The M visa is for foreigners traveling to China for commercial and trade activities. This includes attending business meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions, negotiating contracts, and other business-related events. It does not cover employment or paid work in China.
Back to the overview of all China visas.
Who Qualifies
- Businesspeople attending meetings, trade fairs, or exhibitions in China
- Individuals negotiating contracts or conducting market research
- Representatives of foreign companies visiting Chinese partners, suppliers, or clients
- Anyone participating in short-term commercial or trade activities (not employment)
Required Documents
- Original Passport
- Valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages
- Photocopy of the passport’s bio page
- Include previous Chinese visas if available
- Visa Application Form (COVA)
- Complete online, print, and sign by hand
- Include all pages, including the confirmation and signature pages
- Recent Passport Photo
- Color, bare-head, full face, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Proof of Legal Stay/Residence
- If applying outside your country of citizenship, provide proof of legal stay (visa, residence permit, etc.)
- Invitation Letter from a Chinese Business or Trade Partner
The invitation letter should include:- Applicant’s full name, gender, date of birth, and passport number
- Purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, relationship with inviting entity, and who will bear the costs
- Inviting organization’s name, contact number, address, official stamp, and signature of legal representative
- Other Supporting Documents
- Air ticket and hotel reservation (if requested)
- Any additional documents requested by the consulate/embassy
Application Process
- Complete the COVA online visa application form and print all required pages.
- Gather all required documents as listed above.
- Book an appointment (if required) at your local Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center.
- Submit your application in person or via an authorized agent. Fingerprints may be required.
- Wait for processing (typically 4–7 business days, but can vary).
- Collect your passport and visa or arrange for return by mail if available.
Special Notes
- Duration of Stay: M visas are usually valid for up to 30 days per entry, but multiple-entry visas (valid up to 1 year) may be granted at the consulate’s discretion.
- No Paid Employment: If you will be employed or paid by a Chinese company, you must apply for a Z (work) visa.
- No Tourism: For tourism, apply for an L visa.
- No document stapling: Use paperclips only when submitting documents.
- Additional checks: Consular officers may request further documents or an interview.