Beijing encouraging top expat talent via free 10 year visa

The Chinese government has issued a special visa aimed at top expat talent wishing to get to know the country before taking on a work permit.

Known as the R Visa and available to a select few since Monday, expatriates whose skills are badly needed can stay in China for up to 180 days at a time and enjoy multiple entries without hassle from immigration. In addition, the visa can apply for five or 10 years and allows the same privileges for the holder’s partner and children.

Those qualified to apply for the new visa include scientists and entrepreneurs with international experience as well as those whose specialist top-level skills would be of advantage to China’s economy and society. Director of the country’s Foreign Experts Affairs department Gao Xiang told reporters streamlined online applications will be offered to those qualified to receive the visa, and are free of charge. Uploaded information from applicants will be shared by the three ministries involved and a decision should be given within five days of application, with the visa itself following two days later.

According to Xiang, the new regulation mirrors China’s determination to provide more open, proactive and inclusive policies on top talent, opening up the country to those who can benefit it the most. The new regulation, he added, has been enthusiastically received by applicants wishing to work in China in the long-term, with the first confirmation issued last Tuesday. More enquiries from applicants, he said, are now being considered.

Wang Huiyao, director of the Chinese think-tank Centre for China and Globalisation, assisted in preparing the new visa’s proposal and is more than pleased with the results. By issuing this special visa, he said, the country is sending a message to top talent from around the world that it’s willing to create the right conditions for the brightest and the best to live and work in China.