D-5 Visa (Long-Term News Coverage)
This visa is for individuals who wish to stay in Korea for more than 90 days for news reporting and coverage.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for a D-5 visa if:
-You are a journalist dispatched to Korea for news reporting and coverage from a foreign
media outlet (newspapers, broadcasting corporations, magazines or other foreign media
outlets)
-You are under the contract with a foreign media outlet for news reporting and coverage while
staying in Korea
-You are dispatched for news reporting and coverage by a foreign media outlet (newspapers,
broadcasting corporations, magazines, or other foreign information media) that has a branch
office in Korea.
※ If you are staying in Korea for 90 days or less, you are eligible to apply for a C-1 (Short-Term News Coverage) visa.
Documents Required
Visa Application Form
Valid Passport
One standard-size photograph
Visa fee
A proof of overseas assignment or a proof of current employment status
A permission for operating the Korean branch office or a document demonstrating the induction of foreign capitals to the Korean branch office
※ The head of diplomatic missions may ask additional documents in order to examine and verify the purpose of entry, genuineness of invitation, and the qualifications of the inviter and invitee.
Visa Issuance Confirmation
You are eligible to obtain a ‘Visa Issuance Confirmation’ if :
-You are a journalist representing a foreign media outlet (newspapers, broadcasting corporations, magazines or other foreign information media) while staying in the Republic of Korea for news reporting and coverage or
-You are staying in Korea for news reporting and coverage on the basis of a contract with the
foreign media outlet.
Required Documents For Visa Issuance Confirmation
An application for the visa issuance confirmation
A copy of passport
One standard-size photograph
A dispatch order/proof of overseas assignment or a proof of current employment status
A permission for operating the Korean branch office or a document demonstrating the induction of foreign capitals to the Korean branch office.
➠ If your representative applies on your behalf, additional documents such as a power of
attorney, a proof of current employment status and ID card of the representative are
required.
※ The confirmation of visa issuance number is issued by the head of an immigration (branch) office. Additional document may be required depending on individual circumstances.
Maximum Length Of Stay
The maximum length of stay on a D-5 visa is 2 years.
Change Of Status
-If you have a Temporary Journalism (C-1) visa and wish to change your status to D-5 you are eligible to apply. You need to provide additional documents to prove the necessity of long-term news gathering.
-A German citizens coming to Korea with Visa Exemption (B-1) is also eligible to apply for the change of status to D-5 visa.
Required Documents for Change Of Status
An application form
Valid Passport
Visa Fee
A certificate of dispatch (issued by the headquarter office)
A copy of a permit for operating the Korean branch office (issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) or business registration certificate.
Extension Of Stay
D-5 visa holders are eligible to apply for an extension of sojourn period.
Required Documents
An application form
Valid Passport
Alien Registration Card
Fee
A proof of employment or a dispatch order (issued by the headquarter office)
Proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
Re-entry Permit
In December, 2010, the enforcement Regulations were revised. The Re-entry Permit Exemption is implemented now. Under the new law:
– If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to Korea within 1 year from the departure date, you are exempted from re-entry permit
– If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from re-entry permit
for the remaining period.
However, if you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may submit application to an Immigration (Branch) Office free of charge.
Required Documents for a re-entry permit:
An application form
Valid Passport
Alien Registration Card
Fee (single: 30,000 KRW, multiple: 50,000 KRW)
Also, please remember that any foreigner who wish to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must apply for an Alien Registration Card.
If you need more information about the D-5 visa or if you have any questions or inquiries regarding the D-5 visa please contact your nearest Korean Consulate/ embassy or your local immigration office. You can also visit the immigration website at www.hikorea.go.kr or call the immigration helpline at 1345.