China business visa (M visa) application, requirements, price, and processing time

China is the second largest national economy in the world and has become a first class destination for international business. Every year, the number of visitors coming to China as the economy expands, leading to a growing number of visa applications. One of the leading visas you may apply for is the China business visa or the China M visa, which is popularly called.

In this article, we review the M visa in detail and show the required documents to apply and the application process to follow.

China Business Visa

The China business visa or the M visa is a travel document issued to foreigners who visit China for trade and general commercial activities such as attending trade fairs, meeting with business partners, or visiting clients, among other reasons. This visa has a long-term validity of 10 years and guarantees the holder multiple entries into China for as long as it remains valid.

Only a handful of foreign nationals qualify for an M visa, though, such as citizens of the US, UK, Israel, Canada, and a few others. A close substitute for the M visa is the F visa which is also a business visa but designed for academic exchange students, researchers, conference attendees, and university collaborators. The category F visa is only valid for 3-6 months and allows the holder to enter not more than twice.

The China business visa or the M visa is a travel document issued to foreigners who visit China for trade and general commercial activities such as attending trade fairs, meeting with business partners, or visiting clients, among other reasons. This visa has a long term validity of 10 years and guarantees the holder multiple entries into China for as long as it remains valid.

The China visa has made it easy for citizens of eligible countries to visit and do business in China for a decade. Enjoying multiple entries for that long makes it a visa of choice for business persons. Moreover, the visa allows the holder to stay in China for 30-120 days, depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit.

China Business Visa Requirements

The China business requirements are as follows.

Passport: The applicant must scan and upload the bio page of their passport showing their image and personal details. The actual signed passport must have a minimum validity of at least 6 months or more. We recommend applying for the M visa with a fresh passport so it will serve you for a long time. Also, the passport must contain blank visa pages for Chinese immigration officers to stamp the visa upon your arrival.

Photograph: The photograph must be a recent one taken not later than 6 months before the day. The picture must show your face clearly, including the top of your shoulder, on a white background. Do not wear a white shirt, headgear, eyeglasses, or religious attire. Also, note that the picture must be colored and 48mmx33mm wide.

Letter of Invitation: An invitation letter issued to the applicant by the Chinese organization or enterprise. The letter must be printed on the company letterhead and contain information about the trip and your reasons for visiting.

Cover Letter: A business cover letter may also be required. Cover letters must be addressed to the China embassy.

Proof of Residency: The applicant must provide proof of their current residence which may be a driver’s license, utility bills, or any valid government-issued ID card.

Personal Details: The applicant’s personal details must be the same as what appears on their documents. Some of the information required are full name, current address, and more. Proof of residence requires water or electricity bills. Phone or cable bills are not accepted.

Note: Applicants may be asked to provide a signed visa application form letter and a birth certificate but this is not always the case. Consider contacting the Chinese embassy or any of its consulate offices to enquire.

How To Complete The China Business Visa Application Form

Note that the Chinese government is very strict regarding visa applications; the slightest error may lead to application rejection, so be careful. Crosscheck your entries properly before you submit the form.

Here are key points to take note of when filling out the form.

• The M business form is completed online, so you will need an internet-connected smartphone or laptop

• Make sure you fill all required fields with accurate information

• Enter your name just as it appears on your passport

• Forms should be printed on a single side

• Enclose all documents in an enclosed kit

• Printed forms must be signed with black or blue ink

These are key points to note when completing the visa application form. If you do it correctly, you will experience no delays, and the visa will be approved in record time.

Do you want an urgent visa application? Do you want to apply for a China business visa? Log onto VisaHQ to complete the application form.