China has unveiled a new multi-entry business visa targeted at ASEAN nationals. Officially launched on 3 June by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the so-called ASEAN visa allows eligible business professionals to enter China multiple times over a five-year period, with each stay lasting up to 180 days.

This forward-looking visa initiative is designed to streamline business travel and deepen ties with Southeast Asia – one of the most dynamic economic regions globally. It is not just a symbolic move; it is a deliberate pivot towards a more interconnected and business-friendly Asia.

Who qualifies?

The visa is open to citizens of all 10 ASEAN member countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – as well as Timor-Leste, an observer state. What sets this visa apart is its inclusiveness: it extends to spouses and children of the primary visa holder, a rare but practical detail that enhances its appeal for professionals with families engaged in long-term business activity.

“This initiative will further promote regional mobility and deepen cooperation between China and Southeast Asia,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. He framed the visa as part of China’s broader strategy for “high-level openness” and stronger “people-to-people ties”.

The ASEAN visa complements China’s growing portfolio of relaxed travel agreements, particularly with Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand – countries whose citizens already enjoy 30-day visa-free access for business and tourism.

The visa scheme also builds on the "Lancang-Mekong visa" introduced in November 2024, which offers five-year multiple-entry visas to business travellers from the five Mekong River nations: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

By extending this arrangement to include the broader ASEAN bloc and Timor-Leste, China is effectively scaling a regional mobility framework that aligns closely with its trade and infrastructure priorities in Asia.

China’s expanding visa diplomacy

The timing of the ASEAN visa is no accident. It follows a flurry of visa liberalisation measures aimed at strengthening China’s global appeal as a destination for trade, investment and cultural exchange.

On 1 June, just days before the ASEAN visa announcement, China granted unilateral visa-free access to citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay. It also extended similar privileges to all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, underlining a clear pivot towards more strategic, globally inclusive travel frameworks.

With these moves, China now offers visa-free entry to nationals from 43 countries – part of what Lin Jian described as a commitment to “building an open world economy”.

ASEAN in focus: Why this matters for business leaders

For executives and HR leaders managing cross-border teams, the ASEAN visa could prove transformative. It removes considerable administrative friction from international travel and reduces the cost and complexity of doing business with or in China.

Companies engaged in logistics, manufacturing, tech innovation, education or the digital economy stand to benefit the most. With easier movement, executives can more freely establish partnerships, inspect operations or attend regional forums – all while having the option to bring along their families for longer assignments.

Beyond the logistics, there is a growing soft power dimension. As the United States’ appeal among parts of Asia cools, China’s more open travel policies may bolster its standing as a viable hub for professional development, academic collaboration and entrepreneurial growth.

“In recent years, China and ASEAN have advanced the building of a community with a shared future and made important progress in building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home,” Lin said. “There is a mutual hope to further ease travel between the two sides.”

Travel and investment on the rise

The numbers already suggest a strong pay-off for China’s visa strategy. In Q1 2025, more than 9 million foreigners entered China – an increase of over 40% from the same period the previous year. Between January and April alone, over 18,000 new foreign-invested enterprises were established, marking a 12.1% year-on-year growth.

These figures speak to China’s ambitions: to establish itself not just as a manufacturing powerhouse but as a nexus for global business, innovation and cultural engagement.

“China will continue to optimise its entry policies and expand the scope of visa-free countries,” Lin said. “We aim to make it easier for foreign friends to experience better product supply, more diverse consumption scenarios, and more convenient service guarantees.”

Implications for HR and mobility teams

The ASEAN visa is particularly relevant for human capital leaders seeking to develop mobile, agile workforces in Asia. It presents a practical option for relocating regional managers, hosting talent exchanges and supporting multinational operations without the constant headache of visa renewals.

It also reflects a broader shift: mobility is no longer just an operational concern – it is a strategic lever for market access and relationship building.

As China positions itself as a gateway to Asia – and increasingly, to the Global South – businesses that adapt to and leverage these evolving travel frameworks will be better placed to compete.

China has signalled its intention to further liberalise entry policies, expand the list of visa-free countries and enhance digital processing for business and tourism travel. These steps are consistent with its vision of creating “a global centre for trade, tourism, and cooperation”.

China’s ASEAN visa marks a defining step in its diplomatic and economic courtship of Southeast Asia. It is a strategic signal: China wants deeper, more fluid ties with its neighbours – and it is prepared to remove barriers to make that happen.