IMPACT – HIGH

All travelers entering Shanghai and Chengdu are required to undergo 14 days of concentrated medical observation.

Key Points:

  • Travelers entering Shanghai from abroad must undergo 14 days of concentrated medical observation. Travelers currently in home quarantine should instead undergo concentrated medical observation.
  • Diplomats and those traveling to Shanghai to undertake important technical, economic, or scientific work will be subject to different requirements. Travelers who are under 18, over 60, pregnant or with medical conditions may be permitted to undergo home quarantine following strict assessment and a negative result from COVID-19 testing.
  • Travelers entering Chengdu from abroad or from another Chinese port of entry must undergo 14 days of concentrated medical observation.
  • Travelers arriving in Chengdu whose ultimate destination is another city in the Sichuan Province should undergo medical observation in their destination city.
  • Travelers arriving in Chengdu whose ultimate destination is another province should undergo medical observation in Chengdu.

Background: The new medical observation requirement follows similar policies recently implemented in other provinces and cities in China.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Effective March 28, entry is suspended for foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits that were valid up to the suspension.

Key Points:

  • The suspension includes port visas, visa-free transit and visa-free policies for tour groups.
  • Entry of foreign nationals with APEC Business Travel Cards is suspended.
  • Diplomatic, courtesy, service and C visas are not affected by the ban.
  • Visas issued after the suspension announcement are not affected by the ban.
  • Foreign nationals coming to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or for emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates.
  • Effective March 29, foreign airlines must have only one air route to China and operate no more than one flight per week. Flights cannot carry more than 75% of their passenger capacity.
  • Effective March 24, all travelers arriving in Shenzhen ports must undergo a nucleic acid test for COVID-19.
  • Effective March 26, all travelers arriving in Shanghai must undergo 14 days of quarantine.
  • Effective March 27, all travelers arriving in Guangdong (including travelers arriving from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and travelers in transit) must undergo a 14-day medical observation and a nucleic acid test for COVID-19.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Several major cities in China are implementing quarantine measures for foreign and Chinese nationals entering China.

Key Points:

  • Beijing: As of March 18, all foreign nationals arriving in Beijing must undergo 14 days of concentrated medical observation at their own expense. Flights to Beijing Capital International Airport will be rerouted through one of 12 other airports in China where they will undergo health screening. Those who do not show signs of COVID-19 will be permitted to continue on to Beijing where they will begin the 14 days of observation.
  • Shanghai: As of March 20, travelers from the following eight countries must undergo either 14-day home medical observation or concentrated medical observation: Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
  • Guangdong: As of March 19, all Chinese nationals arriving from overseas and all foreign nationals who have traveled to the following list of countries in the past 14 days prior to entering Guangdong must undergo either 14-day home or collective quarantine for medical observation: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

Additional information: For Shanghai, the eight countries above have been added to the previous list of countries that include: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. For Beijing, foreign nationals under 14 and over 70, pregnant or those with medical conditions can request home quarantine after strict assessment.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility and availability for affected employees. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the news? The government has clarified current immigration policies for both foreign and Chinese nationals in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus in Hubei Province.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Potentially all visas and permits, depending on the individual situation.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals in China and Chinese nationals planning to travel abroad.
  • Impact on processing: Extension of Chinese visas and residence permits may be delayed; Chinese nationals planning to travel abroad may face visa application rejection or restrictions.
  • Business impact: Companies employing foreign nationals in China or Chinese nationals in other countries may face delays in moving employees or renewing their immigration documents.

Next steps: Employers should consider the likelihood of delays due to processing or quarantine. Anyone who experiences symptoms such as fever accompanied by acute respiratory infection should immediately seek evaluation and treatment and notify the authorities.

Background: Since the coronavirus was first detected in December, countries have begun issuing travel bans and warnings to prevent the further spread of the virus. China has taken various measures to contain the virus, including closing the Wuhan port of entry in Hubei Province.

Analysis & Comments: With the exception of the Wuhan port of entry, China’s immigration authorities are operating normally at other ports of entry, and there are no changes to visa exemption policies. Foreign nationals can continue to stay and work in China but are advised to check current immigration policies in other countries if planning to travel outside China. The government has stated that immigration authorities may lighten or eliminate penalties for overstaying visas or failing to renew residence permits for foreign nationals affected by the coronavirus. Furthermore, the online system should continue to be used for processing of extensions and residence permit applications. The government has also reminded Chinese Mainland residents planning to travel abroad to verify current entry and exit rules in their country of destination as many countries have recently imposed restrictions on travel from China. Deloitte will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates when available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Shanghai officials have eased procedures for Category A work permit applicants.

What does the change mean? Category A work permit applicants can now submit both work permit and residence permit applications at the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau. Previously, work permits had to be submitted to the Shanghai Foreign Experts Bureau, while residence permit applications were submitted separately to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The change was implemented Dec. 2.
  • Visas/permits affected: Category A work permits, residence permits.
  • Who is affected: Shanghai employers and foreign nationals applying for Category A work permits.
  • Impact on processing times: Category A work permit applicants can now obtain both their work and residence permit in seven business days. Previously, work permit processing took 10 business days, and residence permit processing took an additional seven. Under the old system, resident permits could not be submitted until work permits were approved.

