The old commercial visa (F visa), now called M visa
Business Visa for China – Index
- What is required to obtain an M visa?
- Where can I apply for an M visa?
- How long is the M visa good for, and how many entries can I get?
- 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?
The business visa (or M visa) is issued to those coming to China for commercial activity.
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?
- 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?
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?
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?
How much does an M visa cost?
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?
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?
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.
The visa is called “Tourist visa to Shenzhen Special Economic Zone” so, technically, it’s a tourist visa. However it is also 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?
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).
[Photo Credits (Creative Commons License): www.flickr.com/photos/triciawang/]
Hello there,
I‘m a German citizen studying in Shanghai, so I got lot of X-Visas in my passport. Recently, I would like to apply for M visa to go back to China and got the PU letter from a company in Shanghai already. But I‘m scared that the Chinese Embassy may deny my application, if I don’t fill the application correctly, because first of all I‘m a student and second of all I don’t have any work experience in a (trade) company or something. I’m curious, is there a high chance that I will be rejected?
Thanks!
Hi,
Thanks for the tone of knowledge you share on this website! I am a Polish citizen staying in China on a double entry, 30 days maximum duration of stay, M visa. It is my first M visa, but I have quite a few student visas in my passport (it’s practically Chinese visas only, from page one to almost the last ;) ). I am planning on applying for a new M visa and considering Hong Kong and Taipei. Would you say that one is better than the other, or the process should be equally smooth in both places? The other question is my chances for multiple entry, one-year visa. Is it really that rare to get one-year M visa and if so, what are the ways to improve my chances to get one? I am working in education, representing a foreign company providing training in cultural institutions, but occasionally help other companies in contact with business partners in China. In general, I work on various projects and therefore I was thinking that maybe providing a sort of work itinerary in the letter from the inviting company would be a good idea?
Would appreciate some thoughts!
You don’t need to provide any details of any work with your M visa application form. The invitation letter should include arrival date and departure date and I suggest you pick dates no more than 90 days apart because that is the common maximum stay on an M visa. If you apply in Hong Kong you will not get more than 30 days. Your home country or country of residence are always the best locations to apply from.
Is there a limit on the number of M visas you can be granted in a given time period?
In the last 2 year or less, I have been granted (and in the following order), 1x single entry (30 day), 1x single entry (15 days), 2x multiple entry (6 months), and 1x single entry (30 day) visa.
Out of the past 12 months, I’ve been staying in China for roughly 10 months in total. Last time, I applied for a 1 year M visa but was only given a single-entry 30-day visa.
I’m a Swedish citizen but I’ve applied for visas in the Philippines (where I used to reside).
I have business interests in China but I do not by definition work in China, so an M visa has always been my to-go choice as I travel frequently between China and HK.
Given my track record of being given several M visas in a short period of time, would perhaps my chances of successfully getting another 6-12 month visa be higher if I provide a more detailed itinery in the application form?
I think it will be difficult for you to get a one year visa. They may think that you are working/living in China instead of doing commercial or trade activities.
Hello, thank you for the article.
I’m an English teacher from Morocco, I’ve been hired by a school in Guilin, China. They provide me a M Visa, they mentioned in an article of the contract that if I’ve been arrested by the police, they will pay for the penalty.
Is that okey? If they pay the penalty, I won’t be in troubles anymore with police or what?
You can’t work with an M visa. The penalty may include deportation, the prohibition to enter to the country in the future, and other
Hi! It’s Abdullah from Pakistan.
Now i am in China.. And i want to sale my Pakistani goods.. Now i can’t do anything because i am student..which type of visa is suitable for me..I will skip my study..then.i will sale some product Pakistan..
Waiting for your positive response..
You can read this article first
Hi,
I urgently wanted to ask you these few questions, I hope you have time to reply me because it’s quite important.
I started and finished my bachelor’s degree in China at the University of Nankai, in Tianjin, my graduation date is on June 27th in 2019.
Currently I am in Italy, and my residence permit to stay in China(I had X1 visa) already expired, it expired on July 31st.
Right now, one of the employers in Shanghai got interested in me, and he contacted me if I could work with them this September, I know that the Work Visa Z (c category) in Shanghai doesn’t require 2 years of job experience post-graduation, but I still wanted to know if it was possible to apply for this Z Visa while I am in my country.
Is it possible to get Z Visa while I am in Italy even if my residence permit in China is expired?
Is it possible to get the work permit(blue employment card) while I am in Italy?
If the answers of my posed questions are no, then what kind of visa should I apply in order to stay legally for a short period of time in China in order to apply for the work permit, residence permit and Z Visa?
I hope to receive your email as soon as possible,
Best Regards,
Jack
Jack if you want to work in China you need to apply a Z visa outside China, normally in your home country or the country of your residence (but maybe you can do it in Italy).
