Planning to Mainland China for commercial and trade activities? China Business Visa (M Visa) might be the key for you to embark on the immense business world in China. This guide will help you better understand how the M visa works, its eligibility, and process of application.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is China Business Visa (M Visa)?
- Who can apply for China Business Visa?
- How do I apply for China Business Visa in Hong Kong?
- What is the process of application?
- Need help?
What is the China Business Visa (M Visa)?
- China Business Visa (M Visa) is issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities on a short-term basis, such as attending trade fairs, visiting clients, meeting with business partners, and signing contracts.
- It is locally possible to apply for a Business Visa extension at least seven days before the original expiry date, and there is no quota system for M visa.
- Business Visa holders is unable to sponsor their family dependents (spouse and children below 18 years old).
- Service options provided by the China Visa Center in Hong Kong (in the case of all the required documents are provided)
- Regular service: The processing time is usually 4 working days
- Express service: The processing time is usually 3 working days
Who can apply for the China Business Visa?
All applications from foreign citizens staying in Hong Kong with appropriate residence permit, and those from foreign tourists staying in Hong Kong temporarily might be eligible to apply for the M visa.
How do I apply for a China Business Visa?
There are some required documents for an application for China Business visa (M):
Basic documents
- Original foreign passport recognized by China with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
- Visa application form (duly filled with signature)
- One passport photo taken within 6 months (more photo requirements)
- Original and photocopy of your valid certificates of entry, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. (Applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)
- Photocopy of the latest Chinese Visa page (if any)
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If you used to be a Chinese citizen but now have obtained foreign citizenship
- If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
- If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
Supporting documents
- Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by the relevant entity or individual. The invitation should contain:
- Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
- Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
- Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
- Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
- Photocopy of Company’s business license
What is the process of application?
- Complete an Online Application Form, print it out and sign.
- Make an appointment to submit your completed application form and collect fingerprint at the Visa Centre.
- Receive a payment notice and pay at the counter, you will receive a pick-up form, which is a receipt showing the information of your application and expected date for collection.
- Go to the Visa Centre to collect your passport with the pick-up form in a timely manner.
Need help?
Applying for the China Business Visa (M Visa) can be a complicated process, and applicants might easily get rejected due to failure to understand the application eligibility criteria. That’s where a reputable work visa agent in Hong Kong like FastLane HR can provide you with the assistance you need. We are experienced in guiding clients through the process of applying for a work visa. We will make sure you have all the right documents and maximize your chance of a successful visa application, so you can be on your way to visit China. Get in touch with us today, and let us help make your application as smooth as possible!
It normally takes four weeks to process visa/entry permit applications under the TTPS upon receipt of all the required documents. All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.