The old commercial visa (F visa), now called M visa
Click here to find out more!
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 CVASC or at the Chinese Consulate in your own country (here you’ll find a complete list), especially when it comes down to work and student visas.
If for some reason you don’t want to, or you can’t show up personally, you can use an agency to get your Chinese VISA. This will have a supplementary cost, but it may still be cheaper than the cost of the trip to the nearest CVASC or Chinese Consulate).
In this case you’ll have to send your passport (and other necessary documents) to the agency and they will handle everything. To apply for a visa service through an agency you can use the form above on the right.
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. Moreover, the M visa allows for 1, 2 or multiple entries. In the latter scenario, you can enter and exit China as much as you please for the length of your visa. Last we heard, at the moment the M visa with a validity of more than 90 days can only be applied for in Hong Kong (and there’s no guarantee that you’ll actually get it as visas are decided upon on a case by case basis).
American citizens can also apply for a 10 years multi entry M visa (maximum 60 day for each stay).
Can I renew my M visa in China?
Yes, you can renew your M visa up to a maximum of 180 days without leaving China. In this case you should turn to an agency such as Meshing Consultancy Services Co., Ltd., located in Shanghai, on Wuding Road 555, room 318.
How much does an M visa cost?
The price may vary from 30 to almost 200 USD according to your nationality, the type of visa and the number of entries.
For Europeans it’s usually cheaper, while Americans are often required to pay more than 100 USD.
If instead you apply for the visa in Hong Kong the cost depends on the length of stay (from 450 to 1,550 Hong Kong Dollars). Click here to find out the details.
How do I read an M visa?
- Category: M
- Entries: 1, 2 or M ( “M” multiple entries)
- Enter Before: XX-XX-XXXX (the visa’s expiration date)
- Duration of each stay: XX days after entry
- Issue date: XX-XX-XXXX (date the visa was issued)
How can one get an M visa on arrival at Shanghai Airport?
This type of visa, which is good for 30 days, is for those who are forced to enter China due to an emergency situation but, for some reason, do not possess a visa. Here are the most common “emergency situations”: needing to sign a business contract, needing to carry out an inspection regarding merchandise acquired from China, needing to repair a machine or participate in a trade fair.
Even in this case you should have an invitation letter that serves to confirm the emergency situation that justifies your entry into China. In order to issue an invitation letter with the purpose of obtaining an M visa on arrival, the company doing the inviting must have at least a million Yuan in capital and be registered in one of the following provinces: Shanghai, Beijing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui or Guangdong.
In addition, you can only obtain this type of visa if you land at either Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao airport. To conclude, if you hold a French or American passport you cannot apply for this type of visa.
How can one get a 5 day visa on arrival at the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen?
If you land in Hong Kong and have a European, Australian, Canadian or New Zealand passport, you can immediately head to the Chinese border and apply for a 5 day visa which will be issued right then and there (to apply all you’ll need is your passport and 150 Hong Kong Dollars). This visa is only valid for the special economic zone of Shenzhen, namely the cities of Shenzhen, Shekou and the factories dispersed throughout the surrounding countryside.
In actuality the visa is called “Tourist visa to Shenzhen Special Economic Zone” so, technically, it’s a tourist visa. However it is most convenient for those who come to Shenzhen, the world capital of electronics, for business purposes.
If instead you’re in Macau you can apply for a similar visa for the Zhuhai area (in this case for a length of three days).
Can I work in China with an M visa?
If you are paid by a foreign company and will be working in China for less than three months, then an M visa will be sufficient.
But if you’re paid by a Chinese company or you’re paid by a foreign firm but will be working in China for over three months, then you will need a work visa (called a Z visa).
Click here to find out more!
[Photo Credits (Creative Commons License): www.flickr.com/photos/triciawang/]
Andy says
Came here from a link via chinalawblog.com. This post says the M visa is only good for a year with 180 extension, I think a few months ago China made available the 10 year business visa.
This is a good post, thank you for the information.
Furio Fu says
Hi Andy,
I just doubled checked and you’re right. I shall update the article!
Luke Nealley says
I had heard about the 10 year visa as well, and I’m interested in it— but what’s not clear whether or not you can get 90-day duration stays, or if the longest is only 30 days
Owen says
You can actually only get 90 day stay for the 2 year business visa. The 10 year max is 60 days per stay. This is for US citizens.
