Applying·5 min read
D-5 Journalism Visa Korea — Foreign Correspondents, Press Cards & Residence Requirements
The 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.
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
April 22, 2026
Source references
HiKorea — Korean visa & residency manual
Ministry of Justice Immigration Policy Bureau
Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부)
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
Who qualifies for 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.)
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.
Press accreditation and MOFA registration
Foreign journalists on must obtain formal press accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Press Corps or the Korea Press Foundation (한국언론진흥재단).
Process:
- Submit to MOFA's foreign press division: appointment letter, proof of organization standing, proof of Korean-based residence
- Receive a Korean Foreign Press Card (외신기자증)
- The press card is required for visa/ARC issuance and renewal
D-5 vs C-3-5 and stay details
| Journalism | C-3-5 News Gathering |
|---|
Tips from 행정사s
Apply for MOFA press accreditation before or simultaneously with the visa application.
Freelance journalists without a staff position at a recognized outlet typically cannot get . (specialty occupation) may be an option for significant ongoing freelance journalism work.
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Key Immigration Terms
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Frequently asked questions
Can a D-5 journalist work on non-journalism projects in Korea?
authorizes journalism work only. Taking paid employment in other industries while on D-5 is not permitted.
