Here are the China statutory updates for 2025.
Effective January 2026
China Implements New VAT Law with Significant Updates
China’s new Value-Added Tax (VAT) Law will take effect on 1 January 2026, introducing key changes to unify regulations, clarify taxable transactions, and enhance compliance.
Key Updates:
- Expanded Scope of Taxable Services: The new law standardizes VAT treatment for financial, digital, and intangible transactions, including consulting and professional services.
- Clarification of VAT-Exempt Transactions: Specifies certain exemptions, including qualified financial services and government-related fees.
- Simplified Taxation for Small Businesses: Allows eligible small-scale taxpayers to opt for a simplified VAT scheme.
- Enhanced VAT Deduction Rules: Adjustments to deductible VAT items aim to reduce tax burdens for businesses.
These revisions align China’s VAT framework with international practices, ensuring greater clarity and compliance for taxpayers.
Source: Lexology
Effective November 2025
China Launches 10 New Immigration Measures to Boost Mobility and Digital Access
China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) has implemented 10 new immigration measures aimed at supporting national development, improving digital services, and facilitating cross-border talent mobility. The updates include policy expansions, streamlined applications, and broader access to visa-free transit and smart immigration lanes.
Key Updates:
- Talent endorsements for Hong Kong and Macao travel are now available nationwide across all Free Trade Zones and major economic regions. Eligible individuals may apply for multi-entry permits valid for one to five years, with stays of up to 30 days per visit.
- Mainland Chinese residents can apply for Taiwan family visit endorsements at any local exit-entry office, regardless of household registration.
- Intelligent fast lanes using facial recognition are being introduced at 12 major ports, including Shanghai Hongqiao and Xiamen Gaoqi airports, for eligible residents and travellers.
- New cross-border facilitation measures have been introduced for tech workers and businesses in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Cooperation Zone, including multi-entry endorsements and priority access lanes.
- The 24-hour visa-free direct transit policy has been expanded to 10 more international airports, including Tianjin and Kunming, where eligible travellers in transit will be exempt from immigration inspection if remaining in the airport.
- Five additional Guangdong ports have been designated under the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme, increasing the total number of entry points to 65.
- Fully online processing for renewal and reissuance of exit-entry documents is now available in 30 additional cities, bringing total coverage to 50 cities across China.
- Mainland residents with family visit endorsements can now renew them directly within Hong Kong or Macao via designated local travel agencies.
- Forty-two new ports, including Tianjin, are authorised to issue single-entry Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan residents without valid documents, raising the total to 100 ports.
- Foreign visitors can now complete China’s Arrival Card digitally via official websites, mobile apps, or QR codes at ports of entry, with paper options still available if needed.
Source: Fragomen
China Expands Visa-Free Entry to 48 Countries Across Europe, Asia, Oceania and South America
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has expanded its unilateral visa exemption policy to 48 countries, enabling eligible nationals to enter China without a visa for short stays of up to 30 days. This policy supports increased international travel and economic exchange.
Key Updates:
- Citizens of 48 countries may now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days using ordinary passports for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, or transit.
- Visa-free entry is granted from 00:00 on the day after arrival, and the total duration of stay must not exceed 30 days per visit.
- The newly covered countries span four regions:
- Europe (34 countries): Including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and Russia.
- Oceania (2 countries): Australia and New Zealand.
- Asia (7 countries): Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
- South America (5 countries): Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
- The move reflects China’s ongoing efforts to facilitate international travel and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
Source: National Immigration Administration of China
Effective October 2025
China to Launch New K Visa for Young Science and Technology Talent
China will introduce a new K visa category for eligible young professionals in science and technology, as announced in a State Council decree signed by Premier Li Qiang.
Key Details:
- The K visa will support foreign nationals engaging in education, culture, science and technology, as well as entrepreneurial and business activities in China.
- Compared to existing visa types, K visa holders will enjoy greater convenience in terms of:
- Number of permitted entries
- Visa validity
- Duration of stay
- Applicants must meet age, educational, and experience criteria set by Chinese authorities but do not require a domestic invitation to apply.
- The visa is part of China’s broader efforts to attract global talent, streamline visa processes, and promote international exchanges.
Source: The State Council of the People’s Republic of China
Effective September 2025
New China Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants
China has launched a new online visa application system for all applicants within the jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy in the United States
Key updates:
- All applications must now be completed and submitted online through the COVA System before providing physical documents to the Visa Office.
- Supporting documents and passports are only required at the Visa Office after receiving online “Passport to be submitted” status.
- Requirements for documents, including tourist and business visas, have been updated and streamlined; detailed guidelines are available within the application system.
- The average processing time is approximately four business days from submission of physical documents. Some cases may require a longer review.
- Payment on collection is accepted by card, money order, or cashier’s cheque.
Source: Chinese Embassy in the U.S.
Visa-Free Entry Granted for Russian Nationals
The Chinese government has introduced a trial visa exemption for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports.
Key Details:
- Russian nationals may enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit purposes.
- The exemption is valid from 15 September 2025 until 14 September 2026.
- Each visit allows a stay of up to 30 days.
- Applicable only to ordinary passport holders; diplomatic, service, or other categories may require separate arrangements.
- The policy aims to promote greater bilateral mobility and strengthen people-to-people ties between China and Russia.
