Visa Options in China

   With expert input from Helene Sini, a RelocateYourself partner in China.

China has many visa options depending on what you intend to do in China, however, there are only a few business/work visas available. China visa options, requirements, and application procedures vary based on a person’s home country. Furthermore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau have their own visa requirements. This information pertains only to travel to mainland China.

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP! Because business visas generally have more requirements than tourist visas in China, we recommend that you work with a visa service/expert to file your visa application.

Globig Marketplace - Visa and Work Permits

Business Visa Options

V Visa

A V visa is available to foreigners who are invited to China on a noncommercial exchange, investigation, or visits for scientific-technological, education, cultural exchanges, health or sports activities. That is, a V Visa is for foreigners going to China to work. An invitation from a Chinese entity is required in order to get this visa. Once you have applied for this visa and travelled to China, you can apply for a work and resident visa in China.

M Visa

An M visa is the traditional business visa. It is available to people who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities. This visa does not allow you to be employed or work in China, but rather to conduct business and trade in China. You are required to have an invitation from a Chinese company or organization to get this visa. Futhremore, you will need to provide flight and hotel deails that show they you are only in China temporaroily for business activities.

Applying for a Chinese Visa:

With few exceptions, people from most countries need a visa to enter China. Most foreigners must apply for a visa before they depart for China. In general, you will need to apply for your Chinese visa at your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate.  Your specific application requirements can be found through your local Embassy. People from select countries can apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Regardless of where your are required to apply for a Chinese visa, mailed applications are no longer accepted, they must be delivered directly to your Embassy, Consulate, or CVASC.

Basic application requirements include your original passport with at least 6 months validity, two blank pages, a completed application form, and one recent passport photo affixed to your application form. There will be a number of additional requirements that vary based on the type of visa you are applying for.

You will need to submit your original passport with your application because your visa will be pasted in your passport.

Application fees will also vary greatly depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Furthermore, the duration of your permitted stay will vary. Your visa will have a specific “enter before” date, which is the last day you can enter the country. Depending on your specific visa, you may be permitted to extend your stay while still in China.

Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China