Furio Fu says
Hi guys, yes, I heard the say: 60 days per stay… another thing I forgot. For now the 10 years business VISA is open only to American citizens
Suannai says
And Canadian citizens!
Vaibhhav says
If I get work visa in one province, can I work in entire china or only in one particular province or one particular company? Which one is true? Thanks in advance.
Furio Fu says
You can legally work only for the company that requires your VISA. If you change job, you shall change resident permit too
binu says
Hai I have 30 days m type visa. Now i extended for 30 days.if I can extend again 30 days is it possible
Sborto Zhou says
It will be difficult
Julian says
Hello,
Currently I am in possess of a M visa that is still valid for another 2.5 months of stay in China (I am currently in Shenzhen).
I plan to start Chinese Course at the university, I am sure they will provide me with the papers to apply for student visa, which I guess it should be valid for 1 year. Hope so.
My question is: Can I wait until the end of my permitted stay of the M visa and just then go to HK to apply for Student visa?
Then I can use up all the time available for my M visa.
Thanks for ur help!
Julian
Furio Fu says
Hello Julian,
technically speaking you shall apply for an X1 Visa before start the courses at the University, if you want to stay in China a year with a Student VISA.
Jan says
Hello there, Mr. Furio,
I am a holder of Czech Republic passport, I need to apply for a M visa, half-year, multientry, every entry 60 days. Company I will be working for will provide all the necessary materials. I contacted Everbright, which you recommend in one of your posts and they told me, that it is not possible, the maximum for M is a double entry, every entry only 30 days. Any recommendations? Any suggestions?
Furio Fu says
Hello Jan, if in Hong Kong at the moment for your passport is not possible to get more than a 60 days M Visa, I don’t have any further recommendations. If you are still in Europe you can ask at the Chinese Consular office in your country whether they can provide a longer visa.
Amuro says
So I am applying for a 1 year Business visa in China. I will apply at the Chinese Consulate in Houston, Texas. Do you know if they would allow a 1 year visa, with multiple re entry, and a 90 day stay? I’ve also never had a Chinese Visa before. Would it be possible for me to be granted this? The company inviting said they weren’t sure and it depended on the consulate.
Sborto Zhou says
Amuro, it really depend on the consulate and the situation, but the last news is that there’s no more 90 day multiple entry business VISA, only 30 day stay multiple-entry VISA.
Amuro says
Well thank you for answering my question fast and promptly.
Van says
hi!
I had a 30 days single entry business visa before and i’m planning to renew it. Just wanted to know what the requirements are for m visa renewal? And, do you think i have a high possibility of getting 60 or 90 day stay? Single or Double entry?
Thanks.
Btw, i’m a filipino.
Furio Fu says
Hello, there are not high requirements… you either get it or dont!
J says
Hi! Were you able to have your visa extended? How long was the processing time? Appreciate your feedback as I need to get my M visa extended as well and a Filipino too!
saga says
Hey, I am applying for a business visa for the first time. I will be applying in Hong Kong. Is it possible for me to apply for a six month single entry visa? What are the requirements for a 6-month M visa compared to a 3 month M visa?
Furio Fu says
I dont think so
Henrik says
Hello!
I am currently working in Dongguan, Guangdong. I just started 1 week ago, and I came here on Business visa, issued in Finland for 30 days. My question is, am I eligible to apply for a M visa for 6 or 12 months in Hong Kong? I there something else required than the invitation letter, passport and photo?
Cheers
Patrick says
I’m applying for an M visa for a trade show, but I want to bring my spouse with me. Do they need a separate L visa, or is there some sort of provision for a spouse with the M visa? Neither of us are Chinese nationals, and we both have US passports.
Furio Fu says
Hello Patrick,
yes, she will need an L visa
Coby says
I was working for a company in shanghai and had the Z Visa that become a Temporary Residence Permit. It is still valid and I am switching it to an M visa today. Is there anything I have to do when I get back to shanghai about the police station and my apartment?
Furio Fu says
Hello Coby,
if you are already registered at the police station, you may not need to do anything. I’d still go to the local PSB and explain to them the situation, just in case!
james says
I will be applying for an M Visa that will be issued by a company in Henan province, however I will need to spend much of my time in Beijing and Shanghai. Am I able to register for a housing permit in Beijing? or will I have to apply for one in the province that the company that has provided the 邀请函 is located?
