Business Visa (M): Requirements & Invitation Letters
M visa for trade fairs, factory visits, and negotiations: the invitation letter rules, what counts as business vs work, and how to apply.
When you need an M visa
If you're from one of the 48 visa-free countries, business meetings, trade fairs, and supplier visits up to 30 days are covered without any visa through December 31, 2026 - skip the M visa entirely. You need an M visa if your trip exceeds 30 days, you need multiple entries beyond your visa-free allowance, or your passport (notably the US) isn't on the visa-free list and your trip exceeds the 240-hour transit window. The one document that makes or breaks the application: an invitation letter from a Chinese company stamped with its official red company seal.
- Visa-free 30 days covers business visits for 48 countries through Dec 31, 2026
- Standard processing ~4 business days; fingerprints waived through Dec 31, 2026
- Invitation letter without the red company seal = near-certain rejection
- Typical stay 30-90 days per entry; 10-year multiple-entry for US and Canadian citizens
M visa vs other visas - what's allowed
| Activity | Visa needed |
|---|---|
| Meetings, negotiations, contract signing | M (or visa-free) |
| Trade fairs and exhibitions (e.g. Canton Fair) | M (or visa-free) |
| Factory inspections, supplier visits, market research | M (or visa-free) |
| Any paid employment or Chinese salary | Z work visa |
| Managing operations, long-term assignments | Z work visa |
| Non-commercial exchanges, research visits | F visa |
| STEM professionals, flexible work/research (no employer needed) | K visa (since Oct 1, 2025) |
Documents
Required
Sometimes requested
What the invitation letter must contain
- Company letterhead
Full Chinese company name (matching its business license), registered address, and contact details.
- Your details, exactly as in your passport
Full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and your job title.
- Visit specifics
Arrival and departure dates, cities you'll visit, and the business purpose (meetings, inspection, exhibition...). Vague letters get questioned.
- Inviter identification
Company's Unified Social Credit Code (registration number) and a named contact person with phone number.
- Red company seal + signature
The circular red official seal (公章) plus the legal representative's signature. Digital signatures and foreign company seals are not accepted. A clear color scan is usually fine, but some consulates want originals from first-time applicants.
Application process
- Complete COVA online
cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn - full 5-year work history required, no blank fields (write N/A), can't edit after submitting.
- Submit at CVASC or consulate
Walk-in service available for US, UK, Canadian, and Australian applicants; others book at visaforchina.cn. Bring all documents - missing seals or forms mean a second trip.
- Pay and wait ~4 business days
Fees vary by nationality (US citizens pay a flat reduced rate through Dec 31, 2026); express 2-3 days and rush 1-2 days cost extra. Fingerprints waived for stays of 180 days or less through Dec 31, 2026.
- Verify the visa on pickup
Check entries (single/double/multiple), validity window, and duration of stay against your itinerary - especially if you'll hop to Hong Kong mid-trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Activities & itineraries
Can I attend all three Canton Fair phases on one visa?
Only with a multiple-entry visa if you leave the mainland between phases - exits to Hong Kong or Macau each consume an entry. Staying in Guangzhou throughout works on a single entry. Canton Fair invitations are simplified: pre-register through the fair's official site and the confirmation supports your application.
How do Hong Kong side trips work?
Hong Kong has separate immigration (most business travelers get 7-90 days visa-free), but returning to the mainland uses another entry on your China visa. Plan entries before applying.
Can I bring product samples?
Reasonable quantities, yes - declare them at customs and keep documentation. Commercial quantities need import licenses, and high-value electronics may attract duties.
What about business in Tibet or Xinjiang?
Tibet requires permits arranged through authorized agencies - no independent travel. Xinjiang's major cities are open but expect heavy security and frequent ID checks.
Process & problems
What causes most M visa rejections?
In order: missing or invalid company seal on the invitation, incomplete COVA forms, vague trip purpose, and previous visa violations. Fix the specific cause before reapplying.
Can I extend an M visa inside China?
Possible but hard: apply at the Exit-Entry Administration at least 7 days before expiry with an updated invitation letter and solid justification. Processing takes about 7 working days. Don't build an itinerary that depends on it.
What if I overstay?
500 RMB per day fine (max 10,000 RMB); overstays beyond 30 days risk 5-15 days detention and an entry ban. There is no grace period - leave on time or extend in advance.
I'm in tech - anything special?
Expect slightly longer processing and provide clear, non-sensitive descriptions of your company's business. If you're a STEM degree holder considering longer-term work, look at the K visa (launched Oct 1, 2025): up to 5-year multi-entry, 180-day stays, no Chinese employer or invitation required.
Is same-day emergency processing possible?
Some consulates offer same-day or next-day service for documented emergencies (contract deadlines, medical) at premium fees. Call your consulate directly - policies differ by post.