• China introduces K visa from October 2025 to attract young STEM talent, easing entry rules for early-career researchers and graduates.
• The visa removes employer requirements, offering flexible terms on stay, re-entry, and activities including research, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
• Policy supports Beijing, Shanghai, and smaller hubs by strengthening innovation capacity, and global collaboration.

China

China is introducing a new visa category aiming to attract young foreign science and technology professionals. This is an effort to strengthen its innovation capacity and global talent strategy.  

This comes after a state council order issued on 7th August which amended the country’s entry and exit regulations. It will come into effect from 1st October 2025 offering a more flexible pathway into China. 

K Visa

Dubbed the K Visa it will give early career STEM graduates and researchers a more flexible pathway into China with fewer administrative hurdles. Previously, the country’s immigration system had 12 visa types covering work, study, business and family reunion. The new K visa has been created specifically for science and technology talent at the early stages of their career. This includes recent graduates with at least a bachelors degree in STEM fields or young professionals working in research and education. In addition, it will have an age limit of 40-45.

Unlike the requirement of existing visas, the K Visa offers more flexibility as applicants do not need a Chinese employer or invitation to apply. It is also expected that the visa will offer more generous terms on entry frequency, validity and duration of stay. In addition, visa holders will be allowed to take part in a variety of activities such as research , entrepreneurship and cultural exchange.

This aims to benefit not only major hubs such as Beijing and Shanghai but also smaller innovation hubs.