Furio Fu says
Hello James,
I suggest to ask advice to your company. We dont know the answer to this
Ian says
I have a 10-year, multiple entry visa, which I acquired for my work. I am no longer with that company and would like to travel to China for vacation. Will this business visa allow me to perform my travel for pleasure, or is it ‘business only?’
Furio Fu says
Technically speaking, your visa shall only be valid as long as your work with the company that provided you the visa and you go to China for business purposes.
Philip says
Hello, I have a M VISA 10 years, 60 days stay, multiple entry. I am being paid by a foreign company to work at a Chinese company. I am technically here 3 months, back to my country of origin for 1 month, then back to China for 3 and so on… Now my issue is that before the 60th days are over, I need to leave China, cross over to HK, then spend the night and cross back in. Will this be a problem down the road? I have done it once now, seem to be no issues…but still…I was worried when crossing back in let’s say. What’s you take on this? Thank you!
Furio Fu says
Hello Philip, multiple entry means that you can go in and out as long as you want, just remember to get out every 60 days.
If the information you provided here are correct, I dont think you shall have issues (although of course we cant guarantee it)
lex says
Hi Mr.Furio,I’ve M visa(double entry/60 days)recently exited and entered again China.I’ve 55 days left in my visa after that I need to apply for a new visa.my question is..Is it possible to change my M visa to student visa?how? Or can I extend my M visa without leaving China?
Furio Fu says
Yes, it’s possible, provided that you find a school that hire you and helps you with the documentation.
Same for extending the M visa, it’s certainly possible, provided you find the way (usually the fastest way in this case is through an agency in your city).
emma says
Hello Mr. Furio, I am a Philippine Passport holder and will be going to Hongkong for a vacation. I was thinking of visiting the Windows of the World which is in Shenzen, China. Do I still need to apply for a Chinese VISA?
Furio Fu says
You can exploit the visa on arrival, if you stay in Shenzhen less than 5 days. It’s all explained in this article!
Deliah says
Hi there Furio,
I currently am an American holding a 10 year M Visa, (business visa), and do consultation work with a company in Guangzhou that issued my original invitation letter. Another company is also interested in doing business with me, this company is located in Shenzhen. My question for you: can I work with multiple companies, if I continue working with the original company that issued my invitation? Another question–because I am continuously doing business with the original, and will now do business with the second one, (and of course I do leave and travel quite often outside of China), I want to rent an apartment in the province that I can use for when I am going back and forth–I’m assuming this is okay as well? Your advice and know-how is much appreciated!
Furio Fu says
Hello,
I think there is no pb for the apartment in the sense that I never heard that you can’t rent an apartment with a M visa.
As for the other question, I’m not sure… For the Z visa I know for sure that you can only work for the company that sponsored your visa. And the name of the company is on the resident permit. So if you swtich job, you need to apply for a new resident permit.
However I never heard about something similar for the M visa; also, the M visa doesn’t have the name of the sponsoring company. So, it could be fine. Unfortunately I can’t confirm this point because we have no direct experience with this!
Thangadurai says
Bro,I am an Indian Currently I have M-Visa … I want convert to Z-visa …can you to tell.. how to do it ???
Furio Fu says
Ask the company that is sponsoring your Z visa to help you
Joel says
Hi,
I have a 60days m visa then I already extended to 30days..can I extend it again?thnank🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭
Furio Fu says
You can try, however it’s not sure you’ll get an extension
Yons says
If I have category M and entries :01 can I enter China more than once?
Furio Fu says
No, it’s a single entry!
Joshua Kain Neal says
How does one go about getting an M visa when self employed in the home country. My business depends on me getting a visa to visit clients in China and I haven’t created a company yet. What do I put on the invitation letter the company in China will write for me in this case?
Furio Fu says
I dont understand, if you need to issue business invitation letters yourself, then you need a company in China
VRP says
I have a valid M visa in a Canadian passport. I have recently renewed my passport.
My understanding is that the M visa is still valid (in the old passport), as long as all the information is the same (i.e. birthdate, name, citizenship). Can you confirm?
