China Business Travel: 144-Hour Visa-Free Rule & 2025 Visas

What are the main legal pathways to enter and stay in China for business and work?

The main pathways into China for business and work are short-term business visits (often under an M visa or visa-free/transit schemes) and long-term employment or investment stays under a Z or R visa combined with a Work Permit and residence permit. High-end talent can access Class A work permits and, in some cities, expedited "green channels" aligned with China's investment and innovation priorities.

From a strategy perspective, you should first define your goal: one-off visit, frequent travel, or long-term presence. Then match that goal to the right category:

• Short, time-sensitive trips:
  • 144-hour visa-free transit (if route and nationality qualify)
  • Port visa (only where genuinely urgent and with a strong local sponsor)
  • M visa (business) obtained before travel
• Medium- to long-term assignments:
  • Z visa + Work Permit Class A or B + residence permit, for standard foreign employees
  • R visa + Class A permit for high-end talent and urgently needed specialists
• Investors and senior executives:
  • Often enter initially on an M or Z visa tied to the subsidiary or JV
  • Some cities provide dedicated talent or investor channels inside the Class A framework

The controlling legal framework includes the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC (2013) and related implementing rules, administered mainly by:

• National Immigration Administration (NIA) - overall immigration authority, including ports and visa-free transit
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Chinese embassies/consulates - issue visas abroad
• Local Exit-Entry Administration of Public Security Bureaus - issue residence permits once you are in China
• Local Foreigners Work Management Departments (under the national "Foreigners Working in China" system) - issue Work Permits

How does China's 144-hour visa-free transit work and which cities are covered?

China's 144-hour transit visa exemption allows eligible foreign nationals to stay in certain regions of China for up to 6 days without a visa, provided they are in genuine transit from Country A to Country C via China (Country B). As of late 2024, it covers most major international hubs including Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta, parts of Guangdong's Greater Bay Area, and several other key cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Qingdao and Wuhan.

Core rules of the 144-hour transit visa exemption

• Purpose: Short stay for transit only - not for local employment or long-term business setup.
• Route requirement:
  • Must be Country A - China - Country C.
  • Country A and C must be different; you cannot fly in and out to the same country.
  • Tickets with confirmed onward travel within 144 hours are required.
• Nationality: Open to passport holders from around 53 countries (including most EU states, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore). Always verify your specific nationality on the NIA site before travel.
• Permitted area: You must stay within the region linked to your port of entry (for example, the Yangtze River Delta region for Shanghai).
• Registration: You must register your address with local police within 24 hours if you do not stay at a hotel (hotels register for you).

Key regions and ports currently offering 144-hour transit

The list of ports has expanded over time and is subject to change, but the main clusters are:

• Beijing - Tianjin - Hebei region:
  • Beijing Capital International Airport
  • Beijing Daxing International Airport
  • Tianjin Binhai International Airport
  • Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport
  • Qinhuangdao seaport (for some cruise passengers)
• Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang):
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
  • Shanghai cruise terminals (Wusongkou etc.)
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport
  • Some additional airports in Jiangsu and Zhejiang designated by NIA
• Guangdong Greater Bay Area:
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
  • Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
  • Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport
  • Certain land and seaports connecting to Hong Kong and Macau (for specific schemes)
• Other 144-hour transit cities (independent regions):
  • Chengdu (Tianfu and Shuangliu International Airports)
  • Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
  • Xian Xianyang International Airport
  • Kunming Changshui International Airport
  • Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (and seaport for some routes)
  • Qingdao Liuting/Jiaodong International Airport (plus relevant seaports)

How to use the 144-hour transit in practice

1. Plan your route:
   • Ensure your itinerary is clearly Country A - China - Country C.
   • Stopovers in China must not exceed 144 hours from 00:00 on the day after entry (local immigration confirms the exact calculation).
2. Check port and nationality eligibility:
   • Confirm that your port of arrival participates in the 144-hour scheme.
   • Confirm your passport is on the NIA eligibility list.
3. Prepare documentation:
   • Valid passport with at least 3 to 6 months remaining validity and blank pages.
   • Printed or clearly accessible electronic onward ticket with seat confirmed.
   • Hotel bookings or address where you will stay in the permitted region.
4. Request 144-hour transit at arrival:
   • At immigration, go to the lane marked for "144-hour Transit Visa Exemption".
   • Submit arrival card and supporting documents for inspection.
5. Comply with regional and time limits:
   • Do not travel outside the approved region.
   • Depart China on time; overstays can trigger fines, administrative detention and future entry bans.

