Moving Your Business to China: Visa Routes for Founders and Investors

This guide covers the 3 verified routes for founders and investors moving a business to China. Every figure comes from our program review dated September 15, 2026. Rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the details with an expert before you commit money or time.

Private Business Residence Permit (Entrepreneur, Pilot Zones)

Start a business in a designated pilot zone (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen). No fixed national minimum — requirements set locally.

Minimum investment: No single national statutory minimum — varies by locality. Active involvement: Yes. What you receive: Work-type residence permit, renewable, typically 1+ years. Family: Yes, via S2 relative visa. Path to permanent residence: Not directly — see separate Investment-based PR route below.

Permanent Residence by Investment

RMB 10,000,000 in direct and stable investment held for 3 consecutive years. Leads directly to a Foreign Permanent Resident ID.

Minimum investment: RMB 10,000,000, direct and stable, for 3 consecutive years, with clean tax record. Active involvement: Yes — investment must be maintained continuously. What you receive: Foreign Permanent Resident ID. Family: Yes, via S2 relative visa. Path to permanent residence: Yes — direct.

R Visa (High-Level Talent)

A merit-based route for high-level talent with no minimum investment. Recognition is discretionary and decided case by case.

Minimum investment: None — merit/achievement-based. Active involvement: Yes. What you receive: Work-type residence permit tied to R visa status. Family: Yes, via S2 relative visa. Path to permanent residence: Conditional.

Worth knowing: The R visa is separate from the K visa for young STEM talent, which started on 1 October 2025. The two have different criteria.

This guide is directional guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. A consulting session will tell you which route fits your business and what to prepare first.