Furio Fu says
Sorry,
we can’t confirm this as we aren’t 100% sure that the visa it’s still valid
Hamish says
Hi Furio,
I have had two China M visas in the past two years. I am now applying for a one year multiple entry M visa. Is it possible for me to apply for 60 day duration? If the embassy does not grant me 60 days duration, do they decline my application, or do they grant 30 days?
I am applying from South Africa.
Thanks for your help,
Hamish
Furio Fu says
Hi Hamish,
you can certainly apply. I’ve heard of people that applied for 60 days and got 60 days; I also heard of people that applied for 60 and got 30. Finally, I heard of people that got no visa!
It really comes down to your situation, there is not a general rule
Raj says
Hi I wish to open a restaurant in China. I have a Chinese business partner who will have the company in his name. Would I still need a business visa or an inbestirs visa? Thanks
Furio Fu says
If you will get a salary, the company can hire you (Z visa)
JM says
Hi there,
I have a work secondment in China for three months in China but the visa I got given was a 2 entry 30 day (60 days in total) visa. Can I renew the visa while I’m in China?
Furio Fu says
Yes, providing you have all the necessary documents
JJ says
Hello! Would you know what are the requirements needed for the visa extension?
Furio Fu says
Hi,
we can’t provide these details, as they change case by case. I suggest you to get in touch with the consular office / agency where you wish to apply
Trevor Watson says
I bought a laser engraver from Zhengzhou Henan Province and they have offered to train me
1 day in their factory to use the machine i bought in Australia. I will only be in China for 4 days only 6 hours of which will be training do I need a M visa or a tourist Visa ?
Furio Fu says
Hi Trevor,
I suggest you to ask an invitation letter to the company, and get an M visa
Carlos Rodriguez says
I have a M VISA 10 years, 60 days stay, multiple entry. I am being paid by a foreign company to manage & support equipment installation and provide guidance on its use by same company.
I was told that immigration laws have changed, even using multiple entries to avoid overstay, I cannot be in China more than 90 days per year.
Is this correct? Thank you
Furio Fu says
Hello Carlos,
we can’t confirm this. I suggest you to ask to the PSB or the consular office where you got your visa
akd says
i am applying for M visa for first time ,can i apply for 12 month multiple entries ????
Furio Fu says
It depends on the invitation letter you got, your passport and where you apply
akd says
invitation says,validity of visa intended to apply 12 month,number of entries Many,longest stay 60 days…so is that good to apply for 12 month…as i said this is my first time applying for Chinese visa….or i ask my inviter to change it.????..what u says furio..
Furio Fu says
Honestly, I have no idea.
This is not something we can assess. If the invitation letter says that, I would try to apply. However, beforehand I suggest you to get in touch with the consular office or an agency, to see what they say
akd says
Thank bro…yeah i will apply but before that as u said check with agency or somthing,just to make sure that i am on right direction…once again thanks man appreciated….
Alex Tan says
What kind of Visa can I apply if I need to stay in China for 3 months?
My current job is in Singapore, but need to stay in China to provide technical support to my branch office there.
Furio Fu says
In this case I think you shall get a business visa (you shall be able to get a letter of invitation for your branch, if it’s a entity regularly registered in China)
JIJO says
My Company is based on singapore . They have given work order to china company . I am staying in china supervising for company work in china with M type visa. Intially i got 1 month visa then renewed to 3 months without exiting again i renew for another 3 months without exiting . I get paid by my singapore company to my Indian bank account directly. . I read in your article it says , i can get paid less then 3 months but more than 3 months you need Z visa ? is it illegal what i am doing now ?
Furio Fu says
Hi there,
we aren’t qualified to give this sort of advice. If you have doubts, I suggest to talk with a visa agency in the Chinese city where you’re working.
What we can say is that if you get paid abroad by a foreign company, usually an M visa shall work. However we don’t know if there is a time limit, after which an M visa doesn’t work anymore.
Tino says
Hi Furio,
I am writing on behalf of my girlfriend. She was offered a business visa and said that it’s a one year business visa, lasting for 60 days each stay. BUT, that she should leave the country every 60 days for 30 days and then apply for a new one and come back. Personally, I have never heard of that case, that you should be out of the mainland for 30 days before you are allowed to come back. So, basically it says: 60 days in China, 30 days out of China and then back again.
