If you plan to travel to China on business, how to get a business visa for China should be your priority. Also called the M visa, anyone traveling to China on business must obtain this visa as it is the only legal travel permit accepted at the airport or entry border for foreign nationals coming to China on business visits. This page contains information about the Chinese business visa and how to get it.
China Business Visa – M Visa
The M visa was introduced by the Chinese government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs to grant access into the country for foreign nationals coming for business visits. The China visa is issued as a single entry visa or a multiple entry visa. M visa applications require a completed and signed application form, including a host of other documents. Furthermore, any visitor who comes to China on this visa must be invited by a host. The host must send a signed and sealed invitation letter to the embassy.
The letter must contain personal information about both parties, including the role of the visitor and the purpose of the visit. The letter must be presented to the Chinese embassy for vetting as a part of the documentary requirements.
China Business Visa Validity
This visa does not have a standard validity like other visas. It can be granted for 30, 40, 60, 90, or 180 days. Frequent visitors may even be issued a visa for 1-10 years to visit China. Also, it can be a single, double, or multiple entry visa.
How To Get A Business Visa For China?
If you want to get a business visa for China, you will need to ask your host to send you a signed letter of invitation printed on their company letterhead. Once you receive the letter, head to the embassy and request an application form. Please fill out the form and attach the letter and other documents to the form before submitting it for processing.
You will also be asked to pay a processing fee; fees are paid via bank transfer to the embassy’s designated bank account or as directed by the embassy. After submitting the visa, the embassy will schedule a date for an interview. You must present yourself to the embassy with original copies of all your documents. The official on duty will ask questions about your trip and crosscheck your documents.
After the short interview, you will be sent on your way and notified at a later date to return to pick up your passport and visa. Business visas take about 3-6 weeks to process, depending on the backlog of unprocessed applications. To avoid delays, we recommend submitting your application at least two months in advance.
China Business Visa Requirements
Fulfilling the documentary requirements are essential to the success of your application. Here are the documents you must attach to the application form.
Passport: An actual signed passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
Flight Ticket: The applicant must provide at least a one-way flight ticket to China for
Proof of Accommodation: The applicant must provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a residential address in China.
Proof of funds: A signed bank account statement with a minimum required balance to cover your expenses during your stay in China.
Invitation Letter: A signed invitation letter addressed to the embassy inviting you to China for a business visit. The letter must contain vital information about your trip and the places you intend to visit.
Business License: You must provide the host’s business license and their Mission Statement. Only valid licenses are accepted.
Special Exceptions Per Country
Nationals from some countries enjoy special privileges based on the agreement between their home governments and the Chinese government. They are as follows.
UK citizens can get a business visa with two years validity
US citizens can get a business visa with up to 10 years of validity
Canadians can get a business visa with up to 9 years of validity
Israelis can get a business visa with up to 10 years of validity
Argentines can get a business visa with up to 10 years of validity
Other exceptions include holders of Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau visas that can get a valid business visa for ten years of a five-day business trio if they travel from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. This who got a business visa in the past are eligible for a one-year visa should they apply again.
Business Visa Fee
The application fee varies depending on the validity and the number of times it can be used. For instance, multiple entry visas cost more than single entry visas.
How to get a business visa for China is quite simple; just visit the Chinese consulate in your country or a visa application center to submit your documents.