K Visa (young science and technology talent)

Overview

The K visa is a new visa category added when China's State Council amended its regulations on the entry and exit of foreigners, effective 1 October 2025. It is aimed at young foreign science and technology professionals, and unlike the Z visa it does not require a sponsoring or inviting entity in China before you apply. Honesty box - please read: the K visa is for exchanges, study, and entrepreneurial or business activities in science and technology; on its own it does NOT grant work authorisation (paid employment still runs through the work-permit and Z-visa system), and it is NOT permanent residence. It is brand new and the rules are still being interpreted in practice, with much of the operating detail held in Chinese-language State Council text rather than the partial English National Immigration Administration portal. Treat everything here as indicative and confirm against the official page.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Check that you meet the young science and technology talent criteria and that the K visa fits your purpose.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Assemble your passport and STEM qualification or research-role evidence.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply for the K visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate through the official channel.

4. 04

   After approval

   After arrival, remember the K visa does not authorise employment by itself - move to the work-permit and Z-visa route if you take a paid job.

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Compare People's Republic of China with

• 🇸🇬 Republic of Singapore
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
• 🇹🇼 Taiwan (Republic of China)

Related routes

• Z Work Visa (with Foreigner Work Permit and Residence Permit)

  For you if a Chinese employer has offered you a job: the Z visa is the standard route into paid work in mainland China, used together with a Foreigner Work Permit and, after arrival, a residence permit.

• R Talent Visa (high-level and urgently needed talent)

  For you if you are a recognised high-level expert or have skills China urgently needs: the R visa is the talent route, normally used alongside a top-tier Foreigner Work Permit and, after arrival, a residence permit.

• Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (Five-Star Card)

  For you if you want to settle in China long term: the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card - nicknamed the Five-Star Card - is China's actual permanent residence document, issued by the National Immigration Administration once your permanent-residence application is approved.