All of my friends who are on business visa here have to leave every 3 months and come back the same day if they please. But they are British, American and NZ so I am curious whether it depends the country you come from (she’s an Italian).
Thanks in advance,
Tino
Furio Fu says
Hello Tino, it looks unusual but possible… it shall be written on the visa.
I also advice you to contact the Italian CVASC and ask for clarification. You find the contact info here, in italian language: http://www.saporedicina.com/visto-per-la-cina/
Chim-Amaka Omeme says
Hi. I’ll be traveling with an M visa this October for the canton fair with my 8months old baby. Do I need to get a visa for him also or does mine cover for the both of us?
Furio Fu says
I think that, if it’s not specified, you shall get a visa. However I’m not 100% sure
Peter says
Hi, I was in China pass 90 days on my M visa. I got offer to study in China for next half year. Study starts within 2 weeks. Is is valid to ask for study visa, if I have valid M visa in my passport? Will be still valid my M visa after study?
Sborto Zhou says
You can ask for a student visa. However, as far as I know, you can’t have two valid visas at the same time, so your M visa will become invalid
Pauline says
Hi,
First thank you for your useful article.
I am in an internship in Beijing, I came from France with a tourist visa and my company helped me applying in the office in Beijing for a M visa single entry for the next 5 months. I was wondering if I get my new visa with an entry (1) then should it mean that I can leave the country and enter back in China once?
Because I will get the new visa (if everything is okay) next friday and I wanted to know if I can leave the country during the october holidays and come back without asking a new visa.
Sborto Zhou says
Exactly, you can not leave China, or the visa expires.
You have to check if the visa is multi-entry or not, and the maximum period of each stay
David says
Hello, thank you for your detailed article.
I am a Singaporean currently on a 90day single-entry M visa issued from Singapore. I am paid and hired by a Singapore fashion company to train/oversee production here in Guangzhou (by an external manufacturer that works together with, but is not a part of, the Singapore company). My job scope requires me to travel out to places like Hong Kong and back to Singapore every so often which is why a single-entry visa is hindering. The intended duration of my outpost tenure here in Guangzhou is also about a year (far longer than my current visa duration, to accomodate 2 fashion seasons, Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter).
The ideal situation in my opinion seems to be a 1year multiple-entry M visa; but from what I have read here and elsewhere is that no one ever seems to get that? What I would like is your opinion on getting a year long M visa and maybe even ways I could increase my odds of being accepted for one (i.e. through itinerary, invitation letter phrasing, etc.). Also, if in the case my application is rejected/given a shorter duration & entry scheme, what alternatives are there? Are there also options on extending my visa to also add entries? Lastly, from your experience, would you say it is less likely I would get approved for another M visa/extension, if I have been given one before? (i.e. the more I apply and get accepted, the less likely I would consecutively be awarded another same visa)
On a side note, I understand that in regards to my intended 1-year duration, it would be also appropriate to perhaps get a Z visa, but I am not exactly working for any Chinese company? In addition, a Z visa is apparently very complicated and could too long (especially for small fashion companies).
Furio Fu says
Hello David,
to get a Z visa you would need to be directly hired by the Chinese company. So, an M visa looks more appropriate.
It’s possible to get a 1 year M visa multi-entry, although not easy. In order to increase your chance, get an invitation letter from the Chinese company, where it’s clearly stated why you need a yearly visa.
Also, try to talk with the agency we recommend in this article, maybe they can help (I don’t know, to be honest)
Justin says
Hello Furio, are there any restrictions on what sort of work may be performed on an M visa for those coming over for less than 90 days, and who are paid by an overseas firm?
I have anecdotally heard that only certain activities – bid supervision, machine installation etc are allowed; or that only business meetings and ‘non-productive work’ is allowed, but have not been able to confirm or deny this.
Thanks!
Furio Fu says
Hello,
I think there are restrictions, however I don’t know the details.
Harsh Jain says
Hello Furio, I have the multiple entry visa (30 stay each time) valid till Dec end But I heard that you can stay only maximum 90 days in a calendar year. Is that true ?
This is my fourth visit to china and this time I will complete 90 days stay in china. Can you please update me, whether I am still eligible to come to China for another 30 days ?
