Back to visa checker
China · Visit (no work)
M Visa (Business)
- Processing
- About 4 business days standard
- Cost
- From $140
- Validity
- Single entry to 10 years
Visa for commercial and trade activities: meetings, negotiations, trade fairs, and site visits. Not valid for employment.
Requirements
- Invitation letter from a Chinese company or trade partner
- Genuine commercial purpose (meetings, sourcing, fairs)
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Note: 30-day visa-free entry already covers business trips for exempt nationalities
Restrictions
- No employment or hands-on work permitted
Time and cost
- Processing time
- About 4 business days standard, 2-3 days express
- Validity
- Single entry to 10-year multiple entry (US citizens commonly get 10 years); stays typically 60-90 days per entry
- Cost
From $140
Required
- About $140 visa fee (US citizens; CNY 200-800 for most others, depending on entries and reciprocity)
Documents
Valid passport
6+ months validity, blank visa pages
Invitation letter
From the Chinese business partner, with company details
Visa application form
Completed online via the CVASC portal
Proof of previous China visits (if it applies)
Helps secure longer multiple-entry validity
Tips
- Visa-exempt nationals (UK, most EU, Australia, Canada, etc.) do not need an M visa for trips under 30 days through end-2026
- US citizens should request the 10-year multiple-entry option
- Productive work during repeated long M-visa stays may be treated as illegal employment. Use a Z visa for employment