China Plans to Issue Five Year Multi-Entry Visas to Qualified Foreigners

May 6, 2013 Posted by China Briefing Reading Time: 2 minutes

R1 and R2 visa categories to be created

May 6 – China’s Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council issued a draft proposal on Administration Regulation of Entry and Exit of Foreigners (hereinafter referred to as the “Draft”) on May 3, 2013 which includes provisions on issuing longer term visas for foreign experts. The Draft has been released to the public for gathering opinions until June 3, 2013.

The Draft reveals two new types of visas – the R1 visa and the R2 visa – specifically designed for foreign talents and professionals working at a senior level and possessing skills that the country urgently needs. A R1 visa is classified as a residence visa, while an R2 visa is a visitors visa which may allow multiple entries and exits from the country.

Both R1 and R2 candidates should be experts recognized by provincial-level governments and above, and professionals that China urgently needs. Candidates will also be required to submit relevant supporting materials during the application. Direct family members of the visa holder, such as spouses, parents, and children under 18 years old, may apply also apply for visas as dependents.

“The regulation will especially help those who work in other countries but want to spend time working in China. India has already had this five year multi-entry visa program in place for a number of years, so China is playing catch up as regards its ability to attract foreign talent,” comments Chris Devonshire-Ellis of Dezan Shira & Associates.

Individuals interested in providing comments on the Draft before the closing date of June 3 may use the following methods:

Log in www.chinalaw.gov.cn, and make comments through the Comment Collection System
Mail the comments to: Mailbox 2067, Beijing (Postcode: 100035), and state “Comments Collection of Administration Regulation of Entry and Exit of Foreigners” on the envelop
Email the comments to: wgrrjcj@chinalaw.gov.cn

Dezan Shira & Associates is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in emerging Asia.

For further details or to contact the firm, please email china@dezshira.com, visit www.dezshira.com, or download the company brochure.

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