Sborto Zhou says
It’s better you confirm this information with your Chinese embassy. This is true for tourist visas, I’m not sure about business visa
Sinisa says
Hello,
is the M visa sufficient for the person who wants to work in China for a chinese company for a 1 year? Or should one go for a Z visa instead?
Thanks in advance.
Furio Fu says
Hi,
most likely you will need a Z visa, if you are going to work for a Chinese company.
Leeory from Germany says
Hey man,
great article you got there!
I was wondering if you might have a thought on my situation or who I could talk to.
I’ve been living in China for almost 7 years now, always doing the HK trip to get either a 1year business or tourist visa, 90days stay multiple entry.. but they don’t do that anymore. So now i’m on my last visa which expired in September and i’m using my last 90days until November 25th. The agency in HK (fbt) said that the embassy probably wont give me another 1months tourist or business visa, max 14days or nothing, but i might get lucky with an S2 (friend visist) visa.
I found a company though (mobile) that wants to hire me and provide all the needed papers to get a working visa, but I think i dont actually qualify for a Z visa because I dont have a bachelor degree.. is there any other way to get another 1 year visa?
And is it true that if you get married you can easily get a 1 year multiple stay visa and it will be expanded to a 2 year visa later?
Thanks for your time,
cheers,
Leeroy
Furio Fu says
Hi Leeroy,
I agree with FBT: according to what we hear and know, it will be increasingly difficult for you to keep staying in China with visa runs (ie. random tourist / business visa).
A Z visa would solve the situation, however as you said, you aren’t sure you qualify. As for getting married: if you get married with a Chinese girl you can get a Q1 visa. However, you can’t legally work under this visa.
Jon B says
Hi Leeroy, what happened with your situation in the end? Did you manage to get another visa?
When you said that the agency in HK won’t give you another visa, is that because they stopped issuing them to everyone or just to you because you were doing visa runs?
I am hopefully coming to work in China in 6 months on a 5 year business visa, but I don’t want to have the visa revoked because of doing visa runs.
Also do you know if it’s possible to rent an apartment or rent a room in an apartment using a business visa and then registering with the police?
Thanks,
Jon
Lukasz says
Hi Furio,
I am a Polish passport holder and I am on M (1 year, multi, 60 days each stay) visa which will expire soon. I need another M visa for 4 entries, 30 days each (I do have invitation from Chinese company but I do not have “duly authorized” letter) which means I can apply for M visa allowing me to enter 2 times, 30 days each. However I am going to try my luck and apply for M visa, multi, for 6 months in Kuala Lumpur where I travel soon. My question is: if I apply for muti entrance visa can they simply reject my visa application (and give nothing) or would they simply give me what they can (concidering my nationality) which is 2 entries, 30 days each? Thanks for answering.
Sborto Zhou says
Both situations can happen, but in our experience normally they will give you the type of visa they consider right or, simply, they won’t let you to apply. Notice that they could reject your application because you aren’t a Malaysian resident.
Lukasz says
Thanks!
Lukasz says
Happydays! Multi entrance for 6 months received within 4 working days.
Sborto Zhou says
Congratulations!
alfred uchenna says
how about getting business invitation letter for Nigeria passport
Furio Fu says
As long as you can get a “real” business to write a letter of invitation for you, it shall be ok!
isabel says
Im searching the cheapest way to stay in China im between student visa, M visa and F visa. What do you recommend ? Im from Mexico , any suggestion. Thanks
Furio Fu says
Hello Isabel,
I’m not sure what to recommend as there are too many variables. For instance, if you get a student visa, it also means that you are paying for a school tuition, and I can’t forecast the costs
Callum Lloyd-Bailey says
Hi, great article. There was some hiccups with getting my Z-Visa (I have a job offer to teach in China). The company that are handling me have said they will instead get me a M visa and then when I arrive we will fly to Hong Kong and then change to Z visa. Is that feasible? (I am from the UK)
Furio Fu says
Hi Callum,
the only way to legally work in China is with a Z visa. Be very, very careful with this situation. Maybe they are “honest”, and they can’t provide a Z visa right away, but can provide it in Hong Kong (although this is weird…)
But maybe, just maybe, they can’t provide a Z visa at all, and they are just trying to get you there and let you work under a M visa.
