IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Public Security Bureau in Xi’an has established a subsidiary that will process visa applications for companies in the high-tech industry.

What does the change mean? Starting July 1, foreign nationals working in legal entities registered at the high-tech industry district in Xi’an must submit all applications for visa and residence permits to the subsidiary office.

  • Implementation timeframe: July 1.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas and residence permits.
  • Who is affected: Companies registered as legal entities in the Xi’an high-tech industry district.
  • Impact on processing times: This change should expedite processing.
  • Business impact: Companies affected by the change may see faster processing of work and residence permit applications.

Background: Under the new No. 2 Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau in Xi’an, the processing times will be as follows:

All visas will be processed in three working days instead of the current seven days. Residence permits will be processed in five working days instead of 15 working days. Applicants may request expedited two-day processing for urgent business situations.

BAL Analysis: The creation of this new office is meant to streamline the visa process for high-tech sector workers.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in China. For additional information, please contact china@bal.com.

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