To be successful in business in China, you need to adapt and accept local norms, customs, traditions and ethics in business dealings so as to enhance your prospects of successfully signing an Agreement for trade (import or export as a buyer or seller) or business collaboration.
Should a non-Chinese speaker take a Translator/Interpreter to a meeting, in China?
Yes. It's always essential to promote a professional image of your company, with full time or part time Chinese staff/employees. Alternatively, if you've got no employees then you can rustle up a couple of Chinese translators/interpreters, at short notice, and they can give the impression that they are your employees. The only disadvantage is that the Translator will have limited knowledge of your products/services and the Chinese company can easily detect that they are just translators.
How important are personal relationships in business, in China?
Very important. Don't expect to sign an Agreement for millions of dollars, at your first meeting with a Chinese company, unless you are Bill Gates of Microsoft! Don't expect the Chinese company to co-operate with you or partner with you at the first meeting!
In reality, there will be a considerable degree of skepticism and doubt about your company, its performance and prospects of providing an ethical and competence service. You will be informed about the competition, and the fact that there are already many good quality companies around who provide these good/services.
To maximize your chance of success in China, and to increase your prospects of getting a 'big deal', you need to be extremely well prepared, and be as authentic and professional as possible. See our Business checklist below:
1. How does your foreign company distinguish itself from competitors, in the eyes of a Chinese company?
2. What added value can you offer the Chinese company?
3. Can you offer a much lower price than competitors?
4. Are you much faster ad more efficient than competitors?
5. Are you a multinational company with offices throughout the world or at least give that impression that you are very well staffed and in many locations?
6. Do you have previous experience dealing with Chinese customers?
7. Do you have Chinese employees who can interface and communicate on a daily basis with any potential Chinese customers (suppliers/buyers)?
8. Do you have an office or representative office in China or nearby in a Chinese speaking territory of China, such as: Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan?
9. Are you licensed or registered in your profession, with excellent reviews and references?
10. Is your website translated into Chinese (Mandarin)?
11. Is your foreign company a Registered company, with business registration and a business license?
12. What are the qualifications, experience and profile of your Company Directors, and do they have any demonstrated areas of expertise? Are they internationally acclaimed and regarded as specialists in their field and do they regularly provide seminars and presentations at Expos and trade events?
13. Do you have a Business /Name card in Chinese and English?
14. Do you have a marketing brochure or booklet about your company's products or services, in Chinese?
15. What Chinese companies are you already working with? Do they recommend you?
Introductions in China - Tips:
Addressing others - Seniority is valued in China. It is important to address your counterparts by their title (Chairman, Director, etc.). Find out who the most senior person in the room is, and address them first.
Introducing yourself - Say your name clearly, and remember to state both the company you work for and your position. As a point of reference, know that Chinese will refer to their company first, then their title, and then their name when introducing themselves to others.
Handshakes - Meetings often start with handshakes. Ensure that you are not too aggressive with your handshake. Don’t be surprised if you are at the receiving end of a decidedly non-aggressive handshake. If things go well, you may also be on the receiving end of a prolonged handshake: anything goes. In western business contexts, you have probably found yourself in “squeezing” contests (among men): who has the stronger grip? In China, the question will be “who lets go first?” Don’t be shy about holding on if your counterpart is enjoying the contact – it is meant well.
Giving/Receiving business cards - Similar to introductions, hand out business cards to the most senior official first. Chinese use both hands when giving and receiving anything of value, including gifts and particularly business cards; you should do the same as this is one of the first points at which you will make an impression. Take a moment to look at and acknowledge the individual’s card. Have your own cards translated into Chinese on one side. Your title is important; this is how your hosts will determine who should be invited to meetings, what weight your words carry, and where you will be seated.
Your name - Having a Chinese name, ideally one with meaning rather than a transliteration of your English or French name will be taken as a sign of respect as well. The best approach is to have a local contact or native speaker help create one for you.
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
The EB-5 visa is a permanent residence visa (Green card) designed for foreign Investors to invest funds in US projects, such as property developments.
