Shanghai has launched a streamlined visa program to facilitate business activities for overseas professionals in the city. The program will also extend benefits to their families.

Under this initiative, eligible overseas businesspeople can apply for a multiple-entry, 180-day visa (M visa or equivalent) valid for up to five years. Applicants are not required to provide fingerprints and can authorize others to handle the application on their behalf. Additionally, they will only be charged the fee for a one-year multiple-entry visa, streamlining the process for frequent business travelers.

How to apply

1. Inviting companies must submit a written request to the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization. Once verified, the company will receive a registration verification code for the next step.

2. The company can then use the verification code to register online in the "Invitation Letter Application" (邀请函办理) section within "Invitation to China" (来华邀请) on the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office's official website. Once registered, the company can submit details of the invited overseas businesspeople.

3. After reviewing the application, the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office will issue a special visa invitation letter within one week to eligible overseas businesspeople and their families. This service is free of charge.

4. With the invitation letter, overseas businesspeople can apply for their visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad within three months.

Important notes

The program is available exclusively for business-related travel. Companies cannot use it to invite non-business visitors.

If a visa holder engages in illegal activities or violates regulations during their stay in China, the sponsoring company may lose eligibility for future applications.

Source: Official WeChat account of Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government at "gh_a1fb10001853"