China offers a fascinating blend of ancient culture and modern innovation. As of 2025, China has significantly expanded its visa-free policies, allowing citizens from 54 countries to enter without a visa for up to 30 days, and 55 countries to use the 240-hour visa-free transit for up to 10 days. There is no dedicated digital nomad visa, making long-term remote work challenging without proper sponsorship. Major cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing offer excellent infrastructure, coworking spaces, and vibrant expat communities, though VPN usage is essential for accessing Western websites.
10
Visa Types
54
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Unilateral visa exemption for citizens of 54 countries allowing 30-day stays for tourism, business, family visits, exchange, and transit. Extended until December 31, 2026.
30 days
Duration
CNY 0
— fee
+CNY 300 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No visa application required
✓No fees
✓Valid for tourism, business, family visits, exchange, and transit
✓Can travel throughout all of China
✓Multiple entries possible (exit and re-enter)
📋 Requirements (4)
•Passport from eligible country with at least 6 months validity
•Return or onward ticket
•Proof of accommodation
•Sufficient funds for stay
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate upon arrival
1Confirm your nationality is on the list of 54 eligible countries
2Ensure passport has at least 6 months validity
3Complete Arrival Card online before arrival or at airport
4Present passport and Arrival Card at immigration
5Receive entry stamp valid for 30 days
6Register with local police within 24 hours if not staying at hotel
•Fill out Arrival Card online before departure to save time at airport
•Carry printed hotel reservations and return flight tickets
•Hong Kong and Macau count as leaving China for re-entry purposes
•Download Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival for easier payments
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Allows travelers from 55 countries to stay up to 10 days when transiting through China to a third country. Valid at 65 ports across 24 provinces with cross-province travel permitted.
10 days
Duration
CNY 0
— fee
+CNY 150 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No visa application required
✓No fees
✓Can travel across 24 provinces
✓Can engage in tourism, business, family visits
✓65 ports of entry and exit available
✓Entry and exit ports can be different
📋 Requirements (4)
•Passport from one of 55 eligible countries with at least 3 months validity
•Confirmed onward ticket to third country (different from departure country)
•Travel through designated ports
•Stay within permitted 24 provinces
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate upon arrival
1Confirm your route: Country A → China → Country B (must be different countries)
2Verify you are entering through one of 65 eligible ports
3Fill out Arrival Card online or at airport
4Inform airline staff of intention to use 240-hour transit policy
5At immigration, present passport and onward ticket
6Receive temporary entry permit stamped in passport
7Register with police within 24 hours if not staying at hotel
8Depart within 240 hours (10 days) to third country
•Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as third destinations
•Popular routes: USA → Beijing → Hong Kong or Korea → Shanghai → Japan
•Download offline maps as Google Maps does not work without VPN
•Have printed copies of onward ticket ready for immigration
Tourist Visa (L Visa)
TouristPopular
Standard tourist visa for citizens who do not qualify for visa-free entry. Allows stays of 30-90 days per entry with single, double, or multiple entry options.
30d
Duration
$215
— fee
+$125 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4 working days (regular), 2-3 days (express)
🔄Extendable +30d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa application fee (most countries)Reduced fee until Dec 31, 2025 - approximately 25% off regular rates
$50—
Visa application fee (US citizens)Fixed fee regardless of entry type, valid through 2025
$140—
Service center feeAdditional fee if applying through CVASC
$25—
Additional (estimated)
Express processing2-3 business day processing
$25—
Travel insurance (90 days)Recommended health coverage
$100—
Required Total
$215—
+ Additional (estimated)
$125—
Estimated Total
$340—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
•Completed visa application form with photo
•Proof of round-trip flight booking
•Hotel reservations or invitation letter
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Previous Chinese visas if applicable
📝 Application Steps
1Complete online application form at COVA system (cova.mfa.gov.cn)
2Print application form and affix passport photo
3Gather all required documents
4Book appointment at Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC)
5Submit application in person or through authorized agency
6Pay visa fee and service charges
7Collect passport with visa (usually 4 working days)
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work or conduct business activities
•Cannot study
•Must register with police within 24 hours at each location
•Limited extension options
💡 Tips
•Apply at least 1 month before planned travel
•US citizens get 10-year multiple entry visas at same price as single entry
•Keep copies of all documents submitted
•China has resumed walk-in applications at many consulates
Business Visa (M Visa)
business
For short-term business activities such as attending meetings, trade fairs, negotiations, or exploring partnerships. Does not permit employment.
30d
Duration
$215
— fee
+$25 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4 working days (regular)
🔄Extendable +30d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa application fee (most countries)Reduced fee until Dec 31, 2025
$50—
Visa application fee (US citizens)Fixed fee for US citizens
$140—
Service center feeCVASC service charge
$25—
Additional (estimated)
Express processing2-3 business days
$25—
Required Total
$215—
+ Additional (estimated)
$25—
Estimated Total
$240—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
•Completed visa application form with photo
•Invitation letter from Chinese company or trade partner
•Proof of business activities (meetings, trade fair registration)
•Company letter from employer explaining purpose
•Previous Chinese visas if applicable
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain invitation letter from Chinese business partner
2Complete online application at COVA system
3Print form and gather required documents
4Book appointment at CVASC
5Submit application and pay fees
6Collect passport with visa
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot engage in employment or receive salary from Chinese entity
•Cannot perform work activities
•Business activities must match invitation letter
•Not suitable for long-term business presence
💡 Tips
•Ensure invitation letter matches your stated purpose exactly
•Bring business cards and company documents to meetings
•M visa holders can apply for short-term work assignments under 90 days in some cases
Work Visa (Z Visa)
Work
Required for foreign nationals taking up employment in China. Must be converted to Work Permit and Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival.
30d
Duration
$590
— fee
+$300 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Z Visa: 4-10 business days. Total process: 2-3 months
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Z Visa application fee (most countries)Varies by nationality
$50—
Z Visa fee (US citizens)Fixed fee
$140—
Work Permit processingHandled by employer in China
$0—
Residence PermitApproximately CNY 400-800 depending on duration
$400—
Additional (estimated)
Medical examinationCNY 500-700 at approved hospital in China
$100—
Document authenticationVaries by country - degrees must be authenticated
$200—
Required Total
$590—
+ Additional (estimated)
$300—
Estimated Total
$890—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Job offer from licensed Chinese employer
•Work Permit Notification Letter from employer
•Bachelor degree or higher (authenticated)
•At least 2 years relevant work experience
•Clean criminal record certificate
•Health certificate or medical examination
•Valid passport with at least 12 months validity
📝 Application Steps
1Employer applies for Work Permit Notification Letter (7-15 business days)
2Receive notification letter from employer
3Apply for Z Visa at Chinese embassy with notification letter
4Enter China within visa validity (usually 90 days)
5Register with police within 24 hours
6Complete medical examination at approved hospital
7Apply for Work Permit Card within 15 days
8Apply for Residence Permit at PSB within 30 days
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must work only for sponsoring employer
•Work permit is region-specific
•Must notify authorities of any changes
•Cannot freelance or work for other employers
•Age limit typically 18-60 (flexible for experts)
💡 Tips
•Start process at least 3 months before intended start date
•Ensure all academic documents are properly authenticated
•Choose employer carefully as permit is tied to them
•Consider applying for Class A (high-end talent) if eligible for benefits
High-Level Talent Visa (R Visa)
Work
Designed for foreign professionals classified as high-level or urgently needed talent. Offers expedited processing and can be valid for 5-10 years with 180-day stays per entry.
180d
Duration
$190
— fee
+$300 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Expedited: 5 working days or less
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
R Visa application feeMost nationalities
$50—
R Visa fee (US citizens)Fixed fee
$140—
Additional (estimated)
Document authenticationAwards and qualifications verification
$300—
Required Total
$190—
+ Additional (estimated)
$300—
Estimated Total
$490—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Recognition as Class A high-end talent under China work permit system
•Exceptional skills in science, technology, business, or leadership
•High salary (CNY 886,104+ per year in Shanghai for 2025)
•National or international awards and recognition
•Senior executive or specialist positions
•Valid passport with at least 12 months validity
📝 Application Steps
1Employer or institution nominates candidate as high-level talent
2Receive Class A Work Permit Notification
3Apply for R Visa at Chinese embassy
4Enter China and convert to Residence Permit
5Enjoy priority processing and fewer restrictions
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must meet strict Class A talent criteria
•High salary thresholds vary by city
•Still requires employer sponsorship
💡 Tips
•Class A criteria includes: Nobel Prize winners, senior executives, top scientists
•R Visa holders can skip some documentation requirements
•Consider if you qualify for permanent residence after R Visa
Student Visa (X1/X2)
Education
X1 Visa for long-term study (over 180 days) and X2 for short-term study (under 180 days). X1 holders must apply for Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival.
30d
Duration
$280
— fee
+$100 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4-5 working days
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
X Visa application fee (most countries)Varies by nationality
$50—
X Visa fee (US citizens)Fixed fee
$140—
Medical examinationCNY 622 approximately, required for Residence Permit
$90—
Additional (estimated)
Residence PermitCNY 400-800 for X1 visa holders
$100—
Required Total
$280—
+ Additional (estimated)
$100—
Estimated Total
$380—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Admission letter from recognized Chinese educational institution
•JW201 or JW202 form issued by Chinese Ministry of Education
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages
•Completed visa application form with photo
•Proof of financial support for studies
•Health certificate for long-term study
📝 Application Steps
1Accept admission offer from Chinese university
2Receive JW201/JW202 form and admission letter
3Complete visa application form online
4Submit application at Chinese embassy or CVASC
5Pay visa fees and collect passport
6Enter China and register with university
7X1 holders: Apply for Residence Permit within 30 days
8Complete medical examination at approved hospital
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work without authorization
•X2 is single entry and cannot be extended
•Must maintain full-time student status
•Part-time work requires university and PSB approval
💡 Tips
•Apply at least 1-2 months before semester starts
•JW201 is for government scholarship students, JW202 for self-funded
•Learn basic Mandarin before arrival
•University dormitories are cheapest housing option (CNY 1,200-2,000/month)
Family Reunion Visa (Q1/Q2)
Special Program
Q1 for long-term family reunion (over 180 days) with Chinese citizens or permanent residents. Q2 for short-term family visits (under 180 days).
180d
Duration
$190
— fee
+$100 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4-5 working days
🔄Extendable +180d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Q Visa application fee (most countries)Standard fee
$50—
Q Visa fee (US citizens)Fixed fee, 10-year multiple entry available
$140—
Additional (estimated)
Residence Permit (Q1 only)CNY 400-800
$100—
Required Total
$190—
+ Additional (estimated)
$100—
Estimated Total
$290—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Invitation letter from family member in China
•Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
•Copy of inviting family member Chinese ID or passport
•Copy of their residence permit or permanent residence card
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Completed application form with photo
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain invitation letter from family member in China
2Gather proof of relationship (translated and notarized)
3Complete visa application online
4Submit at Chinese embassy or CVASC
5Pay fees and collect visa
6Q1 holders: Apply for Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival
⚠️ Restrictions
•Q2 limited to 180 days per entry
•Cannot work without separate authorization
•Family relationship must be documented
•Q1 requires Residence Permit conversion
💡 Tips
•Marriage to Chinese citizen can lead to permanent residence after 5 years
•All foreign documents must be authenticated and translated
•Keep copies of all family relationship documents
Permanent Residence (Green Card)
Special Program
China's permanent residence permit, known as the Five-Star Card since December 2023. Valid for 5 or 10 years, allows indefinite residence and work without visa renewals.
3650d
Duration
CNY 1,800
— fee
+CNY 500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Up to 6 months
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
CNYUSD
Required
Application feePer person
CNY 1,500—
Card production feeFor permanent residence card
CNY 300—
Additional (estimated)
Document authenticationVaries based on documents required
CNY 500—
Required Total
CNY 1,800—
+ Additional (estimated)
CNY 500—
Estimated Total
CNY 2,300—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Meet one of qualifying categories: marriage, investment, employment, or special contribution
•Clean criminal record
•Good health certificate
•Valid passport with sufficient validity
•Proof of stable income or investment
•Proof of residence in China for required period
•Tax payment records for employment track
📝 Application Steps
1Determine qualifying category (marriage, investment, employment, contribution)
2Gather all required documents (authenticated and translated)
3Submit application to local PSB Exit-Entry Administration
4Undergo background check and review (up to 6 months)
6Card valid for 5 years (under 18) or 10 years (adults)
7Renew card before expiration to maintain status
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must maintain minimum residency (3 months/year or 1 year/5 years)
•Status can be revoked for security concerns or extended absence
•Only about 12,000 cards issued in first 14 years
•Very high salary requirements for employment track (CNY 886,104/year in Shanghai)
💡 Tips
•Marriage track: 5 years married to Chinese citizen with 5 years residence
•Employment track: 4 years continuous work with high salary and tax payments
•Investment track: Significant investment in designated regions
•Regional policies vary - Shanghai and Shenzhen often more favorable
•Consider R Visa as stepping stone to permanent residence
Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free
Tourist
Special visa exemption for Hainan Island allowing citizens of 59 countries to stay up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, and other purposes (excluding work and study).
30d
Duration
CNY 0
— fee
+CNY 200 additional
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱Immediate upon arrival
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
CNYUSD
Required
Entry feeCompletely free
CNY 0—
Additional (estimated)
Travel insuranceRecommended
CNY 200—
Required Total
CNY 0—
+ Additional (estimated)
CNY 200—
Estimated Total
CNY 200—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Passport from one of 59 eligible countries
•Direct flight to Hainan
•Proof of accommodation
•Return or onward ticket
📝 Application Steps
1Book direct flight to Hainan (Haikou or Sanya)
2Confirm nationality is on eligible list
3Prepare return ticket and hotel booking
4Fill out Arrival Card at airport
5Receive entry stamp at immigration
6Stay only within Hainan Province
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must stay within Hainan Province only
•Cannot travel to mainland China
•Cannot work or study
•Limited to 30 days, no extensions
💡 Tips
•Popular beach destinations: Sanya, Haikou
•Combine with Hong Kong trip (separate entry)
•Duty-free shopping available
•Consider if you only want beach vacation without mainland travel
No, China does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2025. Remote work on tourist visas is technically illegal. Some cities like Sanya and Xiamen are piloting digital nomad-friendly policies, but these are not widely available. Legal options for remote workers include the Z visa (work visa) with employer sponsorship, or using the 30-day visa-free entry for very short stays. For longer-term remote work, foreigners typically need to establish employment with a local entity or use an Employer of Record (EOR) service.
Can I work remotely in China on a tourist visa?
Technically, no. Working in China without proper authorization is illegal and can result in fines of CNY 5,000-20,000, detention, deportation, and a 5-year re-entry ban. However, enforcement varies and many digital nomads do work remotely on tourist visas for short periods without issues, especially if they are not employed by a Chinese company and their income comes from abroad. This remains a legal gray area. For full compliance, you need a Z visa (work visa) sponsored by a Chinese employer.
What is the difference between 30-day visa-free and 240-hour transit?
The 30-day visa-free policy allows citizens of 54 countries to enter China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits without a visa. You can travel anywhere in China and your departure destination can be the same as your origin. The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free allows citizens of 55 countries to transit through China for up to 10 days, but you MUST be traveling to a third country (different from your origin). Both are free, but the 30-day policy offers more flexibility.
How do I open a bank account in China as a foreigner?
Opening a bank account in China is difficult for foreigners. Requirements typically include: valid passport, long-term visa (tourist L visas usually NOT accepted), work permit or residence permit, Chinese mobile phone number, and proof of address. Tourist visa holders generally cannot open accounts. The best banks for foreigners are ICBC, Bank of China, and China Merchants Bank. For payments without a bank account, you can link foreign credit cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay for basic transactions, though functionality is limited compared to full accounts.
How can I get permanent residence in China?
China permanent residence (the Five-Star Card or Green Card) is very difficult to obtain. Pathways include: 1) Marriage to Chinese citizen for 5+ years with 5 years continuous residence; 2) Employment as high-level talent with annual salary CNY 886,104+ for 4 years in Shanghai; 3) Investment of USD 500,000+ in western China, USD 1 million in central China, or USD 2 million elsewhere; 4) Outstanding contributions to China. Processing takes up to 6 months. Only about 12,000 cards were issued in the first 14 years of the program.
What are the best cities in China for expats and digital nomads?
Top cities include: Shanghai - most international, best expat infrastructure, many coworking spaces like People Squared and WeWork; Shenzhen - tech hub (China Silicon Valley), innovative, close to Hong Kong; Beijing - cultural capital, historical sites, large expat community; Hangzhou - tech scene (Alibaba HQ), beautiful West Lake, lower costs than Shanghai; Chengdu - affordable, laid-back lifestyle, famous food, growing nomad community; Dali - scenic, affordable, emerging nomad hub with many coworking spaces.
What is the cost of living in China?
Cost of living varies significantly by city. In Shanghai/Beijing (Tier 1): 1-bedroom apartment CNY 7,000-12,000/month in city center, meal at restaurant CNY 40-80, monthly expenses (excluding rent) around CNY 4,000-5,000. In Chengdu/Hangzhou (Tier 2): rent CNY 4,000-7,000, monthly expenses CNY 3,000-4,000. A comfortable lifestyle in Shanghai costs about CNY 15,000-20,000/month total. Budget travelers can live on CNY 6,000-8,000/month in smaller cities.
Do I need a VPN in China?
Yes, a VPN is essential for accessing many foreign websites blocked in China, including Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, and many news sites. Download and set up your VPN before arriving in China as VPN websites are also blocked. Recommended VPNs include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill. Many remote workers find VPNs crucial for their work. Note that VPN use exists in a legal gray area in China.
What documents do I need to register with police in China?
All foreigners must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival at each new location. If staying at a hotel, the hotel handles this automatically. For private accommodation, you need: passport with valid visa, landlord or property owner (who must accompany you), rental contract, and the address. Visit the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) for registration. Failure to register can result in fines of CNY 2,000+ and complications with visa extensions. Keep your registration slip safe - you may need it for banking and other services.
Can I use my credit card in China?
International credit cards have limited acceptance in China. Most transactions use mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay). You can now link foreign Visa, Mastercard, and other cards to Alipay for basic payments at merchants, though some features remain restricted. ATMs accept foreign cards but check your bank fees beforehand. Carry some cash (CNY) for small purchases. Major hotels, airports, and some tourist areas accept foreign cards directly. Annual foreign currency exchange limit is USD 50,000 per person.
⚠️
Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025