A Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to a foreigner for entry into, exit from or transit through China. Foreigners must obtain a visa before entry into China, with the exception of visa-free entry based on relevant agreements or regulations. Chinese embassies, consulates and other institutions stationed abroad entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC are visa-issuing authorities responsible for issuance of entry visas to foreigner citizens abroad.

The Chinese visa authorities may issue a diplomatic, courtesy, official or ordinary visa to a foreigner based on the applicant’s personal status and purpose for visiting China.

1.       Visa Categories

Chinese ordinary visas are divided into 12 categories which include:

(1)      C Visa

The C visa is issued to crewmembers performing duties on board an international train, aircraft or vessel, and the accompanying family members of vessel crewmembers, and vehicle drivers engaged in international transportation services.

(2)      D Visa

The D visa is issued to persons who come to China for permanent residence.

(3)      F Visa

The F visa is issued to persons who come to China for exchanges, visits, study tours or other relevant activities.

(4)      G Visa

The G visa is issued to persons who transit through China.

(5)      J1 Visa

The J1 visa is issued to resident foreign journalists of permanent offices of foreign news agencies in China; the J2 visa is for foreign journalists who come to China for short-term news coverage.

(6)      L Visa

The L visa is issued to persons who come to China for travel; persons who come to China for group travel can be issued Group L visas.

(7)      M Visa

The M visa is issued to persons who come to China for commercial trade activities.

(8)      Q1 Visa

The Q1 visa is issued to family members of Chinese citizens and family members of foreigners with permanent residence status in China who apply for residence in China for family reunion, as well as for persons who apply for residence in China for fosterage or other purposes; the Q2 visa is for relatives of Chinese citizens living in China, or relatives of foreigners with permanent residence status in China, who apply for a short-term visit.

(9)      R Visa

The R visa is issued to foreigners of high talent who are needed, or specialists who are urgently needed, by the State.

(10)    S1 Visa

The S1 visa is issued to the spouses, parents, children under the age of 18 or parents-in-law of foreigners residing in China for work, study or other purposes who apply for a long-term visit to China, as well as for persons who need to reside in China for other personal matters; the S2 visa is for family members of foreigners staying or residing in China for work, study or other purposes who apply for a short-term visit to China, as well as for persons who need to stay in China for other personal matters.

(11)    X1 Visa

The X1 visa is issued to persons who apply for long-term study in China; the X2 visa is for persons who apply for short-term study in China.

(12)    Z Visa

The Z visa is issued to persons who apply for work in China.

2.       Residence Permit

A holder of category D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 or Z visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China unless the Duration of Each Stay on the visa is marked as 30 days. Once issued, a residence permit can be used to enter China instead of a visa.

Foreign business people usually use M visa to enter China. Foreigners who come to China for employment shall apply for Z visa. To apply for the M visa, the applicant shall, as required, submit the letter of invitation provided by the commercial or trade partner in China. To apply for the Z visa, the applicant shall, in accordance with relevant provisions, submit the work permit and other certification documents. Please feel free to contact Kaizen if you need any assistance on the foregoing visa or residence permit application.

KAIZEN Group is equipped with experienced and highly qualified professional consultants and is therefore well positioned to provide professional advices and services in respect of the formation and registration of company, application for various business licences and permits, company compliance, tax planning, audit and accounting in China. Please call and talk to our professional consultants for details.