Congress created the EB-5 Program in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. In 1992, Congress created the Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the Regional Center Program. The program is administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
To be eligible for the EB-5 visa, the Investor applicant must do the following:
- Invest in a commercial enterprise in the United States, and
- Create or preserve 10 full time jobs for qualified US workers.
What is the Required Minimum Investment amount to be eligible for the EB-5 visa?
Required minimum investments are:
General - The minimum qualifying investment in the United States is $1 million.
Targeted Employment Area - (High Unemployment or Rural Area). The minimum qualifying investment either within a high-unemployment area or rural area in the United States is $800,000.
What is a Targeted Employment Area?
A targeted employment area is an area that, at the time of investment, is a rural area or an area experiencing unemployment of at least 150 percent of the national average rate.
What is a Rural Area?
A rural area is any area outside a metropolitan statistical area (as designated by the Office of Management and Budget) or outside the boundary of any city or town having a population of 20,000 or more according to the decennial census.
EB-5 Visa Statistics for 2014:
1. China mainland born investors constituted 9,128 or 85.4% of the 10,692 grand total in the EB-5 category. This number also signifies a 32.4% relative increase from the amount of China mainland born EB-5 immigrants in FY2013, in which they constituted 80.5% of the EB-5 category total.
2. In both years, investing $500,000 in a TEA through a regional center was the overwhelming investment choice for China mainland born applicants, with 95.5% having chosen that route in FY2013 and 98.2% in FY2014.
3. Apart from mainland China, see the numbers of applicants for the EB-5 visa from different countries below:
South Korea (2.1%)
Mexico (1.2%)
China Taiwan Born (1.2%)
Vietnam (1.1%)
Russia (0.9%)
4. Vietnam had the largest increase in the fraction of overall EB-5 immigrants between FY2013 and FY2014, while South Korea had the greatest decrease.
What are the benefits of the EB-5 program?
- Tens of thousands of jobs have been created in the US, since the program's inception in 1990.
- Since 2008, there has been an injection of over $13.5 billion of foreign direct investment.
- Reasonable price of the Investment - any qualified foreigner willing to invest at least $500,000 USD, and create 10 jobs in the US c an apply for an Investor Immigrant visa.
- No English language ability or test, No related business experience, and No minimum education requirements.
- Applicants and their family are free to live and work anywhere in the US, without restriction, including in states such as Florida or Texas with no state income tax.
- The EB-5 program provides permanent residence for the Investor applicant and his/her spouse, and any children under the age of 21 years. No sponsor is required.
- Employment of 10 US workers is satisfied through direct and indirect job creation. Foreign Investors using a designated Regional Center are given priority by USCIS.
- Investors have no need to manage the investment on a daily basis.
- Entitled to Education at US Colleges and Universities, at US resident costs.
- The Program has No waiting list and No quota backlogs as exists in many other Employment and Sponsorship visa programs.
- No H-1B work visa needed for employment.
- EB-5 is the fastest way to obtain a US Green card and Citizenship. Become a US citizen after 5 years.
- In the event of a political change / significant event in the investor’s home country, he/she and family can immediately gain entry to the U.S. without delay.
EB-5 Application Process:
1. File Form I-526, Petition by Alien Entrepreneur
2. Form I-526 is approved, then you need to either:
- File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS to adjust status to a conditional permanent resident within the United States, o
- File DS-230 or DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, with the U.S. Department of State to obtain an EB-5 visa for admission to the United States.
3. After the I-485 application is approved or upon entry into the United States with an EB-5 immigrant visa, the EB-5 investor and derivative family members will be granted conditional permanent residence for a two-year period.
4. Removing Conditions - File Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, 90 days before the two-year anniversary of the granting of the EB-5 investor’s conditional resident status (Green Card).
5. If USCIS approves the Form I-829 petition, the conditions will be removed from the EB-5 applicant’s status and the EB-5 investor and derivative family members will be allowed to permanently live and work in the United States.
Visaconnect can assist and advise you with the complete EB-5 application process, which includes professional and specialist legal advice from our US qualified Attorney's, guidance in finding a suitable Investment Project through our Regional Centers, completion of all Forms and paperwork and preparation of your supporting documents. Also, we openly, clearly and ethically inform you about the application process, and respond to your questions and queries immediately:
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Advice | US Attorneys (visaconnect.com)
A foreigner doing business in China registering a Chinese company can choose a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE). This structure allows foreign parties (individuals or corporate entities) to incorporate a foreign-owned limited liability company, without the involvement of a Chinese investor.
