China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has updated the 2025 edition of its “Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates”, which addresses many of the questions foreign nationals have about how to travel to or work in the country legally. The 22-page document covers how to apply for a residence permit, pay income tax and handle payments and benefits under the country’s social insurance. Foreigners who come to China to work or live for reasons other than official or diplomatic matters must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of their entry.
The maximum duration of visa-free transits for eligible foreign nationals has been extended. Since December, stays as part of trips between two different countries or regions can last up to 240 hours or 10 days, up from the previous 72-hour and 144-hour limits. Twenty-one ports of entry and exit have also been added as transit options, and individuals from any of the 55 eligible countries can move visa-free through the country’s 60 open ports. Full visa exemption for entry has also been applied on a trial basis to nationals from Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia and Japan for trips taking place before the end of 2025. In addition to these nine countries, passport holders from 38 countries can enter China without a visa for most purposes for stays of up to 30 days.
An individual who is domiciled in China, or an individual who is not domiciled in China but has lived in China for 183 days or more within a tax year, is considered a tax resident. They are subject to individual income tax on earnings from within China or overseas. China has made arrangements to avoid “double taxation” with 114 countries or regions, including Belgium.
A work visa – also known as a “Z visa” – is required from a Chinese Embassy or Consulate for those who intend to work in China. A “Notification Letter for Foreigner’s Work Permit” is needed from the applicant’s company for a successful visa application. For those who intend to work in China for no more than 90 days, the visa is all that is required. Those working in China for longer than 90 days must apply for a residence permit after entering the country. China has also launched a new visa category for young science and technology specialists. Under revised foreign entry regulations, eligible professionals will be able to apply for “K visas” starting October 1. These visas would not require an invitation by a domestic employer or institution, as in the “Z visa”.
Expatriates who have not yet reached the statutory retirement age and are legally employed in China are eligible to enroll in the country’s social insurance plans. This also applies to those who have signed labor contracts with employers in China and received pay, or those who have signed contracts with overseas companies and have been dispatched to work in China, the South China Morning Post reports.
The Guide can be downloaded in PDF-format here
