China Required Documents

Core Documents Required for All China Visa Applications

• Completed China visa application form: Must be completed online through the Chinese government's visa portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
• Coloured biometric passport photo: Light background, compliant with current Chinese visa photo rules (typically 33×48mm).
• Valid passport: At least 6 months of remaining validity with at least one blank page for the visa. Some visa categories (double or multiple entry) require additional blank pages.
• Copy of your passport bio-data page: A clear, legible photocopy of the front page showing your photo and personal details.
• Data privacy / consent declaration: Some visa categories require a signed data processing consent form as part of Chinese consular requirements.

Specific Document Requirements by Visa Type

Work Visa (Z-Visa)

• Work permit or employment authorisation letter issued by your future employer's relevant Chinese government authority (usually the Labour Ministry in the city where you'll work).
• Employment contract or job offer letter from the Chinese employer.

Business Visa (M-Visa)

• Formal business invitation from the Chinese company, client, supplier, or subsidiary on their official letterhead.
• Invitation must include the company's full address, phone number, and details about the purpose and duration of your stay.
• The invitation should be signed and stamped by an authorized company official.

Tourist Visa (L-Visa)

• Confirmed international flight bookings showing your entry into and exit from China.
• Hotel or accommodation bookings covering at least half of your stay in China. The booking must show the full hotel address and your name clearly.
• Travel itinerary is helpful but not always mandatory.

Visitor Visa (Friends/Distant Relatives)

• Formal private invitation letter from your host in China, including their full address, phone number, date of birth, and your personal details.
• Your host's ID documentation: copies of both sides of the host's Chinese ID card (if Chinese national) or copies of their passport bio-data page plus their valid China visa or Residence Permit (if foreign national).
• Normally a round-trip flight booking and/or hotel reservation covering your stay.

Family Visas — Q1/Q2 (Chinese National Relatives)

• Proof of kinship such as original or certified copies of birth or marriage certificates.
• Formal private invitation from your relative in China, including their full address, phone number, dates of stay, and your details.
• Your host's ID: copies of both sides of their Chinese ID card (if Chinese national) or passport and Residence Permit pages (if applicable).
• For stay duration exceeding 180 days, additional documentation clarifying residence permit conversion process may be required.

Family Visas — S1/S2 (Foreign National Relatives)

• Proof of kinship: copies of birth or marriage certificates confirming first-degree relationship (parents, children, siblings, or their spouses).
• Formal private invitation letter from your relative in China, including full address, phone number, residence permit details, and your personal information.
• Your host's documentation: copies of their passport bio-data page AND copies of their valid China visa or Residence Permit page. If the host is a Chinese national, copies of both sides of their Chinese ID card.
• For stays exceeding 180 days, residence permit conversion circumstances should be clarified in advance.

Academic Visa (F-Visa)

• Formal invitation from a non-commercial institution registered in China such as a university, research institute, museum, or conference/festival organiser.
• If you are performing publicly (music, art, speaking), an additional invitation from the relevant Chinese cultural bureau or ministry may be required.
• Invitation must include the institution's full address and phone number, your name, dates of stay, and birthdate. It should be signed and officially stamped.

Student Visas (X1 for degree studies / X2 for short courses < 180 days)

• For short-term study (X2): Admission letter from the educational institution in China, including full address, your name, birthdate, and course dates. Can be submitted as a digital scan.
• For degree-level study (X1): Original admission letter must be mailed from China (scans not accepted), plus the official JW 201 or JW 202 form issued by the Chinese institution. The JW form must also be received in original form with your signature on all required copies.

Crew Visas and Aviation-Related Cases

• For working crew (pilots, seafarers): Dispatch letter or letter of employment from your airline or shipping company on official letterhead, signed and stamped, showing your role, dates, and purpose.
• For guests of crew members: Invitation letter from the crew member including the outbound and return flight details, times, and the address of the crew hotel. A copy of the crew member's service/staff ID must be included.

Important Considerations

• Fingerprinting requirements: Not all visa categories currently require fingerprints. Since August 2023, fingerprints have been temporarily waived for single- and double-entry visas, though this may change. Confirm the current requirement for your specific visa type before booking your appointment.
• Original vs. copy documents: Most supporting documents (invitations, ID copies, residence permits) may be submitted as clear digital scans or photocopies. Exceptions include the JW 201/202 form for degree-level students (originals only) and some original certificates for family visa kinship proof.
• Invitation letter quality is critical: Incomplete or poorly formatted invitations are a leading cause of delays. Ensure your host includes all required details: full address, phone number, your full name and date of birth, dates of intended stay, relationship to applicant, and an official signature and company/institution stamp (if applicable).
• Residence permit conversion timing: Work (Z), long-term family (Q1, S1), and student (X1) visas are normally issued for single entry and must be converted to a residence permit within 30 days of arrival in China. Plan accordingly if you will need multiple exit/entry flexibility during your stay.
• Processing time frames vary significantly: Standard processing typically takes 12-14 working days or longer, but expedited options (4-7 days or express 2-day processing) are available at higher cost depending on whether fingerprints are required at a consulate appointment.
• Pre-check recommendation: We recommend sending scans of your documents in advance so we can identify any missing items, formatting issues, or inconsistencies before you submit originals. This can prevent costly delays.

Apply for Chinese Visa