It will be difficult that the company want to hire you manages to get you the foreign expert certificate if you don’t have working experience. Without this certificate you can’t apply for a Z visa.
If you enter China with an other type of visa you can’t apply for a working resident permit, first you’ll have to go outside China to apply for the Z visa and reenter the country.
hello
can you please give me contact details of some good visa Agency in Shenzhen. i need help to get business visa and TE invitation .
best regards
Naeem
Sorry naeem we don’t know any agency to suggest you in Shenzhen
Hello,
I am British, currently in Beijing as a tourist on a tourist visa.
Whilst i have been here I have been talking to the owner of a sports teaching company and I plan on carrying out some business negotiations with him and training some of his staff with a view to the staff maybe working for my company in the future.
I would relay appreciate the answers, so thankyou very much in advance.
My questions are…
1. Can I apply for an M visa from china while I’m here on a tourist visa?
2. My company in the U.K has only just been set up (its a new business) will this affect the application?
3. He will not be paying me but i expect my expenses to be reimbursed is this possible on an M visa?
Hello Steven,
1. I heard it’s possible but you will most likely need a good visa agency in Beijing. The other solution is to have a quick flight to HK and apply there
2. I don’t think your UK company really affects this application
3. This is a gray zone and, although it looks reasonable to have a M visa here, we can’t provide more details, as each case is different
Hi
I’m from Iran and an agancy is going to get m visa for me for 90 days in China. It’s my first time to go to China. Now I wanna know is that possible to change that to z visa without coming back to Iran?is that necessary to go to police and immigration when I arrive there and last one I must land just in the city that my invitation letter is issued or no every city is ok??
Hi there,
we know about people that were able to get a visa Z in China however it seems that the procedure it’s different according to the city etc. Thus, we are unable to be more precise on this
Hi there!
I will be going to China for 6 months for business purposes (meetings, learning, knowledge sharing).
I will still be employed within the same company in my home country in Sweden. I was suggested to get a M Visa (valid 6 months), but today I heard about the duration of stay (30 days) for the first time.
If I enter the country, I need to leave after 30 days. Depending on if I get single or double entry, I can go right back or I need to apply for another M Visa in Hong Kong, did I get that right?
I am not eligible for multiple entry, apparently.
My question is however – how often can you reapply for this visa? If I get a single entry visa, this would require me reapplying 7 times in total, doesn’t it?
I heard another option is to extend the visa within China (which you can do once), but as far as I understood you can only extend it by the previous period, which would be, yet again, only 30 days.
Hello Sarah,
yes, it’s possible that the first time they only give you 30 days. A possible option is to get a second visa in Hong Kong, and this time apply for a longer period (as it won’t be your first visa anymore). If you have a legit invitation letter etc, you stand good chances of getting it.
I say “you stand good chances” as nobody really know the criterias, so nobody can tell you that “you will get the second visa for sure, in Hong Kong”
Thanks for the article.
Is the 3 months (90 days) accumulative for the year or per time? e.g If I enter China for 80 days, leave and then come back a month later for another 80 days, is that allowed?
If the Visa is single entry, then you can only entry China one time. Hence, it depends on the visa you got
Hello, if I am paid by a foreign company and the assignment period will be Oct- March, is the M Visa compliant? It is 3 months/ calendar year.
thank you.
Hi Jane,
it’s a borderline case. I’m not sure it’s “compliant”
Hello Mr. Furio,
Thank you for your wonderful article.
I am currently holding a Student Visa which will expire at the end of September, but would like to change to an M Visa. I will be doing an unpaid internship at a foreign nonprofit based in Beijing for a full year. Is it better for me to apply for an M Visa or a Z Visa? Is it legal for me to do my unpaid internship work while under an L Visa?
Hello Amy,
with internships is always hard because there is not a specific visa. Another option is to get an F visa, if the internship is not paid!
Hello, So i just received my M Visa while in Hong Kong. The thing is, I was given a double entry visa, (30 days) while having a TEMPORARY Canadian PASSPORT. I entered Shenzhen last night, and have already used up one entry, I’ll have to head back to Hong Kong on August 20th to collect my new Canadian Passport, could I apply for a new 1 year Multiple Entry Visa, while in HK?
Do you believe that the fact I was holding a Temporary Passport affected my Visa Privileges?
I don’t think it shall be “bad” in principle, but I have no such a experience
I’ve been to China TWICE in the last 6 months on a new passport (approx 1 year old) with an M VISA.
I am planning to take a short trip to SZ (2-3 days) in early August, and to obtain a Shenzhen Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the SZ border from HK, and I was wondering if there is any chance I will run into any problems?
