Korea D-5 VisaJournalism / Press Visa

Overview

The D-5 visa (취재 — press / journalism) is issued to foreign journalists and correspondents who are dispatched to or stationed in Korea for extended news-gathering and reporting activities. It is the long-stay version of the C-1 (short-term news coverage) visa — if your stay is 90 days or less, C-1 applies; if longer, D-5 is required. The D-5 holder must be affiliated with a recognised foreign media organisation (newspaper, broadcaster, magazine, or news agency) and may not perform activities unrelated to journalism (administrative staff, interpreters, drivers, and coordinators require their own appropriate visa).

Who is the D-5 visa for?

Foreign journalists, correspondents, and reporters dispatched to Korea to reside and conduct reporting: those assigned from overseas media organisations with an existing Korea bureau, those with a Korean bureau newly established, and freelance correspondents under contract with a foreign media organisation operating in Korea.

Eligibility requirements

• Affiliation with a recognised foreign news media organisation (newspaper, broadcaster, magazine, news agency with a foreign headquarters)
• Purpose is active journalism and reporting — not administrative or production support roles
• If reporting for a Korean media organisation, D-5 does NOT apply (a different work visa is required)
• For existing bureau cases: the bureau must be registered with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Required documents

• 1.Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
• 2.Dispatch order or employment certificate from the overseas media organisation
• 3.For established bureaus: Korea bureau registration certificate (국내지국/지사 설치허가증) or proof of operating funds
• 4.사증발급인정서 (required for cases without an existing registered Korea bureau; organisations without a bureau may use a cooperation letter from the Korea Communications Commission / Ministry of Culture in lieu)
• 5.For proxy applications: power of attorney, proxy's employment certificate, proxy's ID

How to apply — step by step

1. 1

   Confirm bureau or sponsorship status

   If your organisation has an existing registered Korea bureau, you can apply for D-5 with a 1-year single-entry visa directly at the consulate. Otherwise, your organisation must first apply for a 사증발급인정서 through the Korean immigration authorities.

2. 2

   Prepare documents

   Obtain your dispatch order or employment contract. If applying via an established bureau, prepare the bureau registration certificate. Freelancers must show their contract with the foreign media organisation.

3. 3

   Apply at the Korean consulate

   Submit the visa application with all required documents. If your organisation has no Korea bureau, include the 사증발급인정서 obtained in advance.

4. 4

   Arrive and register

   Register at the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival and obtain your ARC. Renew your status each year before expiry.

D-5 visa — frequently asked questions