China Introduces K Visa for Young Talent

On August 14, 2025, China’s State Council announced a new K visa category for young science and technology professionals, effective October 1, 2025. Signed into effect by Premier Li Qiang, the decree amends regulations on foreigners’ entry and exit to facilitate international talent exchange.

The K visa, tailored for eligible young professionals in science and technology, offers enhanced flexibility in entry frequency, validity period, and duration of stay compared to China’s 12 existing ordinary visa types. Applicants must meet qualifications set by relevant authorities and provide supporting documentation, but no domestic employer invitation is required, streamlining the application process.

K visa holders can participate in educational, cultural, and scientific exchanges, as well as entrepreneurial and business activities in China. The initiative supports China’s strategy to attract global talent and foster international cooperation in science and technology. This move aligns with China’s broader visa policy reforms, including visa-free entry agreements with 75 countries, which have driven a 30.2% year-on-year increase in foreign visitor trips, reaching 38.05 million in the first half of 2025.

(Source: China State Council)