If you have special skills urgently needed by China, you can come on an R (talent) visa. 

Who can apply 

Introduced Talent Visa (R-visa) is issued to those who are high-level qualified talents or whose skills are urgently needed by China.

Click here for the full list of qualified talents or skills who can apply for an R visa.

Documents required

• Original passport 
• One Visa Application Form completed online, printed and signed by hand 
• A color passport photo taken within 6 months
• A round-trip flight ticket booking confirmation and itinerary in China
• Relevant certificate documents provided by high-level talents and personnel with special skills urgently needed by China, who meet the relevant requirements of China's competent departments. 

How to apply 

Apply for the visa online at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center. 

How to extend your visa 

If you are in Shanghai and want to extend your R visa, you can apply to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau. 

Address: No 1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area

Open: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

You can make an appointment at the website of Government Online-Offline Shanghai. 

Required documents

• The applicant's original, valid passport and visa
• A completed Visa and Residence Permit Application Form for Foreigners, and then go to the exit-entry administration of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau in person to take a free photograph
• An application letter issued by the inviting organization 
• Business license or registration certificate of the inviting organization.

Service hotline

If you have issues with your visa application, call 021-12367, the service hotline of the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau. 

Click here for more information about applying for an R-visa extension.