To further streamline the process for foreign businesspeople coming to Shanghai for professional engagements, new visa facilitation measures have been introduced. These measures are designed for eligible foreign nationals with business activities in the city.

I. Who is Eligible?

The term “foreign businesspeople” in this context refers to foreign nationals who need to frequently visit China for business purposes and have made significant contributions to Shanghai’s international trade and economic cooperation. This category also includes the spouses and children of such individuals. Eligible organizations that can extend invitations include state-owned, private, and foreign-invested companies.

II. Details of the New Visa Facilitation

Eligible foreign businesspeople can apply for a five-year multiple-entry M visa, or an equivalent category visa, allowing a stay of up to 180 days. This application can be processed through a Chinese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country, following the receipt of a Special Visa Invitation Letter from the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office. Applicants may be exempt from fingerprinting and can designate others to submit the application on their behalf. The visa will be processed for the cost of a one-year multiple-entry visa.

III. Application Process

1. Application for Special Visa Invitation Letter
   The invitation letter application must be made by the inviting organization on behalf of the eligible foreign businesspeople.
2. Qualification of Inviting Organizations
   Eligible organizations must submit a written application to local authorities or competent departments to qualify for issuing the invitation letter. Upon qualification, the organization will be granted a “registration code.”
3. Online Registration and Submission of Visa Application Details
   Qualified organizations should use their registration code to complete the online registration via the “Invitation to China” section on the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office’s official website (https://wsb.sh.gov.cn). After registration, the organization can enter the visa application information for the invited foreign businesspeople. Following a review, the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office will issue the Special Visa Invitation Letter for the businesspeople and their immediate family members.
4. Visa Application by Foreign Businesspeople
   Foreign businesspeople can apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate within three months of receiving the Special Visa Invitation Letter.

IV. Important Notes

1. Inviting organizations are responsible only for submitting visa applications for individuals invited for business purposes. The scope of applications should not be extended to individuals traveling for non-business reasons.
2. Should a foreign businessperson benefiting from this visa facilitation engage in illegal activities such as “three illegals” (illegal entry, illegal stay, or illegal employment), the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office reserves the right to revoke the qualifications of the organization involved.

V. Additional Information

1. The Special Visa Invitation Letter will be issued by the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office within one week of receiving the organization’s application, provided all requirements are met.
2. There are no fees associated with processing the Special Visa Invitation Letter.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/C2IR7DvJ2J6RUBRUfARlyQ

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