Foreign nationals who want to travel to mainland China for business and trade activities but stay in Hong Kong? A Chinese Business Visa (M Visa) could be your key to stepping into the vast world of business in China. This guide will help you better understand how the M visa works, the qualifications and application process, so that you can embark on a smooth business journey in China.
Table of contents
What is a Chinese Business Visa (M Visa)?
Who can apply for a Chinese business visa?
How to apply for a Chinese business visa in Hong Kong?
What is the application procedure?
Need help?
What is a Chinese Business Visa (M Visa)?
- A Chinese Business Visa (M Visa) is issued to persons who intend to travel to China to engage in short-term business activities, such as attending trade fairs, visiting clients, meeting business partners, signing contracts, etc.
- Business visa holders can apply for extension of business visa at least 7 days before the original expiration date in the local area, and there is no quota system for M visas.
- Business visa holders cannot sponsor their dependants (spouse and children under 18 years old).
- Service options provided by the Hong Kong Chinese Visa Application Centre (upon provision of all required documents)
- Regular service: processing time is usually 4 business days
- Expedited service: processing time is usually 3 working days
Who can apply for a Chinese business visa?
All foreign nationals who are staying in Hong Kong and hold appropriate right of abode, as well as foreign visitors who are temporarily staying in Hong Kong, may be eligible to apply for an M visa.
How do I apply for a Chinese business visa?
To apply for a Chinese Business Visa (M) you need some documents:
Basic documents
- An original foreign passport recognized by China with a remaining validity of no less than six months and at least two blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport data page and extension page (if any).
- Fill out the Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China (complete correctly and sign)
- A passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months ( photo requirement )
- The original and a photocopy of a valid entry, residence, employment or student identity certificate or other valid proof of legal stay issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. (Applicable to applicants who are not applying in the applicant’s country)
- Copy of the latest Chinese visa page (if any)
- If you were once a Chinese citizen but now hold a foreign citizenship
- If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide a copy of your previous Chinese passport and its data page.
- If you have had a Chinese visa before and wish to apply for a Chinese visa in a newer foreign passport without any Chinese visa, you should present a copy of the data page and photo page (if separate) of your old passport, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If the name on your current passport is different from your previous passport, you must provide official name change documentation.)
Supporting Documents
- Documents on business activities of trading partners in China, invitations to trade fairs or other invitation letters issued in the name of relevant units or individuals. The invitation letter should include:
applicant information (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)- Information on the intended visit (reason for coming to China, arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, relationship with the inviting organization or individual, source of funds)
- Inviting organization or personal information (name, contact number, address, organization seal, signature of legal representative or inviting person)
- Copy of company business license
What is the application procedure?
- Complete the online application form , print it out and sign it.
- Make an appointment to submit your completed application form and have your fingerprints taken at the visa center .
- Once you receive the payment advice and pay at the counter, you will receive a receipt showing your application details and the estimated pickup date.
- Bring the receipt and go to the visa center on time to collect your passport.
Need help?
Applying for a Chinese business visa (M visa) can be a complicated process and applicants can easily be rejected due to not understanding the eligibility criteria. This is when you need a trustworthy Hong Kong work visa agency like FastLane HR to provide you with the services you need. We have extensive experience in guiding you through work visa applications and can ensure you have all the correct documents, maximizing your chances of a successful visa application and allowing you to embark on your journey to China smoothly. Contact us now and let us make your application as easy as possible!