With the deepening of economic and trade cooperation between China and the world, more and more foreign business travelers come to China for negotiations, exhibitions, research and other activities. To help you complete entry preparations in a compliant and efficient manner, this article integrates the latest 2026 business entry policies, focusing on the M business visa process, core requirements for invitation letters and boundaries of short-term business activities, providing comprehensive practical guidelines.
I. Full Process of M Business Visa Application
The M visa is an exclusive visa for foreigners engaging in commercial and trade activities in China. Currently, applications must be completed through the online China Visa Application System, consisting of four stages: online filling, document review, offline submission and visa collection. First, log in to the official online visa application website (English URL: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/), select the corresponding consular district, fill in the visa application form online, accurately provide personal information, purpose of coming to China, duration of stay and itinerary, and upload materials that meet specifications.
Core application materials include: original passport with a remaining validity of more than 6 months and at least 4 blank visa pages, plus a copy of the data page; one recent 3cm×4cm bare-headed photo with a white background (consistent with the photo uploaded in the application form); business invitation letter issued by a Chinese trade partner; if applying for a visa outside your country of nationality, provide proof of legal stay or residence locally. After passing the online review, applicants will receive a confirmation notice and need to submit all original materials to the designated China Visa Application Service Center as instructed.
Attention should be paid to the fingerprint collection link: before December 31, 2026, applicants for short-term M visas with a stay of less than 180 days can enjoy fingerprint collection exemption. Specific groups such as those under 14 years old, over 70 years old and people with mobility impairments are exempt from fingerprint collection regardless of the stay duration, and can entrust others to handle the application on their behalf. The visa review period is usually 3-7 working days. After paying the fee, you can collect the visa at the designated time or choose mail service. Those who once held Chinese nationality and later acquired foreign nationality need to submit an additional copy of the data page of their original Chinese passport for the first application; if the name is inconsistent, an official name change document must be supplemented.
II. Core Requirements and Norms for Business Invitation Letters
The business invitation letter is a core material for M visa applications. It must be issued by a legally registered trade partner or relevant unit in China. Original, faxed or copied versions are acceptable, but the information must be complete and the seal and signature must be authentic. The invitation letter must include three categories of core information; the lack of any element may result in visa application rejection.
For the invitee’s information, clearly indicate name, gender, date of birth, passport number, nationality and other identity details, ensuring consistency with the passport. For the visit information, specify the purpose of coming to China (such as business negotiations, participating in exhibitions, market research, etc.), planned arrival and departure dates, place of stay, cooperative relationship with the inviting unit and the party responsible for expenses; if participating in an exhibition, indicate the exhibition name and venue. For the inviting unit’s information, include the full name, registered address, contact phone number, affix the unit’s official seal, and sign by the legal representative or authorized inviter to ensure legal validity.
It should be emphasized that the content of the invitation letter must be true and traceable, and the inviting unit is responsible for the information provided. If the applicant cannot provide an invitation letter, alternative materials such as trade contracts, cooperation agreements, and exhibition invitations with Chinese partners can be submitted, but they must clearly prove the authenticity of business exchanges. It is recommended to confirm the invitation letter format with the inviting unit in advance to avoid delaying the visa process due to incomplete information or improper format.
III. Compliant Scope and Boundaries of Short-Term Business Activities
Short-term business activities (usually a stay of no more than 180 days) must be strictly limited to commercial and trade-related areas. Compliant activities include business negotiations with Chinese partners, signing trade contracts, participating in various commercial exhibitions and seminars, conducting market research and brand promotion, and inspecting the progress of cooperative projects and other non-profit commercial exchange activities. Citizens of 54 countries can transit to China through designated ports with valid documents and connecting tickets within 144 hours, and engage in temporary business visits within the specified area without applying for a visa.
Prohibited activities include: engaging in paid labor without permission, conducting long-term resident business office work, carrying out illegal commercial promotion or business activities, and changing the purpose of stay to engage in non-business activities such as tourism and family visits. If it is necessary to engage in paid activities such as performances, lectures, and technical services in China, a Z work visa must be applied for separately. It is strictly prohibited to use an M visa as a substitute; otherwise, it will be deemed illegal residence, resulting in fines, entry restrictions and other penalties.
Regarding the duration of stay, the M visa usually indicates a maximum stay of 180 days. If an extension is really needed due to special circumstances, an application must be submitted to the entry-exit administration of the local public security organ at or above the county level 7 days before the visa expires. The total extended duration shall not exceed the original visa period and is only valid for this entry. Business travelers entering with visa-free transit cannot extend their stay and must depart within the specified time.
Before traveling to China for business, it is recommended to confirm the timeliness of policies and completeness of materials, and strictly abide by the activity scope regulations. China’s business environment is standardized and orderly. Familiarizing yourself with entry policies in advance can make business exchanges smoother and more efficient, and help achieve cooperation goals.
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