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D-5

취재 (D-5)

Press (D-5)

Domestic Reporting Visa for Journalists Affiliated with Foreign Media Organizations

Work
Validity

Granted once / 2 years / If the duration of stay is 90 days or less, it falls under the temporary coverage (C-1) qualification.

Processing Time

Varies (typically 5-10 business days)

Application Fee

Varies (please consult with the embassy or consulate)

Eligibility Requirements

  • A person dispatched from foreign newspapers, broadcasting stations, magazines, and other reporting organizations to reside in the country and engage in reporting activities.
  • A person who is stationed in the country and engages in reporting and news activities under a contract with a foreign news agency.
  • A person dispatched from a foreign newspaper, broadcasting station, magazine, or other news agency that has already established a branch or office in the country to conduct reporting and news activities domestically.
  • Reporting and coverage activities (reporting and coverage activities conducted in the country as a representative of a foreign news organization)

Required Documents

  • 1Visa Issuance Application Form (Appendix No. 17)
  • 2Passport
  • 31 standard-sized photo
  • 4Commission
  • 5Dispatch Order or Certificate of Employment
  • 6Domestic branch establishment permit or proof of actual funding for the operation of domestic branches
  • 7Application for Visa Issuance Confirmation (Form No. 21)
  • 8Copy of passport
  • 9Cooperation letter from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Cultural Promotion Agency)
  • 10Power of Attorney
  • 11Certificate of Employment for Agent
  • 12Copy of the agent's identification card
  • 13Application Form (Attachment Form No. 34)
  • 14Dispatch Order (Issued by Headquarters)
  • 15Permit for the establishment of a branch office (issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) or a copy of the business registration certificate
  • 16Documents proving the necessity of long-term coverage, such as cooperation letters from relevant ministries
  • 17Copy of the branch office establishment permit or business registration certificate
  • 18Alien Registration Card
  • 19Certificate of Employment or Dispatch Order (issued by the head office)
  • 20Documents proving residence (lease agreement, accommodation provision confirmation, notice of expiration of stay period, public utility payment receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)
  • 21Original passport
  • 221 standard size photo
  • 23Branch office installation permit or business registration certificate
  • 24Proof of Residence Documents
  • 25In cases where there are no branches or offices in the country, or where certificate issuance is not possible: Cooperation letter from the Overseas Cultural Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
  • 26Documents related to changes

Extension & Renewal

Submit a certificate of employment or a dispatch order issued by the head office, along with documents proving your residence, to apply for an extension of your stay.

Living Guide: Important Information

Restrictions

  • !
    If the duration of stay is 90 days or less, it falls under the temporary journalist (C-1) qualification.
  • !
    Persons engaged in tasks unrelated to reporting and news activities at domestic branches of foreign news agencies (such as interpreters, administrative tasks, drivers, etc.) are excluded.
  • !
    Activities conducted by foreigners under a contract with a news agency in the Republic of Korea do not fall under the category of reporting (D-5).
  • !
    The exemption from re-entry permission applies only when a registered foreigner re-enters within one year after departure.
  • !
    Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya have restrictions on multiple re-entries (However, F-6, D-2, and D-4 are allowed)
  • !
    Entry restrictions and visa issuance regulations require separate permission for re-entry.
  • !
    Obligation to report changes in foreigner registration details within 15 days upon changing the affiliated institution or organization (including name changes)
  • !
    If conversation guidance activities become the main activity or exceed the permissible criteria, they will be excluded from the self-allowance category.

Exceptions & Special Conditions

  • In cases where the duration of stay is 90 days or less.
    Eligible for the short-term news coverage visa (C-1).
  • In the case where a foreigner enters into a contract with a news organization in the Republic of Korea to engage in reporting and news coverage activities.
    You do not qualify for the coverage (D-5) and must obtain a different residence status suitable for your activities.
  • Individuals performing tasks unrelated to reporting and coverage activities at foreign media organizations' domestic branches (e.g., interpreters, administrative work, drivers, coordinators, etc.)
    Excluded from the D-5 qualification criteria.
  • Taking courses at regular educational institutions (elementary, middle, high school, university) within the scope that does not violate the original purpose of stay.
    No separate permission procedure for activities outside the residence status is required within the duration of stay.
  • Foreign language conversation instruction activities for colleagues in the workplace.
    Foreigners who have completed their registration with legal status under the qualifications of Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7) and from News Coverage (D-5) to Trade Management (D-9) are not subject to the permission (reporting) requirement for activities outside their residence status.
  • Activities related to conversation guidance aimed at social service rather than for profit or commercial purposes.
    Foreigners who have completed their registration (including those exempt from registration) and are legally residing are not subject to permission (reporting).
  • In cases where conversation guidance activities become the main activity or exceed the permitted standards.
    Excluded from the list of permitted activities.
  • Re-entry of registered foreigners within one year after departure.
    Exemption from re-entry permit (however, if the remaining period of stay is less than one year, the exemption applies within the limits of the remaining period of stay).
  • Entry restrictions or visa issuance restrictions
    You must visit the relevant office (branch office or local office) to obtain re-entry permission before re-entering the country.
  • Nationals of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya
    Restrictions on Multiple Re-entries (However, nationals of the respective country holding Marriage Immigration (F-6), Study (D-2), or General Training (D-4) visas are permitted multiple re-entries.)
  • German B-1 visa entrants
    It is possible to change to any long-term residency status except for Technical Training (D-3), Non-Professional Employment (E-9), and Tourism Employment (H-1). The permitted duration will be within the upper limits specified for each status.

Procedures

Extension

Submit a certificate of employment or a dispatch order issued by the head office, along with documents proving your place of residence, to apply for an extension of your stay.

Status Change

Holders of the C-1 (Short-Term News Coverage) visa may be permitted to change their status to D-5 upon proving the necessity for long-term coverage in Korea. German nationals with a B-1 visa may change to long-term residency status, excluding certain qualifications (D-3, E-9, H-1).

Workplace Change

You are not subject to reporting changes or additional notifications regarding your workplace. However, if there is a change in the name of your affiliated institution or organization, it is necessary to report the change in your foreign registration details within 15 days from the date of the change.

Source: Official Immigration Guidelines

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Visit the official Korean immigration website to submit your application.

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Important Notice

This information is for reference only. Visa requirements and procedures may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. Always verify with official sources before applying.

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