I. TE Invitation Letter (Official Core Document for Business Visas)

Full name: Verification Letter for Invitation of Foreigners to China

Purpose: An official mandatory document for obtaining M or F visas (business/visit visas), required for citizens of certain high-risk countries and regions.

Application authority: The inviting Chinese entity shall file an application with the local Foreign Affairs Office or Bureau of Commerce.

Key information:

Full details of the inviter and invitee;

Purpose of visit, intended duration of stay in China, and financial guarantee

Validity: Valid for 90 days from the date of issue

II. M Visa (Short-Term Business Visa)

Applicable to: Short-term business activities in China, including business negotiations, contract signing, trade fairs, and investment inspections. No employment or full-time work is permitted.

Validity: Issued for single or multiple entries, with a usual stay period of 30-180 days per entry.

Required documents:

Valid passport, visa application form, and recent passport photo;

TE Invitation Letter (official verification letter) plus letter of invitation from the Chinese company;

Trade contracts or records of business correspondence.

III. Z Visa (Work Visa for Long-Term Legal Residence in China)

Applicable to: Long-term employment, corporate management, and lawful work in China (including foreign legal representatives of enterprises and senior executives).

Prerequisite: Obtain the Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit in advance, which shall be applied for by the Chinese employer.

Required documents:

Valid passport, visa application form, and recent passport photo;

Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit;

Authenticated academic certificate, authenticated non-criminal record certificate, and employment contract.

Procedure: Apply for Z visa overseas → Complete application for a work-type residence permit within 30 days after entry

IV. Residence Permit (Long-Term Identity Document for Residence in China)

1. Work-type Residence Permit (converted from Z visa):

Valid for 1-5 years, entitling the holder to legal employment, residence, and multiple exits and entries from China.

Private Affairs/Trade Residence Permit (available in selected regions):

2. Applicable to foreign nationals residing in China long-term for business purposes without engaging in full-time employment.