Chinese officials announced special visa facilitation for certain foreign nationals coming to Shanghai for business activities.

Key Points:

  • Authorities stated the new visa facilitation measures are for eligible foreign businesspeople who need to frequently visit China for business activities and have made positive contributions to Shanghai’s international business and trade cooperation.
  • Individuals may apply at a Chinese embassy or a consulate for a five-year multiple-entry M visa or an equivalent category visa with a 180-day stay.
  • Applicants must first receive a Special Visa Invitation Letter issued by the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office.

Additional Information: The special facilitation measures include exempting visa holders from fingerprint collection, allowing them to bring their spouse and children, and charging them only the fee for a one-year multiple-entry visa.

The Special Visa Invitation Letter application should be completed by the inviting organization on the official website of the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office. Eligible inviting organizations submit a written application to their local authorities or competent departments to be qualified. The Special Visa Invitation Letter should be issued within one week and no fee is charged for the processing.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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