The State Council of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”) recently revised the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, adding a new visa category (K visa), effective 1 October 2025.1
The creation of this new visa category underscores China’s emphasis on attracting “next generation” scientists and researchers.
China introduced the R visa for high-level talent in 2013. The addition of the K visa specifically targets foreign young talent working in the science and technology sector. The K visa will enable holders to arrange their activities in China more flexibly, effectively promoting diverse scientific and technological cultural exchanges.
Immigration advisers and global mobility programme managers charged with the immigration affairs of their mobile employees (including students and researchers) should understand the new rules around this visa type; moreover, they may wish to make changes to their policies and procedures accordingly.
This new visa opens up a new pathway for entry into China for work purposes; it may be subject to additional approvals by the PRC authorities. Individuals may wish to consider engaging a qualified immigration adviser to consult on the rules, discuss conditions for eligibility, and establish the proper steps for making an application.
Currently, details such as the specific age range for “young” individuals, the scope of specific “tech” industries, the exact validity period and duration of stay for K visas, and follow-up residency policies after entry, remain to be further clarified.
For eligible foreign young science and technology talent and domestic universities and enterprises planning to hire them, considerations may include:
Individuals and/or organisations with questions about his new visa category and in need of assistance with entry and exit matters, should contact their usual qualified immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in China.
1 See the webpage of the State Council, The People's Republic of China on <English.gov.cn> (in English) “China to launch new type of visa for young science, technology professionals” (Updated: 14 August 2025).
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the People’s Republic of China.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
© 2025 KPMG Huazhen LLP, a People's Republic of China partnership, KPMG Advisory (China) Limited, a limited liability company in Mainland China, KPMG, a Macau (SAR) partnership, and KPMG, a Hong Kong (SAR) partnership, are member firms of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.