The WFOE is currently the most popular form of incorporation for foreign corporations/companies, in Mainland China, and this structure allows the foreign company complete control of their business operations.
To set up the WFOE, in China, you must arrange an agreed level of foreign capital for investment and register with the authorities. Depending on the type of business, you may also need a Business license to conduct your business legally, with approval of the Chinese government.
Advantage of the WFOE, include:
- Can uphold a company's global strategy free from interference by Chinese partners (as may occur in the case of joint ventures)
- New, independent legal personality
- Complete management control within the limitations of the laws of the PRC
- Possibility to receive and remit RMB to the investor company overseas
- Enhanced protection of trademarks, patents and other intellectual property, in accordance with international law
- Shareholder liability is limited to original investment
- Easier to terminate than an Equity Joint Venture
- Simpler establishment than a Joint Venture
Disadvantages of the WFOE, include:
- Inability to engage in certain restricted business activities
- Limited access to government support and a potentially steep learning curve upon entering the mainland Chinese market
- Requires the injection of foreign funds to make-up the registered capital, which is unnecessary with a Representative Office
- Regional differences in regulations and practical differences in the application of Chinese legislation can also apply
Other Types of Business structures, in China are:
Joint Venture (JV)
Representative Office
State Owned Enterprise (SOE)
Private Enterprise
Individually Owned (Sole Trader)
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
You speak English and no Mandarin? Meeting and networking with Expats (from Australia, UK, US and other countries) is a great way to get free tips about China business, culture, introductions, make new friends, and even find a new business partner!
In China, there a multitude of different organizations and events that are incredibly beneficial for foreigners. Some organizations offer free events, others are on a pay as you go basis, and others offer membership and cheaper entrance fees and benefits to members.
As an Expat, now living in China, what organizations should I join?
1. Chamber of Commerce - A Chamber of Commerce is a commercial based organization that is affiliated to a particular country and promotes closer relations between China and the foreign country through guest speakers, events, socializing functions etc.
For example:
Australian Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai - offer regular, almost daily events, including talks, seminars, drinks and socializing, training, New China policies talk, Christmas function.
Benefits of joining AustCham are:
"AustCham Shanghai membership provides access to support, education, advocacy and business services, as well as countless events and networking opportunities.
The key point of difference for AustCham Shanghai is that business membership gives you access to a dedicated individual in our team at the Secretariat, a Relationship Manager, who will work with you to further your business interests.
AustCham Shanghai's Membership Team provides introductions, business referrals, and advice on a range of topics. Daily our team gives advice and fields questions across issues including market entry, business set up structure, suitable partner and provider identification, marketing and branding opportunities, to general advice that helps organizations understand the shifting business landscape that is mainland China."
Note that you don't have to be an Australian citizen to join the Australian Chamber of Commerce nor do you have to be an American citizen to join the American chamber of Commerce - most of the events appeal to Expats and local Chinese for that matter, and are in the English language, non specific events and informative events that are very inclusive and open to people of all races, backgrounds and nationalities.
2. Meetup - this is a wonderful online avenue to tap into an enormous talent of rich and diverse Expat professionals, in a social and relaxed environment, just through searching for a group of your choice, in your city in China. Many of these events include: Walking groups, Singles events, Dining, Expats, Cooking, Basic Chinese communication, French speakers event, Museum and Arts groups, in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing and other locations. At these events, you can exchange business cards and build your network fast, in a non-pressured atmosphere.
3. Expat Groups - hold regular networking and informal drinks events for Expats living in China. For example: Internations:
"With InterNations you can interact with a knowledgeable and experienced community of expats that have lived and worked in China. Don't feel you need to learn everything on your own, call on the InterNations community to help you get to grips with your new life abroad with a click of a button. Moving to China is a big step, and you may have a lot of questions you want answered such as, “how much does it cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Beijing?”
