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Business visas for China – The complete guide
The old commercial visa (F visa), now called M visa
The business visa (or M visa) is issued to those coming to China for commercial activity. In the course of the article you’ll find answers to the following questions:
- What is required to obtain an M visa?
- How long is the M visa good for, and how many entries can I get?
- Where can I apply for an M visa?
- Can I renew my M visa in China?
- How much does an M visa cost?
- How can I read an M visa?
- How can one get an M visa on arrival at the Shanghai Airport?
- How can one get a 5 day visa on arrival at the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen?
- Can I work in China with an M visa?
If you’re interested in finding out more about tourist, student or work visas, click here to read our guide to Chinese visas. If instead you’re interested in a visa to visit relatives (your husband, son, etc) then click here. If you’re interested in obtaining a visa for Taiwan, click here.
What is required to obtain an M visa?
To obtain an M visa you will need:
- An original passport valid for at least six months
- Two photos 4.5cm*3.5cm with a blue background
- An invitation letter from a trade fair such as Canton Fair or from a Chinese firm (in the event that you get your visa through a Chinese agency, it’s possible that they will be the ones to procure the letter for you)
- A copy of the Chinese firm’s business license
- A business card with your company’s name and contact information (telephone, email, etc)
The invitation letter should contain your information (name, date of birth, etc), details about your trip (purpose of your visit, dates of arrival and departure, where you will be visiting, etc) and information about the firm that granted you the invitation letter.
If you intend to apply for – in Hong Kong, – a visa that will permit you to stay in China for six months or more, you will also have to meet the following criteria:
- Your passport must contain at least two Chinese visas issued outside of Chinese territory (those visas have a green background instead of blue or gray)
- Among your last three Chinese visas, one of them must have been issued in your country
Where can I apply for an M visa?
Generally speaking, you should apply at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your own country (here you’ll find a complete list), especially when it comes down to work and student visas.
The other option, which is frequently used by those who are already in Asia, is to apply for the visa in Hong Kong. Click here to read our guide about to how to apply for a Chinese visa in Hong Kong.
How long is an M visa good for, and how many entries can I get?
The M visa has a duration of a year maximum and can be extended another 180 days in China.
Source: http://www.saporedicina.com/english/business-visas-for-china/
