape.

It covers how foreigners can invest in Korean equities and property, how the 19% flat income tax for foreign workers works, and how to navigate South Korean banking and residency among other things.

It also outlines business investment routes such as the D-8 investor visa, tax-advantaged savings accounts like the ISA and IRP, the rules for real estate ownership, and updates on digital asset and capital market reforms.

My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp +44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

How to Invest as a Foreigner in South Korea

Foreigners can freely invest in South Korea, provided they follow the country’s registration and reporting requirements.

Since December 2023, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has removed the need for prior foreign investor registration, allowing non-residents to open brokerage accounts directly with licensed firms.

This reform simplified market entry and aligned Korea with other advanced financial hubs such as Japan and Singapore.

For most expats, the first step is obtaining an Alien Registration Card, which serves as proof of legal residency. The ARC is required for opening a bank account, applying for a brokerage account, or starting a business.

Without it, financial access is limited to temporary or restricted accounts.

Once an ARC is secured, expats can open accounts with major Korean banks such as KEB Hana, Shinhan, KB Kookmin, or Woori Bank, all of which offer English services in major cities.

Foreigners may also participate in government or corporate bond markets, and invest in ETFs, mutual funds, or ELS/ETN structured products, depending on risk tolerance and investment goals.

Korea has strict anti-money-laundering (AML) controls and foreign exchange reporting rules, so expats must declare the source of their funds when transferring money into the country.

Outbound remittances also require bank verification of purpose, though recent reforms have increased the annual limit for undocumented foreign remittances from USD 50,000 to USD 100,000.

Beyond the stock market, expats can invest through local Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) and Individual Retirement Pensions (IRP), both of which provide tax advantages to residents.

Real estate investment is also open to foreigners under the Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act, though specific zones may require reporting or approval.

How to Open a Bank Account in South Korea as a Foreigner

Foreigners can open a bank account in South Korea through a process that typically involves:

• ARC and passport presentation.
• Proof of address, such as a lease, utility bill, or employer-issued residence confirmation.
• Purpose declaration, explaining whether the account is for payroll, remittance, or investment purposes.

Some banks may allow temporary non-resident accounts before ARC issuance, but these are limited to basic deposits and cannot receive international transfers. Once your ARC is available, the account can be upgraded to full access.

Incoming foreign transfers may require documentation of source funds (for example, payslips or investment account statements), while outbound remittances may trigger additional verification for amounts exceeding set thresholds.

As of recent reforms, foreigners can remit up to USD 100,000 per year without supporting documents, up from the previous USD 50,000 cap.

To invest in Korean equities or bonds, foreigners can open brokerage accounts with local investment providers or consult a financial advisor to weigh platform options.

Since December 2023, the foreign investor registration number requirement was abolished, simplifying onboarding for expatriates. Most brokerages now only require:

• ARC and passport
• Local bank account for settlement
• Completed investor risk questionnaire (standard under Korea’s Financial Investment Services Act)

Once the account is active, foreign investors can trade directly on the KOSPI and KOSDAQ exchanges, buy Korean Treasury Bonds, or invest in ETFs and mutual funds.

Several firms also offer English-language online trading platforms or mobile apps.

How to Get 19% Flat Tax for Foreign Workers in South Korea

Foreign employees in South Korea can choose to be taxed at a flat rate of 19%, plus a 10% local surtax, instead of following the country’s progressive income tax scale that ranges from 6% to 45%.

To qualify, you must begin employment in South Korea no later than December 31, 2026, and you may apply the flat tax for up to 20 consecutive years from your first working day in the country.

The election is voluntary, and once chosen, it applies to all income earned from Korean employment.

This special rate is designed to attract global talent and simplify compliance for expatriates working in Korea.

Key features of the flat tax include:

• Eligibility: Available only to foreigners employed by a Korean entity or paid through a Korean payroll system. Self-employed foreigners or contractors typically do not qualify.
• Duration: Extended from five years to twenty years under recent tax reforms, provided employment begins before the 2026 cutoff.
• Exclusions: Those electing the flat tax cannot claim standard deductions, personal allowances, or tax credits, including dependents or pension contributions.
• Filing: Employers usually apply the rate through payroll withholding, but it can also be elected during annual tax settlement.

For high-income professionals, the 19% flat tax is often advantageous compared to the progressive scale.

However, expatriates with lower income levels or significant deductible expenses (such as education, housing, or dependents) may benefit more from the regular system.

Foreigners earning income from offshore employers or what is known as “Class B income” must self-declare and pay taxes directly to the National Tax Service.

Even if income is paid outside Korea, it may still be taxable if the work is performed within the country.

How are my investments taxed in South Korea?

Most portfolio investors in listed Korean securities face only dividend and transaction taxes, not capital gains tax.

Those who acquire large shareholdings or engage in property and business investments, however, must plan for detailed compliance and possible double-taxation relief through treaties.

