Manufacturing Business Registration in Korea — 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Overview of Manufacturing Registration

Starting a manufacturing business in Korea requires registering with the local government and, depending on the product, obtaining additional sector-specific permits. The primary framework is the Industrial Cluster Development and Factory Establishment Support Act.

For a foreign company, none of this can start before a Korean entity exists. Foreign investment notification under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, corporate registration and business registration all come first — that stage is covered by A-One Certified Administrative Agent in FDI company setup. Once the entity is registered, the factory and manufacturing procedure below applies to it on the same terms as a domestic company.

2. Types of Manufacturing Licenses

• Factory registration (공장등록) — for facilities ≥500 m²
• Business registration (사업자등록) — mandatory for all businesses
• Sector-specific permits — food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals each require separate approval

3. Key Requirements

• Zoning: facility must be in an area permitted for manufacturing
• Minimum facility size requirements depending on product category
• Environmental compliance: waste, noise, emissions permits if applicable
• Fire safety inspection clearance

4. Required Documents

• Factory establishment application form
• Building permit or building use confirmation documents
• Layout/floor plan of the facility
• Environmental impact review (if required by product)
• Corporate registration documents (for legal entities)

5. Application Procedure

1. Submit factory establishment application to local city/county office
2. Environmental and safety review (timing varies by authority)
3. On-site inspection
4. Factory registration certificate issued
5. Apply for business registration at the tax office

6. Post-Registration Compliance

• Annual factory status report required
• Environmental compliance reports (quarterly or annual)
• Notify authorities of facility changes within 30 days