4. Volunteer Organizations - for example, Rotary, which is focused on business professionals attending lunch/dinner events with a guest speaker, networking and supporting other members and helping with Student exchange programs globally and other community and volunteer programs:
There’s something that all Rotary club members have in common: We take action. As community volunteers, we reach out to neighbors in need. We build, support, and organize. We save lives. We work locally and globally.
"Around the world and around the corner, the 1.2 million men and women of Rotary
- Get involved in their communities
- Connect with other professionals
- Share their time and experience with young people
- Support global causes, such as eradicating polio
- Use their skills to help others"
5. Business Network International China (BNI) - joining a particular Chapter or branch of BNI enables you to present information about your company services to other professionals, usually over a breakfast. The group comprises about 20 people of all different occupations and it is not permitted for there to be more than 1 member of the same occupation, so as to avoid competition and enhance your chances of getting exclusive referrals:
"Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you...
...because all of them carry several copies of your business cards around with them. When they meet someone who could use your products or services, they take out your card and recommend you. It's as simple as that! If I give you business you'll give me business and we'll both benefit as a result."
"Last year alone, members of BNI passed 6.6 million referrals...
...which generated over $8.6 billion dollars' (U.S.) worth of business for its members! BNI is a business and professional networking organization that allows only one person per professional classification or specialty to join a chapter."
6. China Business Network - method of promoting your business to local Chinese citizens and getting business consulting advice, and localization help for a fee:
"China Business Network (CBN) is a consortium of entities focusing on outwards investment, outbound travel from China as well as facilitating trade both import and export fitting our slogan " Bring the World to China - Taking Chinese to the World" by providing business consultancy and facilitating services for large numbers of Chinese and foreign authorities, businesses as well as other organizations."
7. Female Networking Groups - which have a wide array of events, talks, walks, and mentor programs. For example, Viva Beijing Professional Women Network:
"At Viva we enable professional women in Beijing to increase their impact and enjoyment of working life by providing a network where they can
- share knowledge and enhance their professional skills
- make meaningful business connections and friendships
- meet like-minded people, be inspired and have fun!"
8. Linked In - this is an internet based opportunity for you to self-promote yourself through uploading your Photo and CV/Resume, qualifications education and work experience and then adding professionals to your network for business co-operation and to be informed about their events, seminars etc.
9. Chinese Online Networking Groups - useful for building a network of Chinese followers and promoting your products/services, in Mandarin. These networks enable both businesses and individuals to create an online profile and join groups of interest. They can be useful for self-promotion, recruitment and making new contacts in your field. For example, Wechat, QQ, Tianji, Dajie, Binzhi or Ushi.
10. Expat Magazines - reading regular issues of Expat magazines is a great way to find out what's going on, in your city, keep updated about news, and view advertisements in English from other Expats looking for jobs or advertising jobs, and classifieds. For example, in Beijing, there are the following excellent magazines:
The Beijinger
Time Out Beijing
That's Magazine Beijing
City Weekend Beijing
11. Mandarin Study Course - studying Mandarin in China gives you numerous advantages: learning Mandarin to be able to have basic or advanced conversation with Chinese clients and not needing a translator ever again, opportunities to network and make friends for fellow expat classmates, learn about Chinese history, culture and participate in Group Tours of a Chinese city.
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
To do business in China, as a foreigner, you will need a business visa and preferably an Interpreter and confirmed Exhibition or Expo booking.
An Interpreter/Translator can save a non-Chinese speaker alot of time and enable you to get from A to B quickly and efficiently. Especially, if you are traveling to China for the first time or you have been there many time but speak no Chinese and are not familiar with various cities. An Interpreter can arrange to meet you on arrival at the airport at Shenzhen, Shanghai or what ever city you arrive at. They will guide you to your planned meetings, expo event, help with buying meals, getting train tickets and booking a taxi.
In many instances, you will find that there are a substantial number of people in the service industry who do not speak any English. Of course, you can try and cut corners and save costs, by being prepared, and printing out the name of a company and their address, in Chinese to pass to the taxi driver, but that doesn't always work, because the taxi driver will probably have questions about which entrance to an Expo and they may not be familiar with the address.
