Your goal
You are seeking specialist assessment by short business visits for activities accepted within the M-visa category.
International immigration
China Business Visa
Explore whether China Business Visa could suit your plans. We will help you clarify the route, organise the information you need and identify the next practical step.
At a glance
Key details for your planning
- Outcome
- Specialist assessment
- Who qualifies
- For applicants planning to qualify by short business visits for activities accepted within the M-visa category…
- Family
- The M-visa category does not provide a dependant status.
- Application path
- 5 main stages
Could this route suit you?
See whether this route fits your plans
For applicants planning to qualify by short business visits for activities accepted within the M-visa category who can meet the programme's eligibility and continuing conditions.
Your qualifying basis
The recognised options are short business visits for activities accepted within the M-visa category.
Your ongoing plan
Do not use business-visitor status for local employment
What this route can offer
The status you are working towards
An M visa is a visitor visa for business activity; it does not authorise local employment or establish residence.
The visa permits travel for its stated purpose but does not guarantee admission at the border or determine tax residence.
Planning for your family
Include your family in the plan
The M-visa category does not provide a dependant status.
- Each accompanying person needs an appropriate visa in their own right.
What you will need
Prepare with confidence
Who can qualify
- The M visa is for foreign nationals entering China for permitted commercial and trade activities supported by the required invitation and application documents.
Qualifying basis
- Short business visits for activities accepted within the M-visa category
Documents and checks
- Obtain the required invitation or business evidence
- Present the supporting documents and complete any requested checks
Your next steps
A clear plan from the start
-
Define the visit purpose
Define the visit purpose and permitted activities
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Obtain the required invitation or business evidence
Obtain the required invitation or business evidence
-
Apply through the responsible Chinese mission or visa
Apply through the responsible Chinese mission or visa centre
-
Present the supporting documents
Present the supporting documents and complete any requested checks
-
Observe the authorised entries
Observe the authorised entries and period of stay
Keeping your position on track
What to plan for after approval
Do not use business-visitor status for local employment
Do not use business-visitor status for local employment
Comply with the authorised duration
Comply with the authorised duration and entries
Apply for work authorisation if the activity becomes
Apply for work authorisation if the activity becomes employment
How Prism 7 can help
Clear advice. Practical preparation.
Prism 7 gives you a clearer route forward — from understanding the options that suit your plans to organising documents and coordinating the next steps. We keep you informed about what is needed, what is happening and what to prepare next.
Understand your options
We start with your plans, priorities and the route options that could be relevant.
Prepare with confidence
We help you organise the documents and information needed for the route you choose.
Keep moving forward
We keep the next steps clear, so you know what to prepare and when to act.
Explore your other options
Related routes to consider
China
China Foreigner's Work Permit
Temporary residence route based on employer application for the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit followed by the work visa, permit and residence…
View programme
Japan
Japan Business Manager Visa
Temporary residence route with 2 qualifying options: establishing and managing a qualifying Japanese business or managing an eligible existing business in Japan.
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United States
US E-2 Treaty Investor
Temporary residence route with 2 qualifying options: principal treaty investor or qualifying executive, supervisory or essential employee of a treaty enterprise.
View programmeYour questions answered
Frequently asked questions
An M visa is a visitor visa for business activity; it does not authorise local employment or establish residence.
The M-visa category does not provide a dependant status. Each accompanying person needs an appropriate visa in their own right.
Consular processing and the permission granted vary by mission, nationality and application.
Do not use business-visitor status for local employment. Comply with the authorised duration and entries. Apply for work authorisation if the activity becomes employment.
The visa permits travel for its stated purpose but does not guarantee admission at the border or determine tax residence.
Let us talk about your plans
Start with what you want to achieve
Tell us what you want to achieve, who is involved and when you hope to make the move. We will help you understand the options and the next practical step.