Latest Foreigner Visa and Employment Policy

The following is a summary of China's latest visa and employment policies for foreigners as of December 2023, combined with official information such as the National Immigration Administration, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security:

1. visa and residence policy

1. work visa (z visa)

-simplification of application materials: some cities have abolished the requirements for proof of no criminal record and certification on a pilot basis, and academic certification can be replaced by a commitment system.

-Urgent processing: For foreign talents who meet the requirements of "high-quality and top-notch", the time limit for processing work permits and residence permits will be shortened to 3-5 working days.

-Long-term residence: you can apply for permanent residence (Chinese green card) if you have worked continuously for 4 years and stay in China for not less than 6 months each year.

2. Talent visa (R visa)

-scope of application: high-end talents included in the national talent plan, backbone of innovative science and technology enterprises in line with market orientation, winners of internationally renowned awards, etc.

-Extension of validity period: The first issue is valid for 5-10 years, allowing multiple entry and exit, each stay of 180 days.

3. business visa (m visa)

-resumption of port visa: some ports will resume the 24/72/144-hour transit visa-free policy, covering 20 cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

-Multiple Entry Facilitation: A 5-year multiple entry visa can be issued to foreign business people who have significant investment or long-term cooperation in China.

4. Family visit/family reunion visa

-Relaxation of the scope of relatives: foreign Chinese can apply for a family visit visa within 5 years with proof of kinship; Spouses and minor children can apply for residence permits with them.

-Children born in China: If one parent holds a Chinese green card, the child can directly apply for Chinese nationality.

2. employment and work permit policy

1. work permit classification management

-class A (high-end talents): enjoy the "green channel" without restriction of age, educational background and work experience ".

-Category B (Professional): Bachelor degree or above and 2 years relevant working experience required.

-Class C (ordinary personnel): Quota management is implemented, mainly for grass-roots technical posts.

2. Regional preferential policies

-Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: Foreign talents from Hong Kong and Macao are allowed to directly apply for work permits in the Mainland without leaving the country.

-Hainan Free Trade Port: Foreign high-level talents can enjoy the "one thing, one discussion" work permit, allowing part-time innovation and entrepreneurship.

-Shanghai/Beijing: Pilot foreign talent salary to facilitate the purchase of foreign exchange, simplify cross-border income remittance procedures.

3. entrepreneurship support policy

-free trade zone/kechuang park: foreign entrepreneurs can apply for a "entrepreneurship visa" valid for 2 years with a business plan and can be converted to work residence.

-tax incentives: eligible foreign talents enjoy personal income tax subsidies (e. g. 15% tax rate difference in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and the Great Bay Area subsidies).

4. Employment of International Students

-Fresh Graduates: International students with master's degree or above from domestic universities can apply for a work permit directly in China without 2 years of work experience.

-Internship Visa: The pilot allows foreign students to start a business part-time during their studies and can apply for a 2-year "job visa" after graduation ".

3. precautions

1. Dynamic adjustment: Some policies (such as port visa) may be temporarily adjusted according to the actual situation, and the regulations of the destination city need to be inquired in advance.

2. Online processing: work permits, residence permits, etc. can be made online through the "National Immigration Administration Government Service Platform" and some materials can be submitted.

3. Compliance requirements: Unauthorized employment is strictly prohibited, and offenders may face fines, repatriation and restrictions on re-entry.

4. official inquiry channels

-National Immigration Administration:[https://www.nia.gov.cn](https://www.nia.gov.cn)

-Ministry of Science and Technology (Department of Foreign Expert Services):[https://fuwu.most.gov.cn](https://fuwu.most.gov.cn)

-Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security Management Service System for Foreigners Working in China:[https://fwp.safea.gov.cn](https://fwp.safea.gov.cn)