For executives, the 144-hour regime works well for short, high-impact visits tied to a multi-country Asia trip (for example, Singapore - Shanghai - Tokyo). It is not a substitute for a proper business or work visa if you need repeated or long-term access.

Can you get a port visa (visa on arrival) for urgent business in China?

China offers "port visas" (visa on arrival) at certain ports for urgent business, humanitarian or other special needs, but these visas usually require advance approval initiated by a Chinese sponsor before you travel. They are not a general, walk-up visa-on-arrival system like in some other countries, and relying on them without preparation is commercially risky.

What is a Chinese port visa?

• Legal basis: Port visas are issued under the Exit and Entry Administration Law and related NIA rules at designated entry ports.
• Purpose:
  • Urgent business meetings, signature of time-critical contracts, equipment repairs.
  • Emergency humanitarian reasons, such as visiting a seriously ill relative.
  • Group tourism via certain cruise or tour operators in specified ports.
• Typical visa types issued at port: Short-term M visa (business) or F visa (non-commercial visits) valid for a single entry and relatively short stay (for example, up to 30 days).

Core conditions for obtaining a port visa

Requirements vary by port, but the practical pattern is similar across major hubs:

• Local sponsor required:
  • A Chinese company or entity must apply in advance to the port's visa office or Exit-Entry Administration.
  • They typically submit an application form, an invitation letter explaining the urgency, and corporate registration documents.
• Pre-approval before travel:
  • Once approved, the port visa authority sends written confirmation to the sponsor.
  • You present this confirmation on arrival to obtain the visa at the port visa counter.
• Eligible ports:
  • Major international airports like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and several provincial capitals.
  • Certain seaports that regularly handle foreign business and cruise traffic.
  • Exact list and conditions are published by NIA and updated periodically.
• No serious immigration risk factors:
  • No prior serious visa violations, deportations or bans from China.
  • No security flags or law enforcement alerts.

Costs and processing time for port visas

Fees depend heavily on reciprocity with your home country, but broad ranges can be given.

Practical risk assessment for business travelers

• Do not assume you can simply arrive and ask for a visa: Without pre-approval and a cooperative sponsor, immigration is likely to deny boarding or entry.
• Use port visas only when there is genuine urgency: For predictable trips (trade fairs, quarterly board meetings), applying for a standard M visa is far safer.
• Align internal travel policies: Many multinationals prohibit reliance on port visas due to the commercial risk of non-entry; align your China playbook accordingly.

What is the difference between Work Permit Class A and Class B in China, and who gets expedited processing?

Work Permit Class A is reserved for "high-end talent" and urgently needed professionals, usually with strong academic, salary or industry credentials, and it benefits from faster processing and more flexible rules. Class B covers the majority of foreign professionals and managers and involves stricter age, degree and experience checks with more standard processing times.

China's three-category work permit system

China classifies foreign workers into three categories under the "Foreigners Working in China" system:

• Category A - High-end talent:
  • High-scoring professionals (generally 85+ points under the official scoring system) or those meeting direct criteria such as:
    • Senior roles in leading tech or scientific fields (AI, semiconductors, biotech, green energy).
    • Global-level experts, senior R&D staff or tech founders recognized by Chinese talent programs.
    • High salary level relative to local averages (often several times the city average).
  • Often eligible for R visas (talent visa) and longer work permits (up to 5 years at a time in some cities).
• Category B - Professional talent:
  • Most foreign managers, engineers and specialists.
  • Typically require:
    • Bachelor's degree or above.
    • At least 2 years of related work experience.
    • Age usually under 60 (some cities are flexible for key roles).
  • Standard work permits usually issued for 1 - 3 years.
• Category C - Temporary or seasonal workers:
  • Short-term or lower-skilled roles subject to quotas.
  • Rarely used by international executives or investors.

