Ministry of Commerce Interprets the New Edition of the Guide to Facilitate Working and Living in China for Foreign Business Expatriates

On June 18, the Ministry of Commerce held a regular press conference. Spokesperson He Yadong stated that the Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with relevant departments, has been compiling and releasing the A Guide to Working and Living in China for Business Expatriates for three consecutive years, and it has been well received by foreign business professionals coming to China. The 2026 edition of the guide features multiple updates and upgrades in policy content and convenience services.

The 2026 edition of the guide includes significant policy upgrades. First, it expands the scope of the unilateral visa-free policy to further facilitate foreign business professionals' visits to China. Second, it optimizes the policy scope of the 240-hour visa-free transit. Third, it adds content on departure tax refunds, systematically introducing the departure tax refund policy and application procedures.

In terms of convenience services, the 2026 edition of the guide also introduces a number of new measures. He Yadong noted that the guide adds an introduction to the application and use of eSIM cards to enhance communication convenience. At the same time, it updates the coverage of cities where foreigners can tap foreign bank cards to pass through subway gates, further improving travel convenience. Currently, subway systems in cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou support tapping foreign bank cards for gate access.

He Yadong stated that the Ministry of Commerce will continue to pay close attention to the needs of foreign business professionals, create a more friendly, efficient and convenient environment for their development, and help more multinational companies understand China, invest in China, and deepen their roots in China.

Source：finance.cnr.cn

A Guide to Working and Living in China for Business Expatriates (2026 Edition)