Callum says
They were providing me with a Z visa but there was a hiccup (id done a 120 TEFL course instead of the 140 with in class training) and because I was due to fly on the 26th of Feb and start the lady handling me said that we couldn’t do it in time (with it being Chinese holidays soon), so they told me that they can fly me on a M visa then we cannot go to HK till two days after I arrive and it has to be in the first month there, to which we’ll fly out.
Does that sounds right, the lady who is handling me has seemed to know what she’s doing so far.
Also sorry for the long message, I’m just having trouble finding info about it on the net, and you’re the best person I can find with knowledge :)
Furio Fu says
Hello Callum,
it seems they got a decent explanation, at least!
of course I can’t guarantee this is “right”, because you will have to trust their goodwill and ability to provide a Z visa in Hong Kong, which I can’t forecast
Jon B says
Hi Furio, do you know if it’s possible for someone on a M visa to register living at an apartment of someone who has a Z visa?
I currently have a business visa and will be spending more time in China, perhaps full time. My friend has a Z visa and an apartment so I could live there if I can register. In Shenzhen I know that police do checks by knocking on apartment doors so I don’t want to break the visa rules.
Are the government also trying to catch people who do visa runs?
Thanks for any help.
Sborto Zhou says
Of course you can register there.
Rosa says
Hi,
I have M visa for 15 days because a have a conference in Shangai for 5 days, but I want to visit other cities in like Beijing or X’ian in the 10 days off, is it possible with this M visa?
Furio Fu says
Hello Rosa,
generally speaking, I think it’s possible to move around China with a M visa!
Jai says
Hi,
I got an invitation letter for paid internship in china for 120 days.Should I apply for M visa for 120 days, but you mentioned in your post it’s hard to get M visa for over 90 days. So, keeping that in mind should I apply for 90 days and can later extend it for 30 days in china itself. Please tell me what to do?By the way I am from India.
Furio Fu says
If you got a legit invitation letter is possible that you will able to get a visa for 120 days. I’d advice you to at least attempt to apply for it
Gavin Donnelly says
Hi Furio
Is there an age limit for the student visa? I am a 35 year old citizen from Ireland and if like to study Chinese. Thank you.
Furio Fu says
Hello Gavin,
I never heard about such a limit, but better ask to the school that will sponsor your visa!
chris says
I will apply for an M Visa but do I need to provide my air ticket for my first flight like with the tourist visa?
Furio Fu says
It’s possible, I suggest you to ask to the consular office where you intend to apply for your visa
SKS says
My spouse will be employed in China starting July 2018. The employer suggests to start on an M visa and later convert to a Z visa.
Our child and I are dependents. We would like the flexibility to travel as often as we want to visit until Jun 2019. After that, we will go as dependents on the Z visa.
What is the the best visa option for me and our child from July 2018 to Jun 2019? We are all American citizens.
Sborto Zhou says
Hi there
1) Working on a M visa is illegal
2) You can’t apply for a Z visa inside China, normally you should go back to your home country to apply
3) You best option is to apply first for a 10 year tourist visa and when you want to move to live with your spouse apply for a S1 visa
It’s true that deal with Z visa paperwork in China can help to speed up the process, but have some risks what happens if the work permit is denied? who is going to pay for the trip back home to get the Z visa? The M visa is to start to organize everything or they pretend that your spouse work illegally? Also notice that it will e really difficult to rent an apartment or get a bank account without a resident permit
SKS says
Thanks for your response.
This is a reputable company, and I think the M visa is just to start things off. I believe they’ll initiate the Z pretty quickly (in fact, I think the M is only valid for a certain period). Are you saying that while on M, we cannot initiate banking/home rental?
And, is the tourist visa best for me and child. Any change in your answer?
Furio Fu says
You can’t legally work in China with an M visa, which is a business visa, not a working visa.
I don’t know what visa is best for your child, it really depends on the situation!
Sborto Zhou says
On an M visa could be difficult to get a bank account (not impossible) and many landlords won’t rent you a house.
The only think I say is to get some garanties from the company in case there’s a problem with the visa and ask them who will pay for the trip to go back to apply for the Z visa.
The best visa for moving to China would be and S1 visa but you need that your spouse to have a Z1 visa. The 10 year tourist visa is a provisional option to travel to China until you don’t move there