New and evolving expedited channels for Class A talent

Reflecting China's push to attract high-end foreign talent, many leading cities and free trade zones have introduced faster and more flexible handling for Category A applicants, especially in science and technology. While the exact 2025 pilot details vary by city, common features include:

• Faster processing:
  • In practice, some cities aim to approve Class A work permits in about 5 working days once documents are complete, compared to 10 - 15 days for many Class B cases.
  • Online pre-review and electronic document submission reduce back-and-forth.
• Lighter documentation:
  • More flexibility on notarization and legalization of academic degrees or police clearances.
  • Possibility of accepting digital evidence of achievements, patents or publications.
• Longer validity and easier renewal:
  • First work permit often granted for up to 3 years or longer.
  • Renewals can be streamlined if employer and role remain stable.
• Local talent windows:
  • Dedicated counters or case managers inside the local Foreigners Work Management offices.
  • Priority appointment slots and consultation services for key employers (for example, large tech R&D centers or R&D hubs in free trade zones).

Who should aim for Class A instead of Class B?

• CTOs, heads of R&D and principal scientists in sectors explicitly encouraged by national policy.
• Founders or key technical staff of China-facing startups funded by recognized venture capital or industrial funds.
• Senior engineers or architects with rare expertise where the Chinese entity can show strong demand and strategic value.

For employers, classifying a hire as Category A can materially reduce onboarding friction and signal alignment with local government priorities. It also helps HR plan more predictable assignment timelines into China.

What are the main business and work visa types for China and how much do they cost?

The main business and work-related visas for China are the M visa for short-term commercial activities, the Z visa for employment, and the R visa for high-end talent, all of which usually lead to a residence permit after arrival. Government visa fees vary by nationality but typically range between about 160 and 1,400 RMB for a single-entry visa, with additional local costs once you are in China.

*Fees vary by nationality due to reciprocity. US citizens often pay at the higher end for multiple-entry visas; EU citizens are usually mid-range.

Beyond consular visa fees, factor in local costs after arrival for work and residence processing:

• Medical examination in China: roughly 400 - 800 RMB per person.
• Residence permit fee: typically 400 - 800 RMB depending on city and length.
• Work permit card issuance: often modest (for example, 0 - 300 RMB), but confirm locally.

How do you obtain a China work visa, Work Permit and residence permit step by step?

To work lawfully in China, you first secure a Work Permit Notice from within China, then use it to apply abroad for a Z or R visa, and finally convert that entry visa into a work-type residence permit after arrival. The process takes several weeks at a minimum and requires tight coordination between the foreign individual, the Chinese employer and local authorities.

Step-by-step process

1. Confirm eligibility and role
   • Align the job description, salary and candidate profile with Category A or B criteria.
   • Check age limits, degree requirements and experience for the target city.
2. Gather personal documents
   • Passport, CV, degree certificates, employment references.
   • Police clearance from home country or country of residence (often for the last 2 - 5 years).
   • Passport photos and completed application forms.
   • Where required, notarize and legalize key documents via your country's authorities and Chinese consulate.
3. Employer applies online for Work Permit Notice in China
   • Employer registers in the national "Foreigners Working in China" system if not already registered.
   • They submit your documents online and then provide originals or certified copies to the local Foreigners Work Management office.
   • Processing usually takes about 5 - 15 working days depending on category and city.
4. Receive Work Permit Notice
   • Once approved, you or your employer receive a Work Permit Notice (often in electronic format with QR code).
   • This is the key document for your Z or R visa application at the Chinese consulate.
5. Apply for Z or R visa at a Chinese embassy/consulate
   • Submit your passport, Work Permit Notice, visa form, photos and, where requested, the employer invitation.
   • Typical processing at consulates is around 4 - 7 working days, with express options at extra cost in some locations.
   • Once issued, the Z/R visa often allows a single entry with a 30-day stay window to complete in-China formalities.
6. Enter China and register your address
   • Within 24 hours of arrival, register your address with the local police (hotels do this automatically).
   • Keep the registration slip; it is often needed for later steps.
7. Complete medical examination in China
   • Attend an approved medical center for foreigner health checks.
   • Some cities may accept recent results from designated foreign clinics, but most still require local exams.
8. Convert to Work Permit card and residence permit
   • Your employer finalizes the Work Permit card issuance based on your arrival and medical report.
   • You then apply at the local Exit-Entry Administration for a work-type residence permit, submitting passport, Work Permit card, photos, medical and registration slip.
   • Processing for residence permits is typically around 7 - 15 working days.

