Preliminary Checklist for Establishing a Korean Branch of a Foreign Corporation
There are three steps to establish a Korean branch of a foreign corporation.
After completing the three steps, you can register as a business entity, open a business bank account in South Korea, and then proceed to initiate your business activities according to your goals.
Step 1. File Branch Establishment to the Bank
Step 2. Register Branch Establishment to the Registration Office
Step 3. Apply for Business Registration to the Tax Office
To efficiently establish a branch within the shortest possible time for each step (Step 1, Step 2, Step 3),
there are preliminary considerations and preparations before collecting the necessary documents for each step.
The considerations are as follows ;
(1) It is necessary to send us documents verifying a foreign corporation's identity
(such as the foreign corporation's corporate registration certificate, business registration certificate, articles of incorporation, certificate of shareholders, and other relevant corporate documents via email. This is to confirm the foreign corporation's information and review specific documents to be prepared.
(2) Confirm the representative of the Korean branch
Determine whether the representative is a Korean or foreign national
If the representative is a foreigner, verify whether the representative will enter Korea to handle branch establishment
(3) Confirm the address for the branch office in South Korea
(4) Verify whether there is someone to handle matters related to setting up a branch in South Korea on behalf of the HQ (a consignee to be appointed)
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FDI InformationIncorporation in KoreaBranch & Liaison OfficeOverview 
