China is a fast-growing economy with budding startup culture, and as such has emerged as an attractive destination for digital nomads to live and work remotely. Though there is no specific remote/digital Nomad visa scheme in China, the visa options allow remote workers to move and work from this country. In this article, we will explore the visa options for digital nomads in China, its benefits if you choose China as your base for remote working, and the best cities in China for digital nomads.
Best Visa Option For Digital Nomads In China
If you wish to migrate into China as a digital nomad, apply for tourist visa, which is referred to as L-visa. This allows you to stay and operate in the country. The L-visa has an expiration of 3 – 6 months, during which you are granted up to 2 months of residence within some of China’s leading hubs of digital nomads. Making such an application requires the submission of the following documents:
- A passport with at least 6 months of issuance.
- Flight tickets indicating arrival and departure dates.
- Accommodation proof.
- Proof of payment on the visa fee fees.
- A size photo from your latest passport pages.
- A full-up visa application form.
In fact, the L-visa is normally issued for a month at a time but can be extended within China should it be required. For instance, if you wish to apply for a digital nomad visa in China or have other queries regarding other visas available then you can consult with immigration lawyers who will help in some details.
Why Choose China as a Nomad Digital Destination?
China witnessed a massive economic and social transformation in recent decades, hence triggering exciting destinations for digital nomads. The ever-narrowing rate of urbanization in China and thriving startup environment have attracted entrepreneurs from all across the world to look upon it with their envious eyes. The following reasons convince digital nomads which country they should choose:
- Massive Business Opportunities: Rapidly growing economy and entrepreneurial spirit in China offer myriad business opportunities to digital nomads. The strong manufacturing industry in China, import-export sectors, and technological progressions make the country apt for starting up or developing other businesses.
- Cultural and Historical Richness: China’s rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks provide a tremendous stage for digital nomads. The magnanimous Great Wall to modern-day Beijing architecture is not short of staggering sights to see.
- Access to Cutting-Edge Technologies: As one of the world’s leading technological hubs, China invests in unprecedented convenience for digital nomads. The country boasts smart technologies that Digital Nomads can make use of along with an innovation-oriented environment at which they may find themselves in their element.
- Vibrant Startup Scene: China’s startup ecosystem is vibrant and full of cities like Shenzhen and Hangzhou coming into prominence as major tech hubs. The ecosystem can also be tapped by the digital nomad, who could meet similar persons to collaborate with innovative startups.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in China
China offers a diverse range of cities. Each city has its own charm and other opportunities for digital nomads as well. Here are some of the best cities in China as locations for digital nomads:
- Guangzhou: As China’s third largest metropolis, Guangzhou is a main manufacturing and trade hub. The city’s booming economy and strategic location tempt foreigners who work in import-export industries, technology, and even trade. The average cost to be a digital nomad here is around $853.
- Shenzhen: Often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of Hardware,’ Shenzhen is an energetic place overflowing with growing activity within the startup scene. It has many technology companies and investors alongside daily deals. Those attracted by technology and innovation will experience working and networking in Shenzhen highly stimulating. Nomads can expect to spend about $1,352 per month in Shenzhen.
- Chengdu: Chengdu is becoming a major international investment platform. The fact that the city hosts an economy, transportation infrastructure, and technology sector along with international trade makes it more of a promising business setup for digital nomads searching for business setups. The monthly expenditure of the digital nomads in Chengdu does not exceed $675.
- Hangzhou: Home to Alibaba along with other e-commerce giants, Hangzhou is a burgeoning technological giant. Its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and supportive business environment make it an ideal hometown for digital nomads who want to set up their businesses. The life of the Hangzhou digital nomads will cost them about $785 every month on average.
- Beijing: China’s capital city that offers its unique mixture of modernity and history attracts the digial nomads who like the mixture of cultural richness and technological innovation. Being the capital city, living in Beijing has a higher cost of living for the digital nomads averaging about $1,508 every month on average.
Living and working in any of these cities using their unique opportunities and resources, you are able to take advantage of the digital nomad visa. For obtaining residency in China or for getting legal help with immigration procedures, an immigration lawyer can be there with detailed guidance for your needs.
Conclusion
There is no specific digital nomad visa scheme in China yet, but even with tourist visas, digital nomads can move and work in the country. China has numerous opportunities for remote workers. The Asian giant boasts a growing economy, a dynamic startup scene, a rich cultural heritage, as well as technological advancements. With the right visa and cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Beijing at their fingertips, a digital nomad can best experience China. When considering a move to China, it would be advisable to speak with immigration lawyers who will give detailed guidance about visas and immigration procedures.
For those looking to get a digital nomad visa for other countries or seeking legal help with regard to Chinese citizenship, get the help of our lawyers that specialize in such areas.
