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💼 Business Tax Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs in Korea (2025)
Planning to run a business in Korea as a foreigner? Here’s a full guide to registering, filing, and paying taxes legally as a foreign business owner in 2025.
📝 Step 1: Register Your Business
- Go to the local Tax Office (세무서)
- Bring: Passport, ARC, lease contract, business plan (if applicable)
- You’ll receive a Business Registration Certificate (사업자등록증)
💳 Choose Business Type
- Sole Proprietor: simple and fast, but taxed as personal income
- Corporation (주식회사): complex but offers lower corporate tax rates and liability protection
📊 Tax Types You Must Know
- Value-Added Tax (VAT) – filed quarterly
- Income Tax (종합소득세) – filed every May
- Local Income Tax – filed together or via Wetax
📄 Invoicing & Bookkeeping
- Issue 전자세금계산서 (electronic tax invoice) via HomeTax
- Save all receipts, utility bills, bank transfers
- Use accounting software or hire a Korean tax accountant (세무사)
✅ Deductible Expenses
- Office rent, internet, utilities
- Business-related meals & transport
- Advertising, software, laptops, phones
- Employee salaries & 4대 보험 (social insurance)
💡 Tax Filing Deadlines (2025)
- VAT: April, July, October, January (quarterly)
- Income Tax: May 1–31, 2025
- Corporate Tax: Within 3 months after fiscal year ends
📞 Need Help in English?
Call the National Tax Service: ☎ 126 → Press 7 → Press 1 (Weekdays 9AM–6PM)
📌 Final Advice
- Always get a tax accountant if you’re unsure
- Foreigners are allowed to operate legally with a valid visa and registration
- Keep clean records and submit on time to avoid penalties
Starting your own business in Korea can be exciting and rewarding. Just make sure you understand your tax duties and local compliance rules. For personalized support, consider hiring a bilingual 세무사.
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