Source: The State Council of the People’s Republic of China
Effective June 2025
China and Uzbekistan Implement Reciprocal Visa-Free Travel Agreement
China and Uzbekistan have activated a visa‑free travel arrangement.
Key Details:
- Citizens holding ordinary, diplomatic, or service passports from both countries can enter each other’s territory without a visa.
- The exemption allows single stays of up to 30 days, with a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
- This applies to arrivals, departures, and transit.
- Travellers needing to stay longer than 30 days or engaging in work, study, journalistic activities or residence must obtain the appropriate visa beforehand.
- Cumulative stay limits apply even across multiple short trips.
Source: Fragomen
China Expands Visa-Free Entry to Five South American Countries
Nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will be allowed to enter and stay in Mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, or transit. This exemption will be in effect from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026.
Source: Fragomen
Effective April 2025
Beijing Eases Tax Document Requirement for Category A Work Permit Extensions
Foreign nationals in Beijing classified as Category A and earning at least six times the city’s average annual salary are no longer required to submit tax documents when extending or cancelling their work permits, effective 11 April 2025. Authorities will instead conduct random inspections.
Source: Fragomen
Effective January 2025
China Extends Public Holidays by Two Days
China has revised its public holiday arrangements, adding two extra days to major national holidays. These changes aim to improve work-life balance and align holidays with cultural traditions.
Key Changes:
- Spring Festival: Now a four-day holiday, with Chinese New Year’s Eve newly included.
- May Day: Extended from one day to two days, with May 2 added.
- Longer Breaks: Public holidays can now combine with weekends or annual leave for extended breaks, while working days around holidays generally won’t exceed six consecutive days.
This update reflects the Chinese government’s efforts to enhance leisure opportunities for citizens.
Source: The State Council of the People’s Republic of China
Shanghai Expands Visa Facilitation for Foreign Business Visitors
Shanghai has introduced a new visa facilitation policy to support international business engagement. The initiative grants eligible foreign professionals easier access to long-term multiple-entry visas.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Frequent business travelers, foreign investors, senior management, technical personnel, and those with significant contributions to Shanghai’s economic development.
- Visa Type: Multiple-entry M visas, valid for up to five years, with a maximum stay of 180 days per entry.
- Application Process:
- The inviting organization in Shanghai must first apply for a registration code with the local Exit-Entry Administration.
- Once approved, the applicant can submit their visa request to a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad.
- Restrictions:
- The visa is strictly for business-related activities.
- Misuse, such as engaging in employment or other unauthorized activities, may result in revocation of privileges for both the applicant and the inviting organization.
Source: Shanghai Municipal Government
China Gradually Delays Retirement Age
China will implement a gradual delay in the statutory retirement age, starting from 1 January 2025. The reform aims to address demographic challenges and ensure sustainable pension systems.
Key Details:
- Retirement Age Increases:
- Male employees: Gradually extended from 60 to 63 years over 15 years (one month added every four months).
- Female white-collar workers: From 55 to 58 years.
- Female blue-collar workers: From 50 to 55 years (one month added every two months).
- Pension Contribution Period: Starting in 2030, the minimum contribution period for monthly pensions will increase incrementally from 15 to 20 years by 2039.
- Flexible Retirement Options:
- Employees can retire up to three years earlier or delay retirement by up to three years with employer consent.
- Special Occupations: Early retirement policies remain for high-risk or physically demanding jobs.
The changes aim to balance workforce needs and align with increasing life expectancy, projected at 78.6 years.
Source: China Briefing
China Enforces New Network Data Security Management Regulations
China’s Network Data Security Management Regulations will take effect on 1 January 2025, introducing stricter controls for personal data protection, cross-border data transfers, and the responsibilities of data processors. These rules aim to enhance data security while aligning with global standards.
Key Provisions:
- Data Protection: Strict requirements for safeguarding personal data and managing sensitive information.
- Cross-Border Data Transfers: Organisations must conduct risk assessments before transferring personal or important data abroad.
- Responsibilities of Data Processors:
- Designate data security officers and management teams.
- Implement security measures, including encryption and access controls.
- Report significant organisational changes affecting data security to authorities.
- Compliance for Foreign Entities: Applies to international organisations processing data of Chinese citizens or entities.
Source: China Briefing
China Strengthens Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Law
China’s revised AML Law takes effect from 1 January 2025, enhancing its compliance with international standards and expanding its scope to include a wider range of predicate crimes, including wildlife trafficking.
Key Amendments:
- Risk-Based Approach: Financial institutions must adopt risk-based methods for managing money laundering risks.
- Expanded Predicate Crimes: Includes “other crimes” in compliance with international treaties.
- Obligations for Non-Financial Businesses: Defines regulatory responsibilities for non-financial businesses and their obligations in AML compliance.
- Focus on Beneficial Ownership: Introduces stricter transparency requirements.
- Strengthened Compliance for Financial Institutions: Enhances internal controls, customer due diligence, and suspicious transaction reporting protocols.
- Wildlife Crime: Emphasises using AML strategies to investigate financial networks linked to illegal wildlife trade.
The revised law also reinforces cross-border cooperation and aligns China with global AML practices.
Source: TRAFFIC
Featured photo by Road Trip with Raj on Unsplash