Common pitfalls for companies and executives

• Attempting to work on an M visa: Business meetings are allowed, but performing actual work or being on local payroll requires a proper Work Permit and residence permit.
• Incomplete legalization of documents: Missing or improperly legalized degrees and police certificates cause major delays at the Work Permit Notice stage.
• Short assignment planning: Try to build in at least 6 - 8 weeks from offer acceptance to legal start date in China, especially for first-time hires.

When should you hire a China immigration lawyer or specialist?

You should involve a China immigration lawyer or specialist whenever you are setting up your first China presence, hiring high-end foreign talent, relying on non-standard routes like port visas, or facing tight commercial timelines. Local expertise greatly reduces the risk of delays, refusals and non-compliance that can damage both the project and your future access to the China market.

Situations where professional help adds real value

• Market entry or new legal entity
  • Coordinating company registration, tax registration and the first Work Permits for key expatriates.
  • Designing compliant structures for secondments and global mobility into China.
• High-end talent and Class A strategies
  • Assessing whether a role and candidate can qualify as Category A and which city offers the friendliest policies.
  • Preparing supporting material that speaks the language of local talent programs.
• Complex travel patterns
  • Frequent travelers who mix 144-hour transit, visa-free entries (if applicable) and standard visas.
  • Designing internal rules so executives do not inadvertently violate stay limits.
• Port visas and urgent entries
  • Evaluating whether a port visa is realistically obtainable at a specific port, given your sponsor and urgency.
  • Handling communication with local NIA offices and preparing contingency plans.
• Remediation and risk management
  • Past overstays, unregistered work or non-compliant arrangements that may affect new applications.
  • Mergers, restructurings or mass transfers that impact multiple foreign employees in China.

For many mid-sized and large investors, the most efficient model is to work with a local immigration provider or law firm on a framework basis, then route individual cases through that framework. This keeps your internal HR team out of the weeds of local policy changes while ensuring consistent compliance across China locations.

What are the next steps if you plan to enter China for business or work?

The next steps are to map your business goals to the right immigration route, validate current rules for your target city and port, and build a realistic timing and documentation plan. Early alignment between your China leadership, HR, and local counsel will save you cost and speed up market entry.

1. Clarify your China entry objective
   • Short reconnaissance trip, recurring visits, or long-term operations.
   • Which cities and free trade zones matter most for your business.
2. Choose the appropriate route
   • Check if a 144-hour transit will cover immediate visits as part of a multi-country trip.
   • Plan M visas for predictable business travel and Z/R + Work Permit for long-term roles.
   • Only consider port visas for truly urgent, sponsor-backed cases.
3. Audit your internal policies
   • Update global mobility and travel policies to reflect China-specific rules and risks.
   • Standardize document requirements (degrees, police checks, proof of experience) for China-bound staff.
4. Engage local experts early
   • Identify a trusted China immigration law firm or specialist in your target city.
   • Obtain a jurisdiction-specific checklist for the latest Class A/B requirements and transit/port rules.
5. Build a realistic timeline
   • Work backwards from key milestones (factory launch, R&D center opening, JV signing).
   • Allow buffer time for document legalization, consular appointments and local processing in China.

Handled correctly, China's relaxed entry environment in 2025 can significantly reduce friction for foreign investors and talent. The competitive edge goes to companies that understand the available pathways, structure their plans around them, and execute with disciplined compliance.