The D-5 visa is the long-stay residence visa for foreign journalists, correspondents, and media professionals permanently or semi-permanently stationed in Korea. It differs from C-3-5 (short-stay news-gathering trips) in that D-5 is intended for full-time resident foreign press.
D-5 is for foreign nationals who are:
• Employed as a staff reporter, correspondent, or bureau chief by a recognized foreign news organization and stationed in Korea on an ongoing basis
• Assigned as a full-time journalist with a Korean address and a regular reporting beat
• Staff at foreign broadcasting companies with a Korean bureau (BBC, CNN, AP, Reuters, etc.)
D-5 is not for freelance journalists without a staff position, one-time coverage assignments (use C-3-5), content creators without press organization affiliation, or PR professionals.
Foreign journalists on D-5 must obtain formal press accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Press Corps or the Korea Press Foundation (한국언론진흥재단).
Process:
| D-5 Journalism | C-3-5 News Gathering |
|---|
Apply for MOFA press accreditation before or simultaneously with the D-5 visa application.
Freelance journalists without a staff position at a recognized outlet typically cannot get D-5. E-7 (specialty occupation) may be an option for significant ongoing freelance journalism work.
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Our specialists handle d-5 journalism visa korea — foreign correspondents, press cards & residence requirements cases regularly and know exactly what Korean immigration officers look for.
Can a D-5 journalist work on non-journalism projects in Korea?
D-5 authorizes journalism work only. Taking paid employment in other industries while on D-5 is not permitted.
| Duration | Long-term residence | Up to 90 days |
| Employment | Staff at resident bureau | Short assignment |
| Press card | Korean Foreign Press Card required | Foreign press credential |
| Family | Can bring on F-3 | Not standard |
Duration: D-5 is issued for 1 year, renewable annually. ARC required if staying more than 90 days.