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D-5 — Journalism Visa (D-5)
VisasSouth KoreaD-5 — Journalism Visa (D-5)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
Open

D-5 — Journalism Visa (D-5)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

$130 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Long-term visa for foreign journalists and media correspondents assigned to South Korea for news coverage and reporting.

The D-5 Journalism Visa is a long-term work visa for foreign correspondents and media professionals dispatched to South Korea to conduct reporting and news coverage. It is intended for employees of foreign newspapers, broadcasting stations, magazines, or recognized news organizations. Applicants must demonstrate professional credentials such as press accreditation.

The visa permits up to 2 years of residence and is renewable. Standard application fees are USD 50 for single-entry or USD 80 for multiple-entry permits. Spouses may not work independently, though spouse and minor children may apply for F-3 (Dependent Family) status. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.

This visa is ideal for foreign journalists and correspondents working for established news organizations seeking to maintain a permanent bureau or reporting presence in South Korea.

Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visa$50 USD
Multiple-entry visa$80 USD
Total$130 USD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a journalist or correspondent dispatched by a foreign media organization

Must be stationed in Korea to conduct reporting or coverage activities

The media organization must have a branch or bureau in Korea, or the applicant must be under a formal contract with a foreign news organization

Activities must be strictly related to journalism; administrative or support roles are generally not covered

Must have valid press accreditation

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport and visa application form with photo.

Official letter from the employer/media organization detailing the purpose, duration, and nature of the assignment.

Journalist certification or press accreditation card.

Proof of employment (e.g., certificate of employment).

License to establish a domestic branch or proof of operating funds (if applicable).

Travel itinerary or project plan for the reporting activities.

Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work authorization granted for professional journalism activities without separate permit
  • Extended residency of up to 2 years, renewable for the duration of your assignment
  • Covers establishment of foreign media bureaus in Korea with formal visa support
  • Accessible visa category for international journalists and news organizations
  • Processing completed within 2-4 weeks, allowing swift deployment to assignments
  • Clear pathway for media professionals to maintain consistent presence in Korea
  • Requires only bachelor's degree minimum education level

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly limited to professional journalism; administrative, technical, or support roles explicitly excluded
  • Spouse cannot work independently; dependents do not have automatic visa support
  • Requires formal proof of media organization presence or valid employment contract
  • Not available for non-journalists; administrative staff or support personnel non-qualifying
  • Media organization must have established operations or formal contract in Korea

Application Process

1

Ensure the foreign media organization has established a presence or has a valid contract for the journalist

2

If required, obtain a 'Certificate of Visa Issuance' (CVI) from the local immigration office in Korea

3

Submit the visa application at the Korean Embassy or Consulate

4

Provide proof of employment and the nature of the journalistic assignment

5

Pay the visa fee and await processing

6

Register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) upon arrival

Verified Claims (5)

Last verified Jun 30, 2026
Dependent Visa
Spouse and minor children may apply for F-3 (Dependent Family) status
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Fee Breakdown
Single-entry visa: 50 USD; Multiple-entry visa: 80 USD
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Fees
USD 50 (single-entry) or USD 80 (multiple-entry)
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Official Info
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ch-en/brd/m_7996/view.do?amp=&amp=&amp=&amp=&amp=&amp=&amp=&amp=&company…
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Spouse Can Work
no
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Official Information

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