New visa facilitation measures have been introduced for Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Liaoning provinces to allow foreign business travellers and their dependents multiple entries and longer stays in China. 

The five-year M visa was previously only available to former Chinese nationals or UK passport holders who had already obtained two or more two-year multiple-entry visas, or individuals whose home country has a multiple-year visa arrangement with China. 

But under the new scheme, provided a Chinese entity sponsors them, applicants can obtain the five-year visa, allowing a 180-day stay per visit. This is a significant increase on China’s three, six, or 12-month visas which offer stays lasting 30, 60, or 90 days.

Applicants must submit a special visa invitation letter issued by the local Foreign Affairs Office where the sponsoring entity is registered. With a letter, applicants can bypass some immigration hurdles, including fingerprint collection. 

According to authorities, the new invitation letter application process will take about two to three weeks, including registration, document preparation, and processing. 

“The new policy would make it more convenient for foreign business visitors to conduct business activities in China on a long-term basis without having to apply for a new visa so frequently, or having to exit China and re-enter again to start another duration of stay,” explains Baker Mckenzie’s Jonathan Issacs. 

“This way they are able to stay in China long enough to accomplish their business agenda and major matters without having to constantly deal with immigration hassles.” 

But it is important to note that application processes and documentation requirements for the visa will vary by location and no uniform guidance has yet been issued. 

“In comparison with a normal M visa application, which only requires an invitation letter issued by the inviting company in China, the application for a special invitation letter requires the inviting company to provide substantive corporate information,” advises Baker McKenzie’s Lily Tian. 

“The local authorities may impose certain qualifications on the sponsoring entity in terms of the enterprise’s registered capital or enterprise income tax paid locally. 

“In light of this, companies are advised to make name-based inquiries with the local authorities to confirm the specific application steps and documentation requirements to effectively navigate the process.”

Given the lack of standardised procedures, there are likely to be in inconsistencies in processing times and requirements, suggests Seyfarth’s Leon Mao. 

“To navigate this process effectively, businesses should allocate sufficient time – ideally two to three months – for the application, stay updated on any changes from local authorities, and maintain clear communication with relevant government offices to ensure compliance with evolving guidelines.”

Nevertheless, it is hoped that by eliminating the need for frequent visa applications, the new policy will increase foreign travellers’ willingness to conduct business in China. 

“The inclusion of dependents in the policy could further encourage long-term stays,” notes Mao. “This change is likely to enhance China’s appeal to international talent and investment projects, ultimately fostering economic growth in regions like Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Liaoning.”

Along China’s east and north-east coasts, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Liaoning are important industrial centuries, producing significant volumes of machinery, petrochemicals, metals, fertilisers, cement, electronics, textiles, and consumer goods.

Since taking office, US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminium.

“Whether [the M visa] will actually impact the decision of companies looking into establishing or expanding their presence in these locations is yet to be seen since companies would have other critical matters to consider in terms of whether or not to set up or expand their presence in a location,” says Isaacs.

“One point worth noting is that the M visa is intended for bona fide businesspersons who need to travel to China to fulfil business commitments. If a foreign national needs to engage in paid work or employment activities in China, a proper work permit should still be obtained.”