Q&As on Special Visas and Entry Facilitation Program

  

Source: OT-Team(G), 西城外事

  Recently, Beijing introduced special visas and improved entry facilitation for eligible foreign business professionals. Here are the answers to some key questions about the new policy.

1. What are special visas and customs facilitation measures?

  The Beijing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office issues a special invitation letter for eligible foreign business professionals, granting them a five-year multiple-entry visa with a stay period of 180 days each time. Based on this invitation letter, Chinese consulates abroad will issue a five-year, multiple-entry M visa or an equivalent visa category, with the same 180-day stay period. Applicants are exempt from fingerprint collection and may authorize someone else to apply on their behalf. Additionally, the visa fee is charged for a one-year multiple-entry visa. The Beijing Entry-Exit Frontier Inspection Station will provide entry and exit facilitation for foreign business professionals traveling through Beijing's ports.

2. Who are the target recipients of these special visas and customs facilitation measures?

  These measures apply to foreign business professionals invited by registered businesses in Beijing (the "inviting entity"), who frequently travel to Beijing to engage in commercial activities and contribute positively to the business community. This also includes their spouses and children.

3. What documents must the inviting entity submit when applying for a special visa for foreign business professionals?

  The inviting entity, which must be a registered company in Beijing, can apply for a special visa and facilitation for foreign business professionals they invite. The required documents include:

(1)The application form, which must be registered and completed on the official website of the Beijing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office (wb.beijing.gov.cn), signed by the entity's authorized representative and stamped with the company's official seal.

(2)A copy of the foreign business professional's passport information page.

(3)A schedule for the foreign business professional's first visit to Beijing.

(4)An invitation letter issued by the inviting entity (with a Chinese translation).

(5)Documents proving the ongoing and legitimate business relationship between the inviting entity and the foreign business professional (with the company's official seal). For invitations of spouses and children, marriage certificates and birth certificates must also be provided.

(6)A guarantee letter issued by the inviting entity.

(7)The business license of the inviting entity.

4. Which government department in Beijing should the inviting entity submit the application to?

  The application can be submitted to the foreign affairs department of the district where the business is registered. For inquiries about the special visa policy and customs facilitation, you may contact the Beijing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office (55574107) or the Beijing Entry-Exit Frontier Inspection Station (56095092).

5. How can the inviting entity obtain a special invitation letter?

  Once approved by the Beijing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, the inviting entity can download the special invitation letter from the office's official website. If a physical copy is needed, it can be picked up at the Beijing Foreign Affairs Service Center (2nd floor, Gehua Tower, No. 1 Qinglong Hutong, Dongcheng District).

6. Is there any fee for applying for the special invitation letter?

  No, there is no fee for obtaining the special invitation letter.

7. How does a foreign business professional apply for a visa after receiving the special invitation letter?

  The foreign business professional can visit the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in their country to check the specific requirements for applying for a visa to China.

8. How can the inviting entity implement customs facilitation measures for eligible foreign business professionals?

  The inviting entity must designate a special liaison officer to register with the Beijing Entry-Exit Frontier Inspection Station. The liaison officer is responsible for ensuring the customs facilitation measures are applied. For foreign business professionals entering Beijing, the inviting entity must notify the frontier inspection station five calendar days in advance, so that facilitation measures can be arranged.

9. Will the application process be simplified for future applications if the special visa and customs facilitation have already been approved?

  Once an invitation from an entity is approved, the Beijing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office will maintain an electronic record for that entity. For subsequent applications for different foreign professionals from the same entity, documents like the business license will no longer be required.

10. Can foreign business professionals engage in non-business activities after entering China on a special visa?

  Foreign business professionals are required to engage solely in commercial and trade activities. If they are found engaging in illegal activities after entering China under the special visa, they will be subject to legal action in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.