You can attend an Exhibition in China, such as the massive Canton fair in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, as a Visitor/Buyer (usually free) or as an Exhibitor (you pay the costs for a stand/booth for 2 - 3 days plus you need to supply roll-up banners, advertising materials and Chinese Interpreters).
Up to the 119th session, the accumulated export volume for the Canton Fair has amounted to about USD 1.2 trillion and the total number of overseas buyers has reached 7.64 million. The exhibition area of one session totals 1.18 million m2 and the number of exhibitors from home and abroad stands at more than 24,000. In each session, about 200,000 buyers attend the Fair from more than 210 countries and regions all over the world.
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair - established in 1957) is scheduled for twice a year - in April/May and in October annually, located at No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou. It's so huge and gigantic that not all exhibitors can exhibit at the same time. For example, the Canton Fair is normally held over 3 phases (different dates during a month, with a phase being 1 week):
Phase 1
Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances
Lighting Equipment
Vehicles & Spare Parts
Machinery
Hardware & Tools
Energy + Resources
Chemical Products
Building Materials
International Pavilion
Phase 2
Consumer Goods
Gifts
Home Decorations
Phase 3
Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, and Recreation Products
Medical Devices and Health Products
Food
Shoes
Textiles & Garments
International Pavilion
Note that you can actually find a wide selection of Translators/Interpreters spontaneously standing on the street near the Canton Fair site, just up from the metro station to the Fair (Pazhou Station - Area B & Area C of Canton Fair Complex). They are mainly students looking to earn some extra income and their English is pretty good. They will charge about 250 or 300 RMB for a full day's assistance. Once you are inside the trade Fair, you can travel between Area, via the free courtesy Shuttle Bus.
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
Sanya is situated on the southern end of Hainan island, and is regarded as the tourist centre of Hainan island. Popular tourist destinations are: Yalong Bay, which is known for luxurious hotels, while Wuzhizhou Island and and its coral reefs are destinations for scuba diving, surfing and other water sports. In 2010, the population of Sanya was estimated to be 650,000 people.
Haikou is the capital city of Hainan province. it is situated in the north of Hainan island, and is a port city. In 2010, the population of Haikou was estimated to be more than 2 million people. Haikou is divided into 4 Districts: Longhua, Xiuying, Qiongshan and Meilan.
The following document are required for the visa on arrival, at the port of entry:
1. Passport
2. Passport photographs x2
3. Processing fee (about $20 USD)
4. Second form of ID (eg. photo driving licence), may be required
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from applying for a Hainan Visa on Arrival and they also do not need a prior visa, as issued by the Chinese Consulate, provided that they are traveling to Hainan on a TOURIST GROUP (more than 5 people), organized by an international Travel agency, registered in Hainan Province, and approved by China National Tourism Administration, and also their stay cannot exceed 15 days:
Australia
Austria
Canada
Denmark
France
Finland
Germany
Indonesia
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Russia
Singapore
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Can the Hainan Visa on Arrival be extended?
Yes it can.
Unlike, the Shenzhen Visa on arrival or the Zhuhai visa on arrival or the Shanghai 144 hour visa exemption - it is possible to apply for a visa extension for the Hainan Visa on arrival.
The 15 day visa on arrival can be extended for a further 15 days, up to a maximum of 30 days, at the visa section of the Public Security Bureau (PSB) in either Haikou or Sanya.
Is it possible to also apply for a Visa on Arrival for Business purposes, in Hainan?
Yes, it is possible to get a visa on arrival at Haikou and Sanya, if you visit Hainan for business investigations, trade, investment negotiation, technical exchange, travel or enter Hainan due to an emergency, provided that your stay does not exceed 15 days.
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
The Chinese government have implemented a 72 hours Visa Free Transit policy, which means that eligible passport holders can visit designated cities in China for up to 3 days, without a visa and without needing to apply in advance for a visa at the Chinese Consulate, in their country of residence.
