Corporate Immigration — China’s new 15-day visa-free policy for six countries
China grants 15-day visa-free entry to citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.
Who will be affected?
All foreigners from France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia hold ordinary passports.
Background
On 24 November 2023, the Chinese government announced that from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024, individuals holding ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia who travel to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transit for no more than 15 days are eligible for visa-free entry.
Before this new visa-free entry policy, it took around 3-4 weeks for the applicants to obtain a Chinese entry visa, from preparing visa application documents to the date of visa issuance.
Impact
Implementing this policy will significantly facilitate the travel arrangements of people from these six countries into China for business, tourism, and family visits.
Date of implementation
1 December 2023
Santa Fe Analysis
This policy aims to simplify the immigration procedures for people visiting China for business, tourism and family visit purposes, thereby promoting the development of tourism and business activities between China and these six countries.
As this is a unilateral visa-free policy, it also demonstrates China’s determination and intention to encourage foreign investment and business and cultural activity exchange.
This is a big decision for China, and we hope this step will help China and more countries reach an agreement on immigration policy to facilitate personnel exchanges between both sides significantly to drive economic growth.
For any inquiries or further clarification, you are welcome to reach out to the designated contacts below:
Connie Wang
Immigration & Destination Services Manager, China
Santa Fe Relocation
China
+86 6233 9700 X 247
connie.wang@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
+44 7990 021125
robert.day@santaferelo.com
About our Immigration Services
Our distinguished immigration services oversee a substantial volume of visa applications annually, catering to a diverse array of international corporations. Our seasoned team of immigration experts and accredited migration agents are entrusted with the meticulous management of the entire immigration process on your behalf. We are committed to delivering streamlined reporting and offering comprehensive guidance on all immigration-related affairs, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for our valued clients.
