M Visa for Commercial and Trade Visits in China — January 2025 snapshot

China's M visa is the ordinary visa category for people entering for commercial and trade activities.

What it is for

The official visa rules distinguish M business activity from Z work status and R high-level-talent status. An M visa can support qualifying commercial visits such as meetings, negotiations and trade-related activity when the consular requirements are met.

What it is not

An M visa is not a substitute for the Foreigner's Work Permit and work-type residence permit when a person will be employed in China. It is also not a national digital-nomad, freelancer, startup-founder or investor-residence visa.

Founders planning longer-term innovation activity should review the restricted Innovation and Entrepreneurship Residence. Investors seeking settlement should review Investor Permanent Residence.

See the China hub, business visas, Asia, methodology and legal disclaimer.

Official rules can change. Reconfirm current requirements with the cited authority before acting.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in China