South Korea Company Registration

Types of Companies Registered in South Korea

1. Korean Joint-Stock Company

   Equivalent to a joint-stock limited company in China, it is eligible for listing upon meeting relevant requirements. As a corporate form that has been in use in South Korea for decades, its legal representative and supervisor are required to renew their appointments every three years, with notarization and authentication formalities to be completed each time. This type is suitable for medium and large-sized enterprises.
2. Korean Limited Liability Company

   Equivalent to a limited liability company in China, it is not eligible for listing. As a new corporate form introduced by the South Korean government in recent years to streamline registration procedures, it can be established by a single individual, with no requirement for appointment renewal formalities. This type is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Required Documents for South Korea Company Registration

1. Company Name

   Must include either "Joint-Stock Company" or "Limited Liability Company", and be subject to name availability check and approval.
2. Shareholder Information
   • Individual Shareholders: ID card + passport
   • Corporate Shareholders: Scanned copy of the enterprise business license, scanned copy of the articles of association, scanned copy of the corporate legal representative’s passport. For overseas investment by Chinese domestic companies, approval from the local commerce commission is required.
3. Required Personnel
   • Limited Liability Company: One individual is required.
   • Joint-Stock Company: At least one shareholder and one representative (legal person), who can be the same individual. One supervisor is required, with no nationality restrictions. Where the shareholder is a corporate entity, the supervisor and the South Korean representative can be the same individual.
4. Registered Capital: 100 million KRW, approximately equivalent to RMB 600,000.
5. Business Scope: Subject to confirmation.
6. Registered Address: A local address in South Korea must be provided for company registration.

South Korea Company Registration Process

I. Preparation of Documents

1. Articles of Association: Specifies the company’s organizational structure, business scope and other basic information.
2. Shareholder List: Lists all shareholders of the company and their respective shareholding ratios.
3. Board Member List: Includes the appointment of the board chairman and the composition of the board of directors.
4. Registration Application Form: Fills in the company’s basic information and registration intent.
5. Business License Application Form: A mandatory form for applying for a business license.

II. Registration with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)

1. Conduct a preliminary company name availability check with the KCCI to confirm its availability.
2. Fill out the registration application form and business license application form, and pay the corresponding registration fees.
3. Submit all prepared documents and await review and approval by the KCCI.