The Foreign Affairs Office of Guangdong Province recently announced visa facilitation measures for foreign businesspersons, simplifying procedures to support their activities in Guangdong and enhance foreign economic cooperation.

The notice states that foreign businesspersons who frequently visit China for business-related activities and contribute to Guangdong's trade cooperation, as well as their spouses and children, are eligible to benefit from the measures. Inviting entities include state-owned, private, and foreign-funded enterprises.

Eligible individuals can apply for an M visa or a corresponding multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years, with a stay period of 180 days, based on a special invitation letter issued by the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office.

（1） The application process

1.The inviting entity or enterprise applies for a visa invitation letter for eligible foreign businesspersons.

2. Eligible inviting entities or enterprises submit written applications to their respective localities. After the localities review the relevant qualifications of the applying inviting entities or enterprises, they report to the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office of the provincial government for processing.

3. After review, the Foreign Affairs Office of the provincial government issues special visa invitation letters to eligible foreign businesspersons and their spouses and children.

4. Foreign businesspersons may apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate at their visa application location within three months by presenting the special visa invitation letter.