Since I will book all my flights (to/from HK) and hotel tickets in advance it would be great with some kind of assurances that I will not risk getting rejected.
The main reason I am even concerned is that I am NOT in possession of my old passport. However, as mentioned, I’ve been to China TWICE in the last 6 months. Does that count for something?
Any input is MUCH appreciated – thank you!
Hi Alex, I’m sorry but I have no idea whether you may have any problem or not, in this case
Totally understand – no problem. Do you happen to know if there’s a limit to how many M VISAs one can apply for in a given year? I might just apply for another one this time as well since the turnaround time for getting one is very fast (usually within 1-2 days only, with the express service).
However, I am also going to apply for a 6 month, multi-entry M VISA very soon as well. In fact, to be exact, I will apply for one before August 30 as I have made plans to move to China (SZ) and to stay there for the rest of year, starting that date.
Is the turnaround time for getting a 6 month, multi-entry VISA, generally the same as for a “normal” single entry (one month) one?
Hello Alex,
turnaround usually is the same for all visa (provided that you have all the required docs).
There is no “hard” limit on the number of visas you can get in a year, let’s say that they decide case by case, but the problem is mostly for travel visa. If you are asking for an M visa and you have a legit invitation letter, I guess it’s easier
That’s what I intent to apply for – an M visa. The third on during the last 6 months to be exact. I’ll give the 6 month, multi entry, visa a shot, and if it is declined, I’ll go with the 1 month option again.
The problem is that I am going to need a 6 month visa by Aug 30 though.. Oh well, one thing at a time.
Cheers and thanks again for your input!
Hello Alex,
you still got a month of time! The time needed to get the visa is independent of the visa duration. The important is to have all documents requested to get the visa!
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?
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!
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
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.
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
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?
It’s possible, I suggest you to ask to the consular office where you intend to apply for your visa
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.
Hello Gavin,
I never heard about such a limit, but better ask to the school that will sponsor your visa!
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.
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
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?
Hello Rosa,
generally speaking, I think it’s possible to move around China with a M visa!
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.
Of course you can register there.
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)
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.
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 :)
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
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
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
how about getting business invitation letter for Nigeria passport
As long as you can get a “real” business to write a letter of invitation for you, it shall be ok!
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.
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.
Thanks!
Happydays! Multi entrance for 6 months received within 4 working days.
Congratulations!
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
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.
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
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.
Hi,
most likely you will need a Z visa, if you are going to work for a Chinese company.
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 ?
It’s better you confirm this information with your Chinese embassy. This is true for tourist visas, I’m not sure about business visa
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!
Hello,
I think there are restrictions, however I don’t know the details.
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).
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)
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.
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
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?
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
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?
I think that, if it’s not specified, you shall get a visa. However I’m not 100% sure
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
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/
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 ?
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.
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.
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)
i am applying for M visa for first time ,can i apply for 12 month multiple entries ????
It depends on the invitation letter you got, your passport and where you apply
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..
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
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….
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
Hello Carlos,
we can’t confirm this. I suggest you to ask to the PSB or the consular office where you got your visa
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 ?
Hi Trevor,
I suggest you to ask an invitation letter to the company, and get an M visa
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?
Yes, providing you have all the necessary documents
Hello! Would you know what are the requirements needed for the visa extension?
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
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
If you will get a salary, the company can hire you (Z visa)
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
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
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?
Sorry,
we can’t confirm this as we aren’t 100% sure that the visa it’s still valid
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?
I dont understand, if you need to issue business invitation letters yourself, then you need a company in China
If I have category M and entries :01 can I enter China more than once?
No, it’s a single entry!
Hi,
I have a 60days m visa then I already extended to 30days..can I extend it again?thnank🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭
You can try, however it’s not sure you’ll get an extension
Bro,I am an Indian Currently I have M-Visa … I want convert to Z-visa …can you to tell.. how to do it ???
Ask the company that is sponsoring your Z visa to help you
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!
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!
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?
You can exploit the visa on arrival, if you stay in Shenzhen less than 5 days. It’s all explained in this article!
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?
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).
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!
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)
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?’
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.
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?
Hello James,
I suggest to ask advice to your company. We dont know the answer to this
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?
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!
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.
Hello Patrick,
yes, she will need an L visa
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
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?
I dont think so
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.
Hello, there are not high requirements… you either get it or dont!
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!
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.
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.
Well thank you for answering my question fast and promptly.
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?
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.
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.
You can legally work only for the company that requires your VISA. If you change job, you shall change resident permit too
Hai I have 30 days m type visa. Now i extended for 30 days.if I can extend again 30 days is it possible
It will be difficult
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
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.
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.
Hi Andy,
I just doubled checked and you’re right. I shall update the article!
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
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.
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
And Canadian citizens!