China Business visa (M)
The M visa covers commercial visits: meetings, trade fairs, negotiations, factory visits and purchasing. It is the standard visa for buyers, sellers and consultants who are not employed in China.
Key facts
- Code
- M
- Purpose
- Commercial and trade activities
- Stay per entry
- 30 to 90 days per entry
- Entries
- Single, double or multiple
- Validity
- 3 to 12 months; multi-year multiple entry for frequent visitors from some countries
Who needs it
Business visitors from non-visa-free countries, and visa-free nationals staying longer than 30 days or visiting frequently on a multiple-entry basis.
Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months with blank pages
- COVA form and photo
- Invitation letter from a Chinese company or trade fair organiser stating purpose, dates, place and the inviting entity's details, on letterhead with a stamp
- Copy of the inviting company's business licence is sometimes requested
- Proof of the applicant's employment or business
The general procedure is on the application page; the full document checklist is on the documents page.
Good to know
- Canton Fair and other major fairs issue invitation letters to registered buyers that are accepted for the M visa.
- Paid work for a Chinese employer is not covered — that is the Z visa.
Sources
- Visa categories and application requirements — Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) (retrieved 6 September 2026)
- Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners — visa categories (Article 6) — National Immigration Administration (retrieved 6 September 2026)
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