Every route we track for China, with the official source behind each one.
For you if you are a young scientist, engineer or technologist: the K visa is a new route (effective 1 October 2025) that lets eligible STEM talent enter China without a domestic employer first inviting you - but read the honesty note below: its work-authorisation status is still being clarified.
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For you if you are travelling to mainland China for commercial or trade activities: the M visa covers business trips such as meetings, negotiations and trade fairs - but it is not a work visa and does not let you take up employment.
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Chinese permanent residence is governed by Section 2 of Chapter IV of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, and the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — the "Five-star Card" since the redesign issued and activated on 1 December 2023 — is the document that evidences it.
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For you if you are family of a Chinese citizen or a permanent resident of China: the Q visa is the family-reunion route, with a long-stay Q1 (leading to a residence permit) and a short-stay Q2 for visits.
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For you if you are a recognised high-level expert or have skills China urgently needs: the R visa is the talent route, normally used alongside a top-tier Foreigner Work Permit and, after arrival, a residence permit.
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For you if you have been accepted to study in mainland China: the X visa is the student route, with X1 for longer courses (over six months, leading to a residence permit) and X2 for shorter study.
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For you if a Chinese employer has offered you a job: the Z visa is the standard route into paid work in mainland China, used together with a Foreigner Work Permit and, after arrival, a residence permit.
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Answer a few questions about your passport, your studies and your work. We score every route against your profile and show you the ones worth your time, with the official page behind each figure.
Create my free accountFursa is an independent information service, not a law firm or a registered immigration adviser. We link every figure to the official source so you can check it yourself.