New China Visa Policies Updated in April 2024

1. Suzhou – Introduction to New Work Permit Application Process for Class B Bachelor Degree Holders

As of March 2024, foreign nationals holding a Class B Bachelor’s degree along with two years of relevant work experience must apply for a new work permit when changing jobs to Suzhou from another location.The entire application process for the new work permit is conducted online. Applicants are required to provide a health check report from the past six months, proof of relevant work experience totaling at least two years, educational and qualification documents (the same ones submitted for the initial work permit application can be used), and a declaration of no criminal record from their country of nationality.

2. Suzhou – Work Permit Eligibility for Foreign Investors Over 60

Foreign nationals over 60 years old who are investors in a company can apply for a Class B Bachelor’s degree + 2 years work experience type work permit if three conditions are met:

the company’s administrative district is within the Suzhou Industrial Park,
the company’s registered capital is at least 1 million yuan, and
the applicant, as an investor in the company, holds more than 30% of the shares.

3. Tianjin – For Companies Hiring Foreign Nationals for the First Time

Companies in Tianjin hiring foreign nationals for the first time must select an employee to handle immigration-related affairs. This designated handler, equipped with their personal identification, the foreign national’s original passport, the company’s original business license, and the company seal, must register at Tianjin’s immigration management bureau before applying for a work residence permit for the foreign national.

4. Additional Banking Requirements for Nationals from Certain Countries

Nationals from specific countries, including Venezuela and Russia, face additional requirements when opening corporate bank accounts. These requirements include providing business contracts with other companies, proof of rent payment for the actual office address, identification and a verified phone number of the handler (who cannot be the legal representative), and if other shareholders own more than 30% of the company, copies of their passport’s information and visa pages.Furthermore, when a bank manager visits the office for verification, the office must have at least one employee present, display an official plaque with the company’s name in both Chinese and English, contain at least one computer, and ideally have an office address and door number distinct from other companies with accounts at the same bank.

5. Removing Companies from the Blacklist

Companies seeking removal from the blacklist can be exempted from fines for a single unregistered annual report. However, failure to register annual reports for two or more years results in fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 yuan.Companies applying for liquidation and cancellation are exempt from these fines but must prepare a comprehensive list of application materials and undergo a more complex and time-consuming process, including an on-site cancellation at the Industrial and Commercial Bureau by the foreign legal representative with their original passport.

6. Permanent Residence Application Requirements for Iranian Nationals

Iranian nationals applying for a Chinese Permanent Residence ID must submit a no criminal record certification that has been authenticated through the Hague Apostille process, issued by Interpol, or issued by the Iranian Embassy in China. Non-criminal record certificates issued by local police departments in Iran are not accepted for this application.

7. Renewal of Expired Driving Licenses for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals whose Chinese driving licenses have expired for more than a year but less than two years must bring their valid passport and the expired license to the Vehicle Administration Office. After passing a physical examination and the subject one test, they can obtain a new valid driving license.