+1 Province to Issue 5-Year, Multiple-Entry Visas for 180 Days

  

Source: OT-Team(G), 广东省人民政府外事办公室

  On March 4, the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office (GFAO) issued a notice on its official website titled "Announcement on Special Visa Facilitation for Foreign Business Professionals Visiting Guangdong."

  To further facilitate business activities for foreign professionals, the province plans to introduce special visa measures for eligible individuals. The key details are as follows:

1. Eligible Applicants

  The policy applies to foreign business professionals who frequently visit China for business activities and contribute positively to Guangdong's foreign trade and economic cooperation, along with their spouses and children. Inviting entities may include state-owned enterprises, private companies, foreign-invested enterprises, and other market participants.

2. Policy Measures

  Eligible foreign business professionals may apply for an M visa or a corresponding visa category with multiple entries for five years and a stay duration of up to 180 days per visit. The application requires a special visa invitation letter issued by the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office.

3. Application Process

  (1)The inviting entity (enterprise) submits an application for a special visa invitation letter on behalf of the eligible foreign business professional.

  (2)The inviting entity submits a written application to the local authorities, which will review the entity's qualifications before forwarding it to the GFAO.

  (3)Upon approval, the GFAO issues a special visa invitation letter for the eligible foreign business professional and their accompanying spouse and children.

 (4)The foreign business professional may apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad within three months of receiving the invitation letter.

4. Important Considerations

  (1)Inviting entities may only apply for visas on behalf of individuals engaging in business activities directly related to their organization. They are prohibited from expanding the scope of applications or applying for visas for non-business purposes.

 (2)If a visa holder engages in illegal activities, including overstaying, unauthorized employment, or other violations, the GFAO will revoke the inviting entity's eligibility for future applications in accordance with relevant regulations.