Getting a 5-Year Business Visa Just Got a Lot Easier

If you’re a foreign business traveler looking to establish long-term operations in China, things just got a whole lot easier.

Several major Chinese regions and cities—including Guangdong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Liaoning—have introduced visa facilitation policies for a 5-year multiple-entry M business visa that allows foreign professionals to stay up to 180 days per visit.

Guangdong

5-Year Visa for Global Traders

On March 12, Guangdong unveiled a 5-year, multiple-entry M visa to eligible foreign businesspeople, with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit.

To apply, businesses based in Guangdong—whether state-owned, private, or foreign-invested—must submit an invitation request to the provincial foreign affairs office, which then issues a special invitation letter for visa processing.

However, strict rules apply.

Visas are granted only for business purposes, and inviting companies will be blacklisted if their invitees violate immigration laws or engage in illegal activities.

Beijing

Fast-Track 5-Year Visa & VIP Airport Services

On February 14, Beijing launched its own version of the 5-year multiple-entry visa, with extra perks for business travelers.

Applicants can benefit from:

• No fingerprint collection required

• Delegated application processing (someone else can apply on your behalf)

• Only paying a one-year multiple-entry visa fee despite receiving a 5-year visa

• Fast-track immigration clearance at Beijing’s two major international airports

• A fully online application process with no additional service fees

Shanghai

5-Year Visa for Business Leaders & Their Families

Launched on February 21, Shanghai’s visa policy mirrors those of Guangdong and Beijing but extends benefits to business professionals' spouses and children.

Those making significant contributions to Shanghai’s industrial and tech sectors can apply for a 5-year multiple-entry M visa with 180-day stays per visit.

According to the Shanghai Immigration Office, applications are reviewed within a week, allowing businesses to bring in foreign talent quickly and efficiently.

Liaoning

5-Year Visa for Northeast Business Expansion

Liaoning pioneered these policies back in January, allowing companies to sponsor 5-year multiple-entry business visas for foreign partners.

The goal? Boost foreign investment in Northeast China, particularly in manufacturing and emerging industries.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old and hold a relevant business title (entrepreneur, executive, industry specialist, etc.)

• Be in good health, with no serious infectious diseases

• Have a clean criminal record in China and abroad

• Demonstrate a clear business purpose, such as trade negotiations, contract signings, exhibitions, or technical exchanges

• Provide proof of financial resources to support their stay

Additionally, the inviting company must:

• Be a legally registered business operating in China

• Submit an official invitation letter detailing the applicant’s business activities

• Show proof of ongoing business ties (contracts, cooperation agreements, etc.)

No 5-Year Visa?

For those who don’t require a long-term visa, China has expanded its visa-free and transit visa policies to make short business trips even easier.

As of November 30, 2024, China unilaterally grants visa-free entry to 37 countries and reciprocal visa-free entry to 26 countries, demonstrating a proactive stance in attracting international tourists.

READ MORE: China Visa-Free Entry Countries – The Full List!

Additionally, China’s latest visa-free transit policy allows visitors from 54 countries to stay for 240 hours (10 days) in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu—perfect for quick business meetings or trade fairs.

READ MORE: China Extends Visa-Free Transit Stays to 10 Days

For frequent visitors to China, these 5-year multiple-entry visas eliminate the hassle of frequent renewals, providing uninterrupted business access to the Chinese market.

Would you apply for a 5-year China business visa? Let us know your thoughts, and for more updates on China’s latest policy shifts, follow our official WeChat account, That’sGBA!

[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That's]