Note that the following Chinese cities are part of the Visa Free transit policy:
- Beijing - (cannot leave the administrative area of the transit city)
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou - (can stay in the whole province)
- Chengdu - (can stay in the whole province)
- Chongqing - (cannot leave the administrative area of the transit city)
- Harbin - (cannot leave the administrative area of the transit city)
- Shenyang - (can just stay in this city)
- Dalian - (can just stay in this city)
- Xian
- Guilin - (cannot leave the administrative area of the transit city)
- Kunming - (cannot leave the administrative area of the transit city
- Wuhan - (cannot leave the administrative area of the transit city)
- Xiamen - (cannot leave the administrative area of the transit city)
- Tianjin - (cannot leave the administrative area of the transit city)
- Nanjing
- Qingdao - (can stay in the whole province)
- Changsha - (can stay in the whole province)
- Hangzhou
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for the 72 hour Visa Free Transit:
Schengen Agreement Countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Other European Countries:
Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania.
American Countries:
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
Oceania Countries:
Australia, New Zealand.
Asian Countries:
Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
When does the 72 hour period start?
The 72 hours starts from 00:00 the day following the entry date in almost all the airports.
What documents are required for the 72 Hour Visa Free Transit:
- Passport
- Visa for a 3rd country
- Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., visa no. & issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender)
- Onward travel ticket
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
The Zhuhai Visa on Arrival (Port visa or Landing visa) is similar to the Shenzhen Visa on Arrival and is the same cost: 168 RMB for applicants of most countries, but UK nationals have to pay 469 RMB. You apply for the visa at the Gongbei Port, in the Gongbei immigration building.
The visa is actually named: The Zhuhai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Visa, and is available for many citizens (Australian, NZ etc).
Special Economic Zones (SEZ, 经济特区) set up to encourage development and foreign investment with tax concessions and other government measures. These began in 1980 as a provincial government initiative. SEZs tend to be prosperous, have large expatriate communities, and have more Western restaurants and facilities. They are:
Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Shantou (Guangdong)
Xiamen in Fujian
Hainan (entire island province)
Shanghai (Pudong district)
The city of Zhuhai is comprised of: Gongbei, Jida and Xiangzhou. The main Districts of Zhuhai are:
Jinding (金鼎; Jīndǐng)
Tangjiawan (唐家湾; Tángjiāwān)
Xiangzhou (香洲; Xiāngzhōu)
Jida (吉大; Jídà)
Gongbei (拱北; Gǒngběi)
The following countries have a Visa Exemption (They do not need to apply for a visa or visa on arrival):
Brunei (stay up to 15 days)
Japan (stay up to 15 days)
San Marino (stay up to 30 days)
Seychelles (stay up to 30 days)
Singapore (stay up to 15 days)
Below is a list of countries eligible to apply for the Zhuhai Visa on Arrival, and the current visa fees in RMB:
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Spain, and others pay RMB 168.
Angola: RMB 681
Armenia: RMB 420
Bolivia: RMB 414
Brazil: RMB 369
Bulgaria: RMB 504
Cameroon: RMB 480
Chile: RMB 429
Congo: RMB 747
Cote D’Ivoire: RMB 737
Ecuador: RMB 414
Ethiopia: RMB 487
Gabon: RMB 512
Kazakhstan: RMB 429
Mexico: RMB 371
Moldova: RMB 455
Montenegro: RMB 160
Panama: RMB 579
Poland: RMB 475
Romania: RMB 512
Russia: RMB 393
Ukraine: RMB 409
United Kingdom: RMB 304
Uzbekistan: RMB 512
Venezuela: RMB 585
Citizens of the following countries are currently not eligible to apply for the Visa On Arrival:
France
United States
On arrival, you just need to present your Passport (with more than 6 months validity remaining), completed Visa Application Card and pay the visa fee.
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
The Serviço de Migração is the government agency responsible for processing visa applications in Macao, whilst the Public Security Police Force is responsible for enforcing immigration laws in Macao.
Macau is an autonomous region on the South coast of China, about 1 hour by Ferry boat across the Pearl river Delta from Sheung Wan port in Hong Kong. "The Historic Centre of Macao" is inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2005, and there are more than 20 ancient monuments and urban squares. In addition, Macau is famous for its massive casinos, shopping malls on the Cotai Strip, which joins the islands of Taipa and Coloane and has acquired a nickname, "Las Vegas of Asia." In 2016, the population of Macau was estimated to be 650,000 people.
