Chinese Visa Types

What is the Chinese Visa Types?

China has set up different visa types for different purposes. According to official laws and regulations, applicants must apply for and hold the most appropriate Chinese visa to enter and stay in China.

How many visas do you have in China?

Before preparing the materials, it is very important to know which type of Chinese visa you should apply for because although the basic requirements are the same, there are corresponding supporting documents. Chinese visas are divided into four categories, namely, Chinese diplomatic visa, service visa, Courtesy visa, and ordinary visa. Most of the time we talk about Chinese visas. We mean the Chinese mainland China's ordinary visa types, including 12 subtypes, a total of 16 categories.

Main Chinese Visa Types

China tourist visa-l visa

China's tourist visa is issued to those who plan to visit the Chinese mainland.

Individual tourists can apply for a single entry (valid for 3 months), double-entry (valid for 3 to 6 months), or multiple entries (valid for 6 months or 1 year) tourist visa according to their own needs. In addition, there are single-entry tourist group visas valid for no more than 30 days. Generally, the duration of each inbound stay is 30-60 days. U.S. and Canadian passport holders can enter the country for more than 10 years.

China business visa-m visa

Chinese business visas are issued to those who intend to go to China for business and trade activities. Like the Chinese tourist visa, the business visa also provides one-way/two-way / multiple entries and 30 to 60-day stay (per visit). Visa m is valid for up to 10 years.

China work visa-z visa

China's work visa is issued to Chinese mainland applicants for work or business performances.

Job applicants shall submit basic requirements, work permits and other supporting materials issued by the government to prove their legitimate employment in China. Chinese embassies and consulates may request other documents.

Please note that the holder of the Chinese work permit should apply for the alien residence permit at the Public Security Bureau at or above the county level within 30 days after arrival, unless you stay for a maximum of 30 days and the work permit indicates that your work period does not exceed the date indicated on the employment permit.

China non business visa-f visa

China F visa is a Chinese tourist visa, which is issued to people who come to China for research, speech, scientific and cultural exchange, investigation, visit and related activities. Visa F is usually one-way or two-way entry, and the stay time (each visit) is usually 30-90 days.

Chinese student visa-x visa

The Chinese student visa or study abroad visa is applicable to foreigners who apply for (long-term or short-term) study and practice in China. According to the planned stay time, the student visa is divided into X1 visa (> 180 days) and X2 visa (< 180 days). X1 visa is a one-time entry valid for 3 months.

Note: the holder of a Chinese work visa shall apply for a foreigner's residence permit to the entry exit administration of the Public Security Bureau at or above the national level within 30 days after entering the country.