A view of the downtown area in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

To further facilitate the commercial activities of foreign businesspeople in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, the Chinese city has launched a special visa for eligible foreign businesspeople.

Eligible foreign businesspeople refer to individuals who "need to frequently come to China to engage in business activities, play an active role in Wuxi's foreign economic and trade cooperation, and their spouses and children." The inviting institutions include market entities such as State-owned enterprises, private enterprises, and foreign-funded enterprises.

Qualified foreign businesspeople can apply for a multiple-entry M visa or a corresponding category visa with a validity of five years and a stay of 180 days each time at the Chinese embassies or consulates abroad with a special visa invitation letter issued by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Jiangsu Provincial Government.

Application process

1. The inviting institution (enterprise) applies for a special visa invitation letter for qualified foreign businesspeople from the Foreign Affairs Office of the Wuxi municipal government.

2. After approval by the Foreign Affairs Office of Wuxi, the invitation letter will be submitted to the provincial foreign affairs office for approval. A special visa invitation letter will be issued to qualified foreign businesspeople, their spouses, and children upon verification.

3. Foreign businesspeople can apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate within three months with the special visa invitation letter.

Processing time limit

The preliminary review period of the foreign affairs office in Wuxi is three working days from receiving complete and standardized application materials; the provincial foreign affairs office processes the invitation letter within three to five working days.