The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has officially released the *Guide to Working and Living in China for Foreign Business Professionals (2026 Edition).

This is the third consecutive year the ministry has updated the guide, aiming to respond to feedback from foreign business visitors and further improve the business environment in China.

Compared with the 2025 edition, the 2026 edition features substantial updates and upgrades in two main areas: policy clarification and daily convenience.

1. Policy Clarification Upgrades: Clearer Visas and Tax Refunds

Expanded visa‑free policy explanations: The guide now includes detailed explanations of the unilateral visa‑free policy and the 240‑hour visa‑free transit policy for citizens of 55 countries.

It clearly states that visa‑free entry can be used for business meetings, site visits, and trade discussions. It also highlights that the transit visa‑free policy has been optimized, with the scope expanded to 24 provinces and entry ports increased to 65. 

New full guide on departure tax refund: For the first time, the guide systematically includes information on the tax refund for overseas visitors (departure tax refund).

Eligibility: Spending at least 200 yuan on the same day at the same tax‑free store.

Process: The store issues a tax refund form → customs verifies the goods → the tax refund agency in the departure area reviews the application → you receive your refund.

Refund methods: Cash, credit card, or third‑party payment apps.

2. Daily Convenience Upgrades: Smoother Communication and Travel  

Guidance on getting an eSIM: For short‑term visitors who may find it inconvenient to get a physical SIM card, the guide now includes instructions for obtaining an eSIM (embedded SIM). It specifies that the three major carriers – China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom – support eSIM activation, and the only document required is your passport. This allows you to connect to the internet as soon as you arrive.

Updated list of cities supporting “tap‑to‑pay” at subway gates: The guide updates the list of cities where you can use overseas bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc.) to tap directly at subway station gates.

Currently, major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu support this feature, so you don’t need to buy a ticket or bind a local app to ride the metro.

Other supporting updates: The guide also revises sections on work permits, accommodation registration (emphasizing the need to register for stays outside hotels), and foreign exchange settlement, ensuring alignment with the latest regulations and pilot policies.

MOFCOM stated that it will continue to listen to the needs of foreign business professionals in China, roll out more facilitation measures, and help multinational companies “understand China, invest in China, and grow with China.”

 All articles reproduced on this website are copyrighted by the original author, and the contents are for study and reference only, not for commercial use, and some of the pictures are originated from the Internet. If in the process of forwarding involved in copyright issues, please contact us in a timely manner, we will be dealt with appropriately as soon as possible.