🇨🇳 China visa for EU citizens

You need a visa for China. Almost universally. The only exceptions are a few specific regions or nationalities with limited visa-free entry, which doesn't extend to typical remote work scenarios.

Who actually gets visa-free entry?

For most digital nomads, the answer is simple: you need a visa to enter China. This applies to citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries. China doesn't offer visa-on-arrival for these passport holders for general tourism or remote work. Forget the idea that you'll just show up and get a stamp.

There are a handful of countries whose citizens can enter China visa-free for short stays, typically 30 days. These often include nations in Southeast Asia and some former Soviet republics. However, these aren't typically destinations people are considering for extended remote work bases, and the visa-free allowance usually isn't sufficient. For everyone else, the process involves applying for a visa before you travel, usually at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country or a third country.

How long can you actually stay?

Standard tourist visas (L-visas) are typically issued for 30 days of stay, though the validity period to enter might be longer. Some visas are single-entry, meaning once you leave China, that visa is finished. If you need to re-enter, you'll need a new visa. Double-entry or multiple-entry visas are possible but require more justification during the application process.

Overstaying your visa in China is not a casual affair. Penalties can be severe. You can expect fines of CNY 500 per day of overstay, with a maximum fine of CNY 10,000†. More significantly, overstays can lead to detention and deportation, and will almost certainly result in future visa denials or a ban from re-entering China for a period. Always know your exit date and plan accordingly.

Working remotely on a tourist visa: the grey zone

Officially, you cannot work in China on a tourist (L) visa. Working requires a Z-visa (work visa), which is tied to an employer sponsoring your position within China. Remote work, where you're employed by a company outside of China but are physically present within China, falls into a legal grey area.

While authorities could technically enforce the rules against this, in practice, many remote workers operate without issue, especially if they are discreet and not drawing attention. The key is understanding that if you were questioned about your activities and admitted to working remotely, you could face consequences. Most people who do this are careful not to advertise their remote work status and treat their stay as extended tourism. It’s a calculated risk, and enforcement can be unpredictable.

What’s new with Chinese visas?

China has been making significant changes to its visa policies recently. A major development was the introduction of the e-visa system for group tours and certain business visits, aiming to streamline the process. While a full, individual e-visa system for all types of travel isn't universally rolled out yet, it's a step towards modernization.

More recently, China announced visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia for stays of up to 15 days, starting from December 1, 2023†. This is part of a pilot program, and it's unclear if or when this will expand to other nationalities or for longer durations. Visa fees and processing times can also fluctuate, so always check the latest requirements with the specific Chinese embassy or consulate where you'll be applying well in advance of your planned travel.