To further enhance the convenience for foreign business persons conducting activities in Shanghai, special visa facilitation measures will be introduced for eligible individuals, as outlined below.

I Target Group

The foreign business persons referred to in this Notice primarily include "individuals who frequently travel to China for business activities and make positive contributions to Shanghai's foreign economic and trade cooperation, along with their spouses and children." Inviting entities include a wide range of market participants, such as state-owned, private, and foreign-funded enterprises.

II Policy Measures

Eligible foreign business persons can apply for a multiple-entry M visa or corresponding category visa, valid for five years with a maximum stay period of 180 days, at Chinese embassies or consulates abroad. This application is based on the Special Visa Invitation issued by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government. Applicants may be exempt from fingerprint collection and may authorize another person to handle the visa application. Additionally, visa fees will be charged at the rate of a one-year multiple-entry visa.

III Application Process

1. The inviting entity (company) submits a written application to the relevant department of Yangpu District to apply for a Special Visa Invitation for eligible foreign business persons. The relevant department of Yangpu District will review the qualifications of the inviting entity (company) and issue a "Registration Verification Code" to those that meet the criteria.

2. The qualified inviting entity (company) uses the "Registration Verification Code" to register on the "Invitation to China" module under "Invitation Letter Processing" on the official website of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government (https://wsb.sh.gov.cn). Once registered successfully, the inviting entity (company) can complete the application information online for the invited foreign business persons. The Foreign Affairs Office will then issue a Special Visa Invitation to the verified foreign business persons and their spouses and children.

3. Foreign business persons may apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in their location within three months, using the Special Visa Invitation.

IV Notes

The inviting entity (company) is permitted to apply for visas only for individuals invited by them to engage in business activities in China. They must not exceed the specified scope or apply for visas on behalf of individuals entering China for purposes other than business.

If foreign business persons who benefit from this visa facilitation are found to be involved in "three illegalities" (illegal entry, illegal residence, illegal employment) or other illegal activities after entering China, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government will lawfully revoke the application qualifications of the relevant company.

V Others

1. For foreign business persons who meet the criteria, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government will review and issue the Special Visa Invitation within one week after receiving the application from the inviting entity (company), provided that the application meets all requirements.

2. The processing of the Special Visa Invitation is free of charge.

Enterprises may consult the foreign affairs offices of their registered districts for further information.

 Foreign Affairs Office of the Yangpu District People's Government (Inquiry Hotline): 25033655

 Operating Hours: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM / 2:00 PM-5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, (excluding statutory holidays)