Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners

　　(3) The duration of stay specified in the visa means the period of time during which the visa holder is […]

　　(3) The duration of stay specified in the visa means the period of time during which the visa holder is allowed to stay in China after each entry. It begins from the next day of entry;

　　(4) Short-term means staying in China for a period not exceeding 180 days (including 180 days); and

　　(5) Long-term or resident means residing in China for a period exceeding 180 days.

　　The period of time for examination and approval or the validity period of the receipt of acceptance of the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ in these Regulations is calculated in terms of working days, excluding legal holidays.

　　Article 37 With the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa authorities abroad may entrust local institutions with services, such as receiving of visa application material, data input and consultancy.

　　Article 38 The format of visas shall be prescribed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Security. The formats of stay permits and residence permits shall be prescribed by the Ministry of Public Security.

　　Article 39 These Regulations shall be effective as of September 1, 2013. The Rules on the Implementation of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Entry and Exit of Aliens, approved by the State Council on December 3, 1986, promulgated by the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 27, 1986, and revised by the State Council respectively on July 13, 1994 and April 24, 2010, shall be repealed simultaneously.