2025 English Quick-Start Guide - Entry & Stay for Foreign Business Travelers in Shanghai
What’s new in 2025
• 240-hour (10-day) nationwide transit-without-visa (TWOV) expanded to more ports and regions.
• Shanghai keeps issuing the “Special Business Invitation Letter” – issued the same day, completely free.
• 240-hour (10-day) nationwide transit-without-visa (TWOV) expanded to more ports and regions.
• Shanghai keeps issuing the “Special Business Invitation Letter” – issued the same day, completely free.
Follow this one-page checklist and you’re set.
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Landing in Shanghai – pick your lane
Profile / Purpose | Best Route | Must-do before arrival | Max stay | Notes
Short stop + quick market check | 240 h TWOV | Show airline onward ticket + visa for third country | 10 days | Valid at PVG, SHA, Shanghai Port Int’l Cruise Center
Invited for negotiations | Ordinary visa + Shanghai “Special Business Invitation Letter” | Host applies online; letter arrives ≤ 1 week | 30–90 days | Convert to residence permit within 30 days
Long-term executive | Z-work visa | Apply at any Chinese embassy/consulate with Work Permit Notice | Convert to residence permit on arrival | Permit valid 1–5 years -
First 24 hours × 30 days – two legal must-dos
① Register address within 24 h
• Hotel: front desk handles it automatically.
• Airbnb/friend’s place: go to local police station with passport + lease; get the Temporary Residence Form on the spot.
② Convert to residence permit within 30 days
Prepare (2 copies each):
• Passport + photocopy
• Health certificate (No. 15 Jinbang Rd, Changning District, same-day result)
• Company business license (stamped copy)
• Foreigner’s Work Permit or Work Permit Notice
• One 2-inch white-background photo
Prepare (2 copies each):
• Passport + photocopy
• Health certificate (No. 15 Jinbang Rd, Changning District, same-day result)
• Company business license (stamped copy)
• Foreigner’s Work Permit or Work Permit Notice
• One 2-inch white-background photo
Where: Shanghai Exit-Entry Admin Bureau, 1500 Minsheng Rd, Pudong
Book slot via “Sui Shen Ban” WeChat mini-program → photo → submit → pick up 5 workdays later.
Book slot via “Sui Shen Ban” WeChat mini-program → photo → submit → pick up 5 workdays later.
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Need to stay longer? Three options：
Residence permit expiring → apply again 30 days in advance, same documents, online pre-check possible.
240 h TWOV too short → extend 30 extra days inside the bonded area at PVG – no exit required.
Hong Kong / Macau permanent residents (non-Chinese) → 5-year multi-entry Mainland Travel Permit, 90 days per stay. -
Shanghai Fast-Track Apps
• Sui Shen Ban App: book residence/visa slots, live queue, digital ID.
• WeChat “Shanghai Exit-Entry”: track progress, courier delivery.
• Alipay mini-program “Shanghai Port Pass”: QR code for immigration at PVG & SHA, saves ~15 min. -
Emergency hotline
12367 – National Immigration Administration, 24 h, English & Chinese.