New visa regulations for foreigners visiting and living in China, under new Chinese immigrations laws to be enforced on 1 July

The Chinese Government's new immigration law comes into force on 1 July.

The Chinese Government’s new immigration law will come into force on 1 July 2013, with new visa rules for foreign nationals visiting or living in China.

The details though not yet finalised, indicate that as of 1 July, anyone wishing to stay in China more than 180 days will need a residence permit. 

Visit ( tourist) visas will only be extended once by a maximum of 30 days. In addition there will be the introduction of several new categories of visa including R visas - for highly skilled specialists. 

Work visas - Z visas - will be divided into Z1 (over 90 days) and Z2 (under ninety days), with Z1 visa holders likely to need a residence permit also. Rules for F visas (current category for business visits) may also change, with business/commercial visitors required to apply for a new “M” visa category - however please note that details of the difference between F and M types have not yet been finalised.

 More detailed information will be distributed once available. The new draft visa categories are as follows:

·        F - non-commercial visit

·        L - tourism

·        G - transit visa

·        Z1 - work in China over 90 days

·        Z2 - work in China less than 90 days

·        X1 - long term study

·        X2 - short term study

·        M - commercial or trade activity

·        Q1 - family reunion

·        Q2 - short visit visa

·        R1 - highly skilled specialists

R2 - Highly skilled specialists (less than 180 days)

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