Generally, tax for investment income in South Korea varies based on the asset class, holding period, and investor status.

Dividends:

• Korean companies withhold 15.4% from dividends paid to individual investors (14% national tax plus a 10% local surtax).
• Non-residents may benefit from reduced rates under double taxation treaties between Korea and their home countries.
• Dividends are typically subject to final withholding, meaning most individual investors do not need to file additional tax returns unless other income requires it.

Capital Gains on Listed Shares:

• Korea previously planned to impose broader capital gains taxes on all investors, but this reform was suspended in 2025 after significant market opposition.
• Currently, only large shareholders or those holding a significant percentage of a company’s shares (usually 1% or more, or holdings exceeding KRW 1 billion) are subject to capital gains tax.
• Ordinary investors trading in listed shares pay no capital gains tax, though they remain subject to transaction taxes.

Securities Transaction Tax (STT):

• Applied on the sale of listed shares at rates around 0.15%–0.20%, depending on the exchange.
• Revisions to STT have been under review, so investors should confirm the applicable rate at the time of trade.

Bonds and Funds:

• Interest income from bonds is generally taxed at a 15.4% withholding rate.
• Capital gains from Korean bonds are typically exempt for non-residents, provided the investment follows the proper foreign exchange reporting procedures.
• Income from mutual funds or ELS/ETN products is also subject to withholding at similar rates.

Real Estate and Other Assets:

• Real estate sales trigger capital gains taxes of 6–45%, depending on holding period and property type.
• Gains from property held less than one year are taxed at the top rate, while longer holdings benefit from lower brackets.
• Additional surcharges apply for multiple-property owners and non-residents.

Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets:

• Korea’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act, effective July 2024, introduced compliance and consumer protection rules.
• Capital gains taxes on crypto are expected to take effect in the coming years but are not yet enforced as of 2025.

Maintaining clear documentation of purchase prices, remittance origins, and brokerage records is essential. South Korea’s tax authorities emphasize traceability, and proper record-keeping ensures smooth repatriation of profits and minimizes audit risk.

Can foreigners buy property in South Korea?

Yes, foreigners can legally purchase property in South Korea under the Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act (FLAA) and the Real Estate Registration Act.

Korea maintains an open property market for individuals and corporations regardless of nationality, provided that buyers follow the country’s strict reporting and documentation requirements.

Foreigners can acquire most types of property like apartments, commercial units, and even land so long as the property is not in restricted zones such as:

• Military protection areas
• Environmental or coastal conservation zones
• Certain agricultural regions

In most other areas, ownership rights are equal to those of Korean citizens. However, every transaction must be reported to the local district office within 60 days of signing the sale contract. This reporting ensures compliance with land-use and taxation laws.

The government is also considering a permit-based system to monitor and limit speculative foreign property purchases.

While not yet enacted, the proposal would require foreigners to obtain advance approval before buying real estate in designated high-demand zones such as Seoul or Busan. This aims to stabilize housing prices and improve transparency in foreign ownership.

What is the South Korea D-8 Investor Visa?

The D-8 Investor Visa is South Korea’s primary pathway for foreigners who wish to establish and operate a business in the country.

It grants long-term residency to investors who contribute capital to a local enterprise, providing both entrepreneurial freedom and access to local tax incentives.

D-8 Investor Visa Minimum Requirements

To qualify for D8 investment visa in South Korea, an applicant must:

• Invest at least KRW 100 million (around USD 75,000) in a Korean business.
• Hold 10% or more equity in the company, or occupy an executive/managerial position.
• Demonstrate that funds originate from a foreign account and are properly remitted through an authorized Korean bank.

This minimum investment can take the form of establishing a new company or investing in an existing one. The capital must be recorded under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA) through the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) or a designated bank.

The D-8 visa is initially granted for one year, renewable in one- to two-year increments. Holders enjoy:

• The right to reside and work in Korea while managing the investment.
• Eligibility to bring dependents under F-3 visas.
• Access to resident banking, healthcare, and education systems.
• Potential progression to permanent residency (F-5) after several years of compliant residence and business operation.

The Korean government actively promotes FDI through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, particularly in advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and green industries. Major benefits include:

• Cash Grants: Available for large or strategic projects that contribute to R&D, employment, or regional development.
• Tax Holidays: Up to five years of corporate tax exemption, followed by 50% reduction for two more years in qualified regions or industries.
• Customs and Property Tax Reductions: For companies importing essential equipment or setting up in designated foreign investment zones.
• Support Infrastructure: Access to startup accelerators, innovation hubs, and government-backed venture programs.

To maintain the D-8 visa, investors must keep the business operational, file annual tax returns, and maintain the required investment threshold.

The immigration office may request evidence of active operations, such as business registration certificates, tax filings, and proof of ongoing commercial activity.

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