Get a Business Visa for China
Guide for Americans Applying for a Chinese Business or Work Visa
Business people heading to China have a few options for the type of visa needed. The F visa is designed for those doing business short-term in China, while the Z visa is for expatriate workers hired by a Chinese or international company to work and earn a salary while in the country. Both can be issued by the Chinese Embassy, a Chinese consulate office or from within China itself.
The F Travel Visa – For People Doing Business in China
The F visa is considered a short-term business visa and is designed for people who are doing business, internships, scientific or cultural exchanges or other activities that don't involve full time employment with a company located in China.
The F visa is available for six months or one year. The six month visa can be renewed once in China. After holding an F visa for one year (either as a full year visa or two six month visas), the individual must exit and re-enter China before being issued another F visa. It is common for people to travel to Hong Kong, Mongolia, South Korea or another nearby country for a weekend trip to fulfill this requirement.
The F visa is available as a single entry, double entry or multiple entry visa. These indicate how often the visa holder can leave and return to China during the period of their visa. For example, a one-year multiple entry visa would allow the holder to travel in and out of China as often as desired over the period of one year.
To obtain an F visa, the applicant must provide their passport valid for six months to a year, a passport-sized photograph (2 X 2 inches in size), a letter of invitation from a Chinese company and/or an official business letter from the sponsoring U.S. company and the fee for visa processing.
It is generally advisable to use a visa agency to procure a Chinese F visa, since any missed requirements will result in delays or denial of the visa.
The Z Travel Visa – For People Working Full Time in China
The Z Visa in China is designed for full time employees living and working in China. Obtaining this type of visa is usually handled by the hiring company, since it is extremely difficult to get one as an individual.
The Chinese government requires a few things for a Z visa, including an official invitation from the hiring company, a work permit for aliens and a foreign expert's license issued by the Chinese government, and a health certificate from an officially sanctioned doctor or health center. Often, new employees are instructed to obtain an L or F visa before arriving in China and then the company will obtain the Z visa, since it is easier to get all of the paperwork completed once in China. After obtaining the Z visa, the individual will have to register with the local public security department and obtain a residence permit.
Chinese Z Visas and the accompanying residence permit are hard to obtain but easy to renew. Generally, the employer will renew the visa and permit every six months to a year as long as the person continues to work for that company. If an individual switches companies, the former employer should provide a work release form which will be used by the new employer to switch the visa and permit over to the new company.
Overall, obtaining the correct Chinese visa can make the transition to doing business in China much easier. For those interested in traveling to China short-term, as a tourist or visitor, check out the article Get a Travel Visa for China for the requirements for an L-type Chinese visa.
China Business Travel is on the Rise
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A Chinese Business Visa is Required for Work
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Chinese Tourist Visas Also Available
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Obtaining a Business Travel Visa to China is Easy
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China Business Travelers Need a Visa
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