China introduces 10 new immigration facilitation measures. We’ll show you all you need to know
On 6 November 2025, China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) unveiled 10 new immigration and exit-entry facilitation measures aimed at streamlining border procedures, improving mobility for professionals and travellers, and strengthening regional integration between Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR.
These measures reflect the government’s commitment to attracting global talent, supporting business travel, and enhancing the efficiency of immigration processes. By combining digitalisation, expanded policy coverage, and intelligent border management, the NIA’s new framework marks a significant step toward modernising China’s approach to cross-border movement.
Expansion of the Talent Endorsement Policy
A key highlight is the expansion of the talent endorsement policy, previously limited to Beijing, Shanghai, and the Greater Bay Area. The scheme now covers the Yangtze River Delta, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and all 21 national free-trade zones.
Qualified professionals in sectors such as science, education, healthcare, culture, and law are now eligible to apply for multiple-entry endorsements valid for up to five years, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit in Hong Kong or Macao. The expansion is expected to simplify mobility for high-level talent and foster deeper collaboration between the mainland and its neighbouring special administrative regions.
Nationwide Application Access for Taiwan-Related Endorsements
Mainland residents can now apply for family-visit endorsements for travel to and from Taiwan at any county-level or above exit-entry authority, rather than being restricted to their place of household registration. This nationwide accessibility offers greater flexibility for families with cross-strait ties.
Intelligent Clearance at Major Ports
The NIA will implement intelligent exit-entry clearance systems across major ports connecting Mainland China with Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. This includes facial recognition and fast-lane processing for eligible travellers. Ports such as Shanghai Hongqiao, Xiamen Gaoqi, and several in Guangdong will be part of the initial rollout.
Facilitation for the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Zone
The Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone will benefit from three-year multiple-entry endorsements for mainland talent without separate talent certification. Start-ups within their first year of operation may apply for business travel without submitting tax documentation, while key high-tech firms will receive priority processing. “Green channels” will allow expedited transport of personnel and research materials.
Expanded Visa-Free Transit Access
The 24-hour visa-free direct transit policy will be extended to ten additional airports, including Tianjin Binhai and Kunming Changshui, enabling passengers to bypass immigration checks if they remain airside during transit.
The 240-hour visa-free transit programme is expanded to five more ports in Guangdong Province, including Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Hengqin, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port, and West Kowloon Station, increasing eligible ports from 60 to 65. Citizens from 55 eligible countries can stay within the designated areas for up to 240 hours.
Digitalisation and Online Processing
From 20 November 2025, foreigners may submit digital arrival cards online via the NIA website, mobile app, or WeChat/Alipay mini-programs. Certain groups, such as permanent residents, group visa holders, and fast-track channel users, will be exempt.
Exit-entry document renewal for residents will also expand to 50 pilot cities, allowing citizens aged 16+ to renew passports and travel permits online, eliminating the need to visit immigration offices physically.
Broader Access for Taiwan Residents
The number of ports authorised to issue single-entry Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan residents will increase from 58 to 100, offering greater convenience for cross-strait travel.
Policy Context
These measures are part of China’s strategy to attract global talent, enhance research and business collaboration, and digitalise immigration management. Post-pandemic recovery and growing international travel demand have created a need for more efficient, flexible, and predictable entry-exit procedures, particularly between Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan.
Implications for Employers
Multinational companies benefit from greater flexibility to rotate staff, researchers, and executives across Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Expanded endorsement validity and simplified processes reduce administrative burdens and compliance risk. Companies should update travel policies and internal HR systems to track endorsement expiry dates and digital arrival card procedures.
How Eos Global Expansion Can Help
Navigating China’s new immigration framework requires careful planning to stay compliant while maximising mobility opportunities. At Eos Global Expansion, we help companies manage cross-border assignments, obtain multiple-entry endorsements, and implement compliant travel policies. Our team ensures that employees move seamlessly between Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan, while reducing administrative burdens for HR teams.
By partnering with Eos, organisations gain expert guidance on talent mobility, digital entry procedures, and visa compliance, enabling businesses to leverage China’s growing innovation ecosystem without disruption.
Contact us today to see how Eos can simplify your cross-border talent mobility strategy. Check our full-range of EOR services here or book a free consultation now.
FAQ
Q1: What professionals are eligible for the expanded talent endorsements?
A1: Professionals in science, education, healthcare, legal, and cultural fields, working in major regions including the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and national free-trade zones.
Q2: How long are multiple-entry talent endorsements valid?
A2: Endorsements can be valid for one to five years, with each visit allowing up to 30 days in Hong Kong or Macau.
Q3: Which new airports and ports are included in visa-free transit policies?
A3: The 24-hour visa-free transit now applies to 10 additional airports including Tianjin Binhai, Dalian Zhoushuizi, Nanjing Lukou, Fuzhou Changle, Qingdao Jiaodong, Wuhan Tianhe, Nanning Wuxu, Haikou Meilan, Chongqing Jiangbei, and Kunming Changshui. The 240-hour visa-free transit now includes five new Guangdong ports: Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Hengqin, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port, and West Kowloon Station.
Q4: How can foreigners submit arrival information digitally?
A4: Starting 20 November 2025, foreigners can submit arrival card information online via the NIA website, mobile app, WeChat, or Alipay mini-programs. Certain groups, including permanent residents and group visa holders, are exempt.
Q5: How will these measures affect multinational employers?
A5: Companies can rotate staff and conduct cross-border projects more efficiently, reduce compliance risks, and streamline HR processes to reflect new endorsement validity periods and digital arrival card requirements.
