Who can apply

You may apply for an M (business) visa if you are traveling to China for commercial or trade activities.

How to apply

Follow the requirements of the Chinese embassy or consulate in the place where you are applying, complete the visa application form online, and submit the required application materials.

Documents required

Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check the "Guidance on Visa Application" section of the China Online Visa Application or the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate handling your application. 

Basic application materials include:

• A valid passport.
• A completed visa application form and a passport photo.
• Proof of legal stay or residence status, if applying outside the applicant's country of citizenship.
• Documents related to commercial activities, such as business activity documents issued by a trade partner in China or an invitation letter for an economic or trade fair. The invitation letter should include the invitee's personal information; the purpose of the visit, dates of arrival and departure, places to be visited, relationship with the inviting entity or individual, and source of expenses; and the name, contact number, and address of the inviting entity or individual, as well as, where applicable, the official seal of the inviting entity and the signature of its legal representative, or the signature of the inviting individual.

Former Chinese citizens who have acquired foreign citizenship and are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time should also provide their previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page.

Applicants who previously received a Chinese visa and are applying with a newly issued foreign passport must submit a photocopy of the data page of their previous foreign passport and a photocopy of their previous Chinese visa. If the name on the new passport differs from that on the previous passport, official proof of the name change is also required.

Additional documents may be required based on the applicant's circumstances and the consular jurisdiction.

Visa extension, replacement, and reissuance

If you need to have your M visa extended, replaced, or reissued after entering China, you can submit an application to the Exit-Entry Administration Corps of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau or an exit-entry administration office of a district branch of the bureau.

For an extension, apply at least seven days before the authorized period of stay expires.

Applications with complete documents are generally processed within seven working days after acceptance.

Related: Shanghai exit-entry bureau locations, business hours

For more details about having your visa extended, replaced, or reissued, visit the website of the Exit-Entry Administration Corps of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Service hotline

For inquiries on exit-entry affairs, call +86-21-12367.

Updated Aug 10, 2026

Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Immigration Administration, Exit-Entry Administration Corps of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau