With the new visa rules for Short-Term Assignments in China taking effect from 1 January 2015 our latest Mobility Insights gives full details of the new requirements.

From this date, some international assignees working in China for up to 90 days in certain work categories may have to apply for a “Z” visa. Whilst most business travelers can continue to complete short term projects using the current M or F visas, companies should check that their short-term visa program remains compliant. 

For short-term work, assignees should apply for a “Z” visa, which will allow them to start immediately upon entering China. Should the assignment be for a period greater than 30 days, the “Z” visa must be transferred into a work-type residence permit before the start date.

This new ruling is initially being run as a trial with full implementation to follow. As a result companies should consider the follow impacts on relocation:

• Expect that visa applications for short term assignments in China may take longer to process after 1 January 2015.

• Given that this is a trial, it is likely that the rules will be applied by government offices in different ways, which may lead to initial delays during the trial period.

• Employers with multiple locations in China should arrange for the assignee’s application to be processed where the local entity is based.

For more details on this new ruling, refer to our new Short Term Authorization Mobility Insights.