Futian unveils intl. service initiatives for expats, businesses

Futian District unveiled a series of international service initiatives to promote high-quality development during a ceremony held at the C Future City mixed-use complex on Wednesday. These initiatives focus on key areas such as attracting international talent, supporting companies in their overseas endeavors, and enhancing services for expat residents.

Futian unveils the nine-language“A Guide to Futian for Expats” at a ceremony held at C Future City on Wednesday. Photos by Lin Songtao

One-stop service center

A standout feature is the newly established International Visa and Certification Service Center. Located in the C Future City mixed-use complex, this one-stop center provides visa, notary, and certification services. 

The newly established Apostille service window at the International Visa and Certification Service Center in C Future City streamlines visa applications for expats. 

The visa application process has historically been challenging and time-consuming. Official statistics show that approximately 90% of the city’s visa services are handled in Futian District. However, notary and certification services have been dispersed across various locations, forcing applicants to make multiple visits over several days to complete their documentation.

To streamline this process, the center has incorporated services from the Futian District Notary Office and established an Apostille service window to create a seamless solution for visa applications.

Multilingual guide

Futian District's “A Guide to Futian for Expats” is a comprehensive guide that provides foreign nationals with valuable information on living and working in Futian. It is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and Portuguese.

Covering over 60 everyday scenarios — from booking taxis to paying utility bills — this guide serves as a "lifestyle handbook" for expat residents and visitors in Shenzhen. It includes 52 QR codes that link to service guidelines and video demonstrations of more complex procedures.

The guide will be distributed at key entry and exit points, public service centers, and commercial areas. An electronic version will also be made available for easy access.

Service package for foreign nationals

To assist those interested in starting a business in Shenzhen, Futian District has introduced the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Service Package for Foreign Nationals.

This package offers resources such as information on talent policies and legal guidance regarding employment and entrepreneurship, addressing the needs of international talent in areas like taxes, housing, and business operations.

Additionally, the district has unveiled an "entrepreneurship gift box," which includes a business license and a set of four seals upon completion of business registration — all free of charge — simplifying the administrative process for new enterprises.

Going global

Futian’s Enterprise Globalization Service Package offers comprehensive support for companies expanding overseas.

For companies with international aspirations and overseas expansion needs, Futian District now provides the comprehensive Enterprise Globalization Service Package, which addresses various topics like product export, talent mobility, and supply chain management.

This package includes extensive professional support in areas such as foreign-related tax services, offshore finance, human resources, and branding. By collaborating with experienced overseas service providers, Futian aims to customize solutions ranging from market research to operational support for businesses looking to expand overseas.

Additionally, legal service packages are available, offering companies access to a global network of law firms and guidance on compliance, intellectual property, and cross-border e-commerce.

These initiatives underscore Futian District's commitment to creating a favorable environment for both expats and businesses, firmly establishing it as a premier destination for international growth and development, said Huang Wei, Party chief of Futian District, during the ceremony.