The Foreign Affairs Offices in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Liaoning provinces have implemented a new policy allowing eligible foreign business travelers and their dependents to apply for M visas with a longer validity period. Eligible applicants may obtain a five-year multiple-entry M visa, permitting a 180-day stay per visit. Previously, these were granted for three, six or 12 months with single, double or multiple entries and each stay for 30/60/90 days, depending on the circumstances. Applicants must present a special invitation letter from the municipal Foreign Affairs Office when submitting their consular M visa application. Those who obtain this invitation letter can bypass fingerprint collection and delegate the application submission process, paying only a one-year multiple-entry visa fee. An inviting organization in China must request the invitation letter, which may include state-owned, private, or foreign-invested enterprises. According to Shanghai municipal authorities, the invitation letter application process takes around two to three weeks, including registration, document preparation, and processing. While no nationality restrictions are explicitly stated, final approval is at the discretion of the reviewing officer.
Fragomen in China is Fragomen (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in China. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.
Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.
Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.
Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.
Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.
Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.
Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.