Analysis & Comments: The change is welcome news as it will ease Category A work permit application procedures in Shanghai. In some cases, employers may be able to move up start dates because of faster end-to-end processing.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? China will soon allow 144 hours of visa-free transit in three additional cities.

What does the change mean? Beginning Dec 1, 2019, travelers from 53 countries who have proof of onward travel will be permitted to visit Chongqing (a direct-controlled municipality in southwest China), Xi’an (in Shaanxi Province in northwest China) and Ningbo (in Zhejiang province in eastern China) for up to 144 hours without obtaining a visa. The 144-hour visa-free policy is already available in a number of major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.

  • Implementation time frame: Dec. 1, 2019.
  • Processes affected: 144-hour transit visa exemptions.
  • Impact on processing times: Nationals of 53 countries transiting through Chongqing, Xi’an and Ningbo to a third country.
  • Business impact: Business activities are permitted on a 144-hour visa free stay.

Additional information: China allows nationals of 53 countries to transit through a number of major cities without first obtaining a visa. The cities that already participate in the program are Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao, Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang.

The 53 countries covered by the visa-free transit policy are:

  • Europe (Schengen Area): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
  • Europe (other): Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
  • Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the United States.
  • Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
  • Asia/Middle East countries: Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

Analysis & Comments: The change will ease travel procedures for nationals of 53 countries traveling through Chongqing, Xi’an and Ningbo. Travelers should note, however, that while tourism, social visits and business activities are permitted on visa-free transit stays, productive work activities are not. Travelers should also take note of applicable geographic restrictions (e.g., only  allowing travel within select provinces during their stays).

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A new tax law in China has had consequences on taxable income requirements for foreign nationals, especially for employers who use the “undertaking” approach when applying for Category A work permits.

What does the change mean? Employers using this approach should be sure to conduct an individual income tax (IIT) pre-analysis to ensure they are meeting taxable income requirements when hiring foreign nationals on Category A work permits.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Category A Work Permits, including renewals and deregistration.
  • Who is affected: Employers who use the “undertaking” approach when applying for Category A work permits.
  • Business impact: The changes may add to the time it takes for employers to calculate the appropriate salary for foreign workers on Class A Work Permits.

Background: The “undertaking” approach allows for faster work permit processing if employers make commitments ahead of time to meet minimum pay and other work permit requirements. Among these requirements is that employees receive a minimum level of taxable income, as established by the local Foreign Experts Bureau (FEB).

The new IIT law has changed how taxable income is calculated in a number of ways. For example:

  • Taxable income may be lower than expected because of additional itemized deductions and preferential taxation of bonuses and equity income under the new law.
  • The implications of the new tax law may differ depending on whether the foreign national is considered a resident of China. Residents are eligible to apply for refunds at the end of the tax year, thereby changing how taxable income is calculated.
  • Foreign employees who simultaneously have positions both in and out of China may not be fully taxed on their income.

There may be other ways in which taxable income calculations may change under the new tax law. Applicants that fail to meet taxable income requirements could face immigration consequences, including having work permits downgraded. Failing to meet the requirements may also adversely affect a company’s credit rating, which could result in denials of future work permit applications in Category A.

Analysis & Comments: Employers who are considering the undertaking approach are encouraged to work with Deloitte to conduct a pre-analysis to ensure they are meeting taxable income requirements. Failure to meet taxable income requirements can lead to significant immigration consequences. Employers should note that local FEBs may adjust taxable income minimums in response to the tax reform, but it is difficult to predict when this would happen and time lines would likely vary depending on location.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has suspended independent tourist travel to Taiwan.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The change took effect Aug. 1.
  • Visas/permits affected: Individual entry permits to Taiwan.
  • Who is affected: Mainland Chinese residents planning travel to Taiwan.
  • Business impact: The business impact is minimal because even before the suspension Mainland Chinese residents were required to obtain business visa endorsements in order to conduct business activities in Taiwan.

Additional information: Mainland Chinese residents are generally required to obtain permission before traveling to Taiwan. Beginning in 2011, residents of 47 mainland cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, were able to apply for individual entry permits to Taiwan. This program has been suspended, however, with authorities citing the current state of relations between Mainland China and Taiwan in their decision to stop individual travel.

Analysis & Comments: While Mainland Chinese residents planning to visit Taiwan as tourists now must go as part of a group, there is no impact on business travel. There has also been no change to travel procedures for Mainland Chinese residents visiting Hong Kong or Macau for tourism or business.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services.

This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? China has announced 12 new immigration measures aimed at encouraging social and economic development.

