To ease travel for foreign business professionals who are invited to Nantong by enterprises in the city, Nantong has begun offering a special visa for short-term visits.

This visa allows the holder multiple entries over five years, with each stay lasting up to 180 days. Spouses and children of foreign business professionals are also eligible to apply, and the entire process is free of charge.

Application steps:

1. The inviting Chinese entity prepares the application materials and submits them to the foreign affairs office in the county or district where it is registered for preliminary review.

2. The inviting entity submits the application materials to the Foreign Affairs Office of the Nantong Municipal Government.

3. Upon approval by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Nantong Municipal Government, the materials are forwarded to the Foreign Affairs Office of the Jiangsu Provincial Government for final approval. The provincial office issues an invitation letter valid for five years with multiple entries and a 180-day stay period.

4. The foreign national uses the invitation letter and other relevant documents to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.

Required application materials:

1. Application form for inviting foreigners to China;

2. Proof of business dealings between both parties (must be stamped with the company seal);

3. A copy of the inviting entity's business license (must be stamped with the company seal);

4. A letter of employment from the invitee's company (must be on company letterhead, signed, and stamped with the company seal);

5. A clear copy of the invitee's valid passport (with at least six months' validity remaining);

6. Proof of relationship for spouses and children;

7. Any additional required materials.

Processing time:

The preliminary review by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Nantong Municipal Government takes three working days from the receipt of complete and compliant application materials. The Foreign Affairs Office of the Jiangsu Provincial Government then processes the invitation letter within three to five working days.

For inquiries, please contact the Foreign Affairs Office of the Nantong Municipal Government.

Tel: +086-0513-85099959

Email: wsgl.wb@nantong.gov.cn

Scan to download the application form for inviting foreigners to China. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]