All visitors must hold a passport valid for 1 month.
Visa Exemptions:
1 Year stay:
- Holders of a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or a Re-entry Permit, regardless of nationality
6 Months stay:
90 days stay:
- European Union European Union citizens
- Albania
- Andorra
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Cape Verde
- Dominica
- Egypt
- Grenada
- Iceland
- Israel
- Japan
- Lebanon
- Liechtenstein
- Macedonia
- Mali
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Serbia
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Tanzania
- Uruguay
30 days stay:
- Australia
- Belarus
- Canada
- Chile
- India
- Indonesia
- Kiribati
- Malaysia
- Monaco
- Namibia
- Philippines
- Russia
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United States
14 days:
Nationals of the following countries must apply for a visa in advance though the Chinese Diplomatic Mission:
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
Since February 2016, the State Council of Shanghai has adopted a 144-hour visa-exemption transit policy (6 days stay) for eligible passport holders. The purpose of this Temporary entry permit or visa exemption is to support and fund the construction of Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Center.
The Visa exemption is available at the following ports of entry in Shanghai:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
- Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
- Shanghai Railway Station
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
On arrival at a Shanghai port of entry, the Shanghai immigration inspection authority has set up dedicated inspection lanes for 144-hour visa-exemption transit passengers within the entry inspection areas at all the ports of entry. There is no government visa fee for the Visa exemption transit stay in Shanghai. Note that the foreign visitor must provide the Immigration officer with the following documents:
1. Passport
2. Onward air/vessel/train ticket to a third country (region) with confirmed date and seat within 144 hours upon arrival.
Can the applicant travel and stay anywhere in China for 144 hours?
No, the visitor must stay within the administrative precincts of Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province for 144 hours.
The following 51 countries are covered by the Visa Exemption policy, in Shanghai:
Albania, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America.
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
As a tourist, you may be eligible to apply for the Shenzhen Visa on arrival. Generally, if you are traveling to China for Business, you need a Letter of Invitation and a business visa stamp, from the Chinese Consulate.
However, if you are not prepared or you didn't have time to get to the Chinese Embassy, in your country of residence then you could visit Shenzhen for up to 5 days, Single entry, as a Tourist, and still attend meetings, business expos and exhibitions. The visa on arrival cannot be extended.
Note that the Visa on Arrival does not allow you to enter the whole of China. You are not permitted to travel outside the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. In other words, you cannot just jump on a train to Guangzhou or Dongguan or take a flight to Shanghai.
Citizens of the following countries can get a Visa On arrival:
Germany
Switzerland
Netherlands
UK
Austria
Italy
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
Russia
Spain
South Korea
Indonesia
Thailand
Malaysia
Passport holders of India and Philippines are not eligible for the application and even get fined for arrival without a valid Chinese visa.
You can get the Visa on Arrival at the following ports of entry:
Lo Wu (7:30-23:30)
Huanggang Border (24hours)
Shekou Ferry Port (9:00-16:30)
The procedure at the above port of entry is that you need to complete the white paper form, with your personal details, the take a ticket from the machine and wait until your number is called.
Once your number is called, you present your passport to the Chinese officer, and they check your visa eligibility, take a photo of you, with a web cam, and then you return to your seat.
The next step, involves waiting for your number to be called again, and then you need to make the payment of the visa application fee, which is about 168 Chinese Yen (RMB) except that UK citizens pay a higher fee of 304 RMB. Payment can be made in cash or credit card.
The last step occurs when your number is called again, and you simply collect your passport with your visa label. Finally, you need to queue up and present your passport and Immigration Entry card to the Immigration officer, who stamps your passport, with an entry date stamp, and then you proceed through security, and arrive in Shenzhen.
So, the total time spent from the moment that you get to the Immigration Entry office is about 15 minutes, at quiet times (early mornings during the week and not public holidays) up to about 1 hour at busier times.
Note, that if you are arriving at Lo Wu port from Hong Kong, the train travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Central, and you would need to change lines twice.
VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers
