China to roll out new visa type to attract young science and tech professionals

China announced on August 14 that it will launch a new visa type for young foreign science and technology professionals. 

The announcement follows Premier Li Qiang’s signing of a State Council decree to implement the decision to revise the country’s foreign entry and exit regulations. 

Called the “K visa”, eligible young science and technology professionals will be able to apply for it from October 1. 

Applicants must meet the qualifications and requirements set by the Chinese authorities and submit relevant documentation.

According to the statement, the eligibility criteria for the K visa are based on the applicant’s age, educational background, and work experience, without needing an employer or inviting organization within China. 

After entering China, K visa holders will be permitted to engage in fields such as education, culture, science, and technology. Compared with the 12 other ordinary visa types China currently offers, K visas will provide greater convenience to their holders with regard to the number of entries, validity period, and duration of stay. 

The introduction of the K visa is part of a broader move to build a more proactive and open talent policy that will promote international cooperation and exchanges among young science and technology professionals. 

China has been easing visa rules recently, with visa-free entry or mutual visa-exemption agreements with 75 countries as of July 2025. This has led to a dramatic year-on-year rise in international visitor arrivals of 30.2%.