News Gathering and Reporting (D-5) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Application, Change, and Extension

Visa application

• Visa Application Form (별지 제17호 서식)
• Passport
• One standard-size photograph
• Fee
• Assignment order or certificate of employment
• Permit to establish a domestic bureau or branch, or documents proving the introduction of operating funds

A person dispatched by a news organization that already has a domestic bureau or branch, and accompanying family members (F-3), may be issued a single-entry visa with a period of stay of up to one year at the discretion of the head of the diplomatic mission. The fee amount is not provided in the excerpt.

Application for a Certificate of Visa Issuance

• Application for a Certificate of Visa Issuance (별지 제21호 서식)
• Copy of passport
• One standard-size photograph
• Assignment order or certificate of employment
• Permit to establish a domestic bureau or branch, or documents proving the introduction of operating funds

This applies to people dispatched by a foreign news organization or people who have a contract with a foreign news organization. For foreign news organizations that do not have a domestic bureau or branch or cannot obtain a certificate, an official letter of cooperation from the Korea Culture and Information Service of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (문화체육관광부 해외문화홍보원) may be submitted in its place. For an application submitted by a representative, also submit a power of attorney, the representative’s certificate of employment, and a copy of the representative’s identification.

Permission to change status of stay

• Application Form (별지 제34호 서식)
• Passport
• Fee
• Assignment order issued by the head office
• Copy of the permit to establish a bureau or branch, or business registration certificate
• Documents proving the need for long-term reporting

A person with Temporary News Coverage (C-1) status may apply for permission to change to D-5 if the need for long-term reporting in Korea can be demonstrated. Documents such as an official letter of cooperation from the relevant government ministry are listed as proof of the need for long-term reporting. The review fee for permission to change status of stay is KRW 100,000.

Permission to extend period of stay

• Application form
• Passport
• Alien Registration Card
• Fee
• Certificate of employment or assignment order issued by the head office
• Documents proving your place of residence

Examples of documents proving your place of residence include a lease agreement, confirmation of provision of accommodation, utility bill payment receipt, and dormitory fee receipt. The review fee for permission to extend the period of stay is KRW 60,000.

Foreigner registration

• Application form
• Original passport
• One standard-size photograph
• Fee
• Permit to establish a bureau or branch, or business registration certificate
• Documents proving your place of residence

For foreign news organizations that do not have a domestic bureau or branch or cannot obtain a certificate, an official letter of cooperation from the Korea Culture and Information Service of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism may be submitted in its place. The fee for issuing an Alien Registration Card is KRW 35,000.

Q. Can I obtain D-5 if I have a contract with a foreign news organization?

People who reside in Korea under contract with a foreign news organization and engage in news gathering and reporting are eligible for D-5. Activities performed under contract with a Korean news organization do not qualify for D-5.

Q. If I will be reporting in Korea for 90 days or less, should I apply for D-5?

No. If your period of stay is 90 days or less, you are eligible for Temporary News Coverage (C-1).

Q. How long can I be granted D-5 status at one time?

The maximum period of stay that may be granted at one time is two years. However, as a rule, the period of stay is granted only within the validity period of your passport.

Q. Does interpretation or administrative work at a foreign media bureau qualify as a D-5 activity?

Interpretation, administrative work, driving, and coordinator duties unrelated to news gathering and reporting are excluded from D-5 activities. D-5 activities are limited to news gathering and reporting.

Q. I entered Korea on C-1. Can I change to D-5 if I need to report in Korea long term?

If the need for long-term reporting in Korea can be demonstrated, you may apply for permission to change your status of stay. Documents that may be used to demonstrate this need, such as an official letter of cooperation from the relevant government ministry, are listed.

Q. Can I study at a regular educational institution while staying in Korea on D-5?

If you attend an educational institution in the regular education system without compromising your original purpose of stay, you do not need separate permission during your period of stay.

Q. Can a D-5 holder provide language instruction to colleagues at their workplace?

A person lawfully staying in Korea who has completed foreigner registration may provide language instruction to colleagues within their workplace. This exception does not apply if language instruction becomes their primary activity or falls outside the permitted criteria.

Q. What documents are required to apply for an extension of stay on D-5?

You need an application form, passport, Alien Registration Card, and certificate of employment or an assignment order issued by the head office. You must also submit proof of your place of residence.