China stands as a magnetic hub for business visas, attracting professionals from around the world.
Whether it’s the M Visa for short-term business engagements or the F Visa for academic purposes that you’re looking for, we’ll cover the essentials in this article.
We will outline the various visa types, validity periods, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and more.
Read on to unlock your business opportunities in China!
What is the China Business Visa?
This visa is for temporary visits to China for business-related activities.
There are two main business visa types, the M Visa and the F Visa.
M Visa – The M Visa is suitable if you intend to go to China for short business trips, such as business meetings, negotiations or conferences.
F Visa – The F visa is designated for academic purposes, such as engaging in research, participating in conferences, and university collaborations.
What are my entry options and how long is the business visa for China valid?
This visa has single, double and multiple entry options, with stays between 30, 60 or 90 days (note that it is up to the embassy on the length of stay you will be granted).
Here are the different entry options and durations available:
If you have a single-entry visa you can enter China once within the validity period of the visa (typically 30 to 90 days). Once you exit China, the visa expires.
There is also a double-entry visa which allows you to enter China twice within the visa’s validity. The visa can be valid for 90 days or six months.
Lastly, the multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit China multiple times. The validity here can be six months or 12 months.
Eligibility for the different durations and entry options depends on factors like your nationality, the circumstances of your trip, and the documentation you provide when applying.
If this is your first time applying for a business visa, note that you can only obtain a single or a double-entry visa.
The requirements vary slightly depending on factors like your nationality and the type of business trip you are planning. However, here are some common requirements and documents required for a China Business Visa, these generally include:
Completed Chinese Business Visa application form
Passport valid for at least six months past the date of your intended departure from China and have at least one blank visa page
Copy of your passport’s bio page
Passport-size photo taken in the last six months
Invitation letter from a Chinese host organization including information on the purpose of your visit, your expected arrival and departure dates, the places you will visit, and who will be responsible for your expenses
You may need additional documents to support your application depending on your specific circumstances when you apply for this China visa.
Eligible Countries
There are no specific countries outlined for a China Business Visa, instead this visa is issued based on the specific circumstances of the individual traveler, such as the purpose of the visit, their relationship with the inviting Chinese entity, and their ability to meet the visa requirements.
Can Irish citizens work in China on a business visa?
To put it simply, ‘working’ on a business visa in China does not mean that you can permanently work there.
Instead, the business visa allows you to carry out activities such as going to conferences, doing business meetings, etc. for the specified amount of time on your visa.
How long can Irish citizens stay in China while on a business visa?
As an Irish citizen, the main type of visa available if you are visiting China for business purposes is the M visa.
Depending on the visa you apply for and are granted – whether it be valid for three, six, or twelve months, with one, two, or multiple entries, you may be able to stay for either 30, 60, or 90 days after entering China.
How can Irish citizens apply for a China Business Visa?
You can apply for your Chinese Business Visa with us! That means we take care of the complicated paperwork.
The process is as follows:
Step 1: You will first need to complete our application form and email it to us along with a digital photo, a copy of your passport and an invitation letter.
Step 2: We will then prepare your application form. Then we will send you an email with your documents, a typed application and instructions on what you can expect on the day you go to the embassy.
Step 3: You will then need to attend the Chinese Embassy personally to submit your documents and fingerprints but you don’t need to book an appointment before that.
How long is the China Business Visa processing time?
The processing time of your application starts after you have submitted your application to the embassy.
You can choose one of the two services when applying for your visa at the embassy, either:
Standard service – the visa will be ready for collection in four working days.
Express service – the visa will be ready for collection in two to three working days.
Note that we also offer a collection service where we collect your visa when it’s ready and post it to you.
Timea is an enthusiastic author at Visa First with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a passion for writing. She aims to simplify complex topics and inspire others to navigate immigration with ease.
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