Business Visa (M) Basics
The M visa covers commercial and trade activities. Tourism (L), non-commercial exchange (F) and employment (Z) are different purposes; some passport holders may instead qualify for a visa-free business visit. Check your exact case.
Information checked 2026-09-27. Confirm current rules in the linked source or app.Do this before you go
- 01
Check your passport, purpose, nationality, application location, route and every mainland entry against the latest visa-centre or embassy instructions.
- 02
If an M visa is required, ask the inviting organisation in China for its official letter. It commonly needs your name and passport number, purpose and relationship, arrival/departure dates, place of stay, inviter contact details, signature and organisation seal; local requirements may differ.
- 03
Check the stay duration printed on your visa. If you need more time, ask the local exit-entry authority about an extension before your authorised stay ends; it is not automatic.
If something gets stuck
Can I use tourism entry for meetings or supplier visits?
Do not assume so. M is for commercial and trade activity; verify whether your exact activities are permitted under your visa or any applicable visa-free policy.
What if the invitation letter is late or incomplete?
Ask your China-based partner for the official letter early and compare it with the checklist from the centre or embassy where you will apply.
You’re ready when: I checked the latest official conditions for my purpose, invitation, entries and authorised stay.