What does the change mean? Under the measures, China will provide permanent residence to a broader group of applicants, issue more long-term visas and residence permits, provide immigration incentives to foreign students and recent graduates and establish immigration affairs service centers in areas with high numbers of foreign nationals.

  • Implementation time frame: The changes took effect Aug. 1.
  • Visas/permits affected: Permanent residence, long-term residence permits, residence permits, graduates of internationally renowned universities, internship visas, among others.
  • Who is affected: The changes will benefit many foreign nationals, including executives, high-skilled employees working in key industries, foreign nationals working at start-ups, foreign academics and researchers and foreign students and recent graduates.
  • Business impact: Officials hope that easing immigration procedures for those listed above will help China meet its labor needs, especially in key sectors including research and innovation and entrepreneurial fields.

Additional information: Officials announced the 12 measures last week, saying:

  1. High-skilled foreign nationals who meet the “special needs” of the Chinese government will be eligible to apply for permanent residence at the Exit-Entry Administration Department of Public Security Bureau (“Exit-Entry Bureau”) upon recommendation from the competent authorities. Foreign spouses and minor children may apply together with applicants.
  2. Foreign nationals working in China for four consecutive years, and living in the country for at least six months in each of the previous four years, whose annual income is no less than six times above the average wage in the region where they work and who pay an income tax of more than 20 percent of the income standard can apply for permanent residence in China. Foreign spouses and minor children may apply together with applicants.
  3. Foreign nationals of Chinese descent who hold a doctoral degree or have worked in key industries in China for at least four consecutive years, and live in China for at least six months out of each year can apply for permanent residence. Foreign spouses and minor children may apply together with applicants.
  4. Foreign experts, scholars and high-level executives who are invited by prominent universities or scientific research institutes, and high-level executives with sought-after skills will apply for port visas at the port visa department of the Public Security Bureau. Upon entry, applicants can apply for a multiple-entry visa or residence permit with validity of up to five years at the Exit-Entry Bureau by presenting supporting documents as requested by the authority.
  5. Foreign nationals working at start-up companies in key industries will be eligible to apply for residence permits of up to five years at the Exit-Entry Bureau by presenting a work permit, a letter from the company and other supporting documentation. Applicants can also apply for their residence permit using a reference letter from their team leader.
  6. Foreign nationals with an outstanding professional track record who meet the “special needs” of the Chinese government can recommend foreign members of the team or research support personnel for long-term visas or residence permits with validity of up to five years.
  7. First-time applicants who have obtained Notification of Work Permit (“NWP”) but have no time to leave the country to apply for a work visa will be able to apply for work residence permits at the Exit-Entry Bureau in China. Those who have applied for work residence permits twice consecutively without any violations of law or regulations will be eligible for a five-year work residence permit for the third renewal.
  8. Highly skilled foreign nationals working in key domestic institutions in higher education or scientific research institutes or at well-established enterprises can accept part-time employment in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship with consent from the relevant employers and the Exit-Entry Bureau.
  9. Outstanding foreign graduates from Chinese universities who are engaged in innovation and entrepreneurship activities in China will be eligible for residence permits valid for two to five years at the Exit-Entry Bureau by presenting university diplomas, an innovation and entrepreneurship certificate and other requested materials.
  10. Foreign students who graduated from internationally renowned universities and come to China to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship activities within two years of graduation are eligible to apply for residence permits valid for up to two years at the Exit-Entry Bureau with evidence of academic records and other requested documentation.
  11. Foreign students from overseas universities who are invited to work in China by well-known domestic enterprises can apply for one-year internship visas at the Exit-Entry Bureau by providing an invitation letter and university certificate, as well as other requested documentation. Foreign students who come to China for an internship in accordance with the inter-governmental agreement can apply for a work residence permit if meeting all criteria.
  12. Immigration service centers will be established in areas with large foreign populations. These centers will provide services including legal assistance, language and cultural activities, and other services that are related to living, working and studying in China.

Analysis & Comments: The 12 new policies are part of a broader package aimed at promoting social and economic development, and could help employers meet labor needs in key areas. These measures will allow a wider range of foreigners to apply for permanent residency, long-term visas and residence permits in China. For foreign students who are invited to work temporarily in China, internships can now be extended from three months (with current visa limitation) to one year with an internship visa.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services.

This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

China has begun issuing machine-readable residence permits and visas.

Key Points:

  • The new permits and visas, the first of which were issued last month, are printed on a sticker-like paper and include color photographs.
  • Applicants must be prepared to submit photographs taken within the last six months when submitting their application. The photos should be 33 mm by 48 mm, color and printed on photographic paper. Applicants should not wear hats, and the background should be white, with no borders around the image. The photos cannot be modified or blotted.
  • With the exception of the photo requirements, application procedures have not changed. Permit and visa uses and validity have not changed either, and foreign nationals who hold previously issued visas and permits can continue to use them until their expiration.

Analysis & Comments: Applicants should take note of the change and be prepared to provide photographs meeting the requirements listed above. Failure to do so may lead to delays in their applications.  

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.