Which visa
The M visa covers commercial/trade activities; the F visa covers non-commercial exchanges, study tours and cultural visits. Both are short-stay visas, not work permits. If you will be employed or paid in China, you need a Z visa/work permit instead.
Invitation letter
A business invitation should be on company letterhead, with your details, purpose, dates, relationship and the inviter’s contact/seal. Some visa centres require a specific format or a telex. A generic “come visit” letter may be rejected; match the letter to your itinerary.
What not to do
Do not use a tourist visa for business meetings if the purpose is clearly commercial; do not work, get paid or stay long-term on an M/F visa. Overstaying or working on the wrong visa can lead to fines, detention and future visa refusals.
Reality check
An M visa is for meetings, not for working; the line matters.
Local tip: Make the invitation letter match your itinerary and host company.
Step by step
- Confirm M vs F vs Z.
- Get a proper invitation letter.
- Complete the visa application.
- Prepare itinerary/hotel/flight.
- Attend biometrics/interview if required.
- Check the visa dates/entries.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | Varies by nationality |
| Service fee | Varies |
| Invitation/agent | Avoid paying for fake letters |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Passport
- Invitation letter
- Company registration of inviter
- Itinerary/hotel
- Financial/employment proof
Common mistakes
- Using a tourist visa for work
- Fake invitation letters
- Overstaying
- Not matching the itinerary
If things go wrong
- If the visa is refused, ask for the reason and reapply with a clearer file.
- If you need to work, apply for a Z visa before travelling.
FAQ
Can I attend a trade fair on an M visa?
Usually yes for commercial visits; check the current visa centre guidance for your nationality.
Can I convert an M visa to a work visa in China?
Conversions are limited; most work visas are applied for abroad. Plan before you travel.
Business in China: the field guide
Business travel is still travel: visas, payments and logistics come first. The commercial basics are verification, written terms and patience with process.
Visa and status
Meetings and trade fairs usually require an M/F visa; employment requires a Z visa and work permit. Do not work or get paid on a tourist visa. Keep the invitation letter, itinerary and host company details consistent. If you plan to set up a company, check the negative list and registered-capital rules before you commit.
Verify before you pay
Check the supplier’s business licence, factory address and export history. Order paid samples, agree a written spec and inspect before paying the balance. Avoid paying 100% upfront to a personal account. Use traceable bank channels and keep contracts, invoices and inspection reports.
Tax and invoicing
China uses VAT and official fapiao invoices. Fake fapiao is a criminal risk, not a paperwork shortcut. Cross-border payments may attract withholding tax, and related-party transactions need documentation. Use a local accountant before your first invoice or hire.
Quick checks
- Correct visa for the activity
- Supplier licence and factory verified
- Written PO/spec and inspection plan
- Traceable payment channel
- Local accountant/tax registration arranged
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Passport
- Invitation letter
- Company registration of inviter
- Itinerary/hotel
- Financial/employment proof
- Confirm M vs F vs Z.
- Get a proper invitation letter.
- Complete the visa application.
- Prepare itinerary/hotel/flight.
- Attend biometrics/interview if required.
- Check the visa dates/entries.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.