China warmly welcomes foreigners to participate in legal and compliant public welfare activities, including charitable donations, volunteer services, public welfare promotion, poverty alleviation and more. To help you fully grasp relevant policies, this guide integrates the latest 2026 visa regulations, immigration convenience measures and public welfare supervision requirements, breaking down core points like visa application, document preparation, stay rules and activity restrictions, providing comprehensive compliance guidance for a smooth public welfare journey.
I. Public Welfare-Specific Visa Types and Application Scenarios
For public welfare activities in China, foreigners must choose the right visa based on their stay duration, with the F visa (Visitor Visa) as the primary option to avoid entry delays from incorrect visa applications. An F visa is required for short-term public welfare activities (stay ≤ 180 days), applicable to non-profit activities such as charitable donation ceremonies, short-term volunteer work, public welfare seminars and project inspections. The stay duration can be flexibly set according to the activity cycle, with a maximum of 180 days.
Long-term public welfare activities (stay > 180 days) are handled based on specific scenarios: For volunteer work or project supervision (non-full-time), apply for an F visa first, then apply for a residence permit from the local public security entry-exit administration after entry; For full-time public welfare work (e.g., foreign staff of a public welfare organization), apply for a Z visa (Work Visa) and prepare work permit documents in advance. It’s important to note that J visas are only for foreign journalists and not valid for public welfare activities.
Exclusive perks for public welfare visas in 2026: Until December 31, 2026, F visa applicants with a stay of ≤ 180 days are exempt from fingerprint collection, as are applicants under 14, over 70 and those who provided fingerprints within the past five years. The online visa application system is fully functional—you can fill out forms and upload materials directly via the official website of China Visa Application Service Centers (https://www.visaforchina.cn/), and submit physical documents only if required after online approval, greatly simplifying the process.
II. Core Visa Application Materials and Norms
Visa application materials for public welfare activities must highlight charitable attributes and be true and complete, falling into three categories: basic documents, public welfare-related certificates and financial proof. Basic documents: A passport valid for more than 6 months (plus a copy, with at least 1 blank visa page reserved), a printed online visa application form and a recent bare-headed photo. If applying outside your home country, provide additional proof of legal stay.
Public welfare-related documents are core requirements and require priority preparation: An official invitation letter issued by a legally registered Chinese public welfare organization, stating the activity theme, time, venue, specific content, funding source and stay duration, stamped with the organization’s official seal, along with its qualification certificate (e.g., social organization registration certificate); A public welfare activity plan specifying the process, participants, service objects and expected outcomes. For cross-regional activities, provide a complete itinerary and certificates of docking units for each link; For charitable donations, submit a donation agreement and goods list, indicating names, quantities, uses and distribution plans.
Financial proof should cover your transportation, accommodation and living expenses in China: If borne by a Chinese public welfare organization, specify this in the invitation letter with an official seal; If self-funded, provide a 6-month bank statement (balance meeting the standard of 100 US dollars per day of stay) or a bank deposit certificate; If funded by a third party, submit the funder’s financial proof and guarantee letter. Accompanying family members need a kinship certificate and a copy of the main applicant’s visa materials when applying.
III. Stay Regulations and Extension/Replacement Processes
Comply with stay regulations after entry. The F visa duration starts the day after entry—do not engage in activities unrelated to public welfare, especially profitable or religious activities under the guise of public welfare. Complete temporary accommodation registration within 24 hours of entry: ask your hotel for assistance or register in person at the local public security organ with your passport, visa and entry stamp. Late registration may affect your visa extension application.
If you need to extend your stay due to activity delays, apply to the local public security entry-exit administration 7 days before your visa expires—no need to return to your home country. Required materials: Visa extension application form, valid passport and visa, extension explanation from the Chinese public welfare organization (stating public welfare reasons for extension and follow-up plans), temporary accommodation registration certificate and activity progress proof (e.g., interim project report). The review cycle is no more than 7 working days, and the total extended stay shall not exceed the original visa duration, valid only for this entry.
If your visa is lost, damaged, or you need to change the stay purpose (e.g., from short-term public welfare to long-term residence), apply for a replacement at the local entry-exit institution. For purpose changes, provide supporting documents (e.g., residence permit approval, work permit); For loss or damage, submit an explanation and relevant proof, and stay legally in China with the acceptance receipt. For multiple entries/exits, apply for a multiple-entry visa with the Chinese public welfare organization’s invitation letter to meet the needs of repeated public welfare activities.
IV. Core Restrictions and Compliance Requirements for Public Welfare Activities
Public welfare activities must be conducted within the scope stated in the invitation letter. Do not alter the activity content, expand the service scope or change service objects without authorization. Any plan adjustments require prior approval from the Chinese public welfare organization and reporting to local authorities. Profitable activities under the name of public welfare are prohibited—do not charge service recipients or conduct fundraising. Report activity outcomes to the inviting organization and local civil affairs department.
Charitable goods must comply with customs and civil affairs regulations: Declare donated goods to customs in advance, submitting the goods list, donation agreement and public welfare organization certificate. Tax exemptions are available for eligible goods; prohibited items, expired goods and products not meeting Chinese standards are not allowed. Donated goods must be distributed as agreed—no unauthorized retention or misappropriation. Complete relevant transportation procedures in advance for cross-regional transportation of donated goods.
Public welfare activities in sensitive fields are strictly prohibited. Do not engage in acts endangering national security, disrupting public order, illegal promotion or religious proselytization. Long-term public welfare personnel must conduct annual inspections of their residence permits and shall not change their service organization without authorization. For cross-regional activities, report to the Chinese inviting organization and local entry-exit institution in advance.
Important Reminder: Forging invitation letters, falsely declaring public welfare purposes or violating activity rules will result in visa rejection, post-entry penalties and affect future applications to China. For policy questions, contact the Chinese public welfare organization, China Visa Application Service Centers or local entry-exit administrations for professional assistance.
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