VisaExperts India
China Business Visa
for Indian Passport Holders
Get your China M-Visa approved in 4–5 working days. Expert handling of documents, invitation letters & application — from India.
Apply with Expert HelpSee How It Works
4–5
Days processing time
2–3
Days express option
3
Application centres in India
1 yr
Max visa validity
Overview
What Is the China Business Visa (M-Visa)?
The China Business Visa — officially known as the M-Visa — is the required visa for Indian citizens travelling to China for commercial activities including trade meetings, factory visits, exhibitions, business negotiations, and trade fairs.
Unlike nationals of 48 countries who enjoy China's 30-day visa-free access, Indian passport holders are not exempt and must obtain an M-Visa before travelling. Using any other visa type (such as a tourist L-Visa) for business purposes is a visa violation and can lead to denial of entry.
Since December 2025, China has launched the COVA (China Online Visa Application) system, modernising the application process. Applicants must now complete the form online, upload digital photos and supporting documents, and print a confirmation page for submission at the visa centre.
Visa Types
Types of China Business Visa for Indians
The China Business Visa is categorised by the number of entries and your business activity type. Choose the right type based on how often you travel and what you'll be doing.
M-Visa
Single Entry
Valid 3 months · Stay up to 30 days
Best for first-time applicants attending a specific trade fair, meeting, or factory visit. One-time entry to China. Easiest approval path.
M-Visa
Double Entry
Valid 3–6 months · 30 days per stay
Ideal for projects requiring a follow-up visit. Two entries within the validity period. Suitable for short-term deals that require multiple trips.
M-Visa
Multiple Entry
Valid 6–12 months · 30–60 days per stay
Best for frequent business travellers. Maximises flexibility and reduces cost per trip. Recommended for importers, exporters and sourcing professionals.
F-Visa
Exchange / Invitation Visa
For non-commercial visits
Applicable for educational exchanges, cultural programmes, and non-commercial visits. Not for trade or business negotiations — that requires the M-Visa.
Document Checklist
Documents Required for China Business Visa
Submitting a complete, accurate document set is the single most important factor in getting your China business visa approved without delays.
?Passport & Photo
- Original Indian passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond your departure date from China
- At least 2 blank visa pages
- Previous passport (if issued after Jan 1, 2015, and you are 16+)
- Two recent colour passport-size photos (48mm × 33mm, white background, taken within 6 months)
?Application Form
- Completed COVA (China Online Visa Application) form — filled online at the official portal
- Printed confirmation page with QR code, duly signed and dated
- All details must exactly match your passport — no discrepancies
??Invitation Letter
- Official invitation letter from your Chinese business partner or host company
- Must include your name, passport number, travel dates, and nature of business activities
- Must be on company letterhead with authorized signature and company stamp
- For trade fairs: official exhibitor invitation from the organiser
?Chinese Company Docs
- Business licence of the Chinese host company
- Registration certificate (for representative offices)
- Not required for subsequent applications under the same host organisation
?Financial Documents
- Bank statement from the last 3–6 months showing a minimum balance of ?1,00,000
- Must bear bank stamp and authorised signature
- Demonstrates ability to fund your stay in China
??Travel Documents
- Return flight ticket (confirmed or tentative itinerary)
- Hotel booking confirmation for your stay in China
- Accommodation registration from local police station if staying at a private residence
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2026 Update — Fingerprint Waiver: Effective December 2025 through 31 December 2026, fingerprint collection is waived for Indian applicants applying for single or double-entry short-term visas (stay of up to 180 days). Most business travellers applying for M-Visa are exempt from biometric submission during this period.
Fees & Processing
China Business Visa Fees & Processing Time
Fees vary by the number of entries and processing speed. Note that visa fees are non-refundable once submitted. Express processing is available for urgent travel needs.
| Visa Type | Approx. Fee (INR) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry M-Visa | ?3,500 – ?4,500 | 4–5 working days |
| Double Entry M-Visa | ?5,500 – ?6,500 | 4–5 working days |
| Multiple Entry M-Visa (6 months) | ?7,000 – ?8,500 | 4–7 working days |
| Express Processing (any type) | +?2,000 – ?3,000 surcharge | 2–3 working days |
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Note: Reduced fee rates have been extended by the Chinese government through 31 December 2026. Fees may differ slightly between the three visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Our team will confirm exact fees at the time of your application.
Application Process
How to Apply for China Business Visa from India
The application process has been streamlined in 2026 with the new COVA online system. No advance appointment is mandatory, but arriving early is advisable.
1
Gather All Documents
Collect your passport, invitation letter, bank statements, company documents, and photos. Ensure consistency across all documents — discrepancies between your passport, application form, and invitation letter will trigger additional verification and delays.
2
Complete the COVA Online Form
Create an account on the official Chinese Visa Application portal (visaforchina.cn). Fill in the COVA form accurately, upload digital passport photos and supporting documents. Print the confirmation page with QR code and sign it.
3
Visit the Visa Application Centre
Submit your physical application at one of the three Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) in India — New Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. Your jurisdiction is determined by your state of residence. Carry printed forms, originals, and fee payment.
4
Await Processing
Standard processing takes 4–5 working days. Express processing reduces this to 2–3 working days at an additional charge. During peak trade fair seasons (September–November), allow 1–2 extra days. Weekends and public holidays are not counted.
5
Collect Your Visa & Travel
Collect your passport with the stamped China M-Visa from the application centre. Double-check all details on the visa sticker before travelling. You are now ready to conduct business in China.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions Indian business travellers ask about the China M-Visa.
Can Indian citizens get a China visa on arrival?
No. Indian passport holders cannot obtain a China visa on arrival, nor do they benefit from China's 30-day visa-free entry available to 48 other nationalities. All Indian citizens travelling to China for any purpose — including business — must apply for a visa in advance from India.
Is a business visa mandatory even for a short trip?
Yes. Even for a one-day business meeting, you must hold a valid M-Visa. Using a tourist visa (L-Visa) for business activities is a violation of Chinese immigration rules and can result in entry refusal. There is no exception for the duration of the trip.
Do I need to provide fingerprints in 2026?
Not for most applicants. From December 2025 through 31 December 2026, fingerprint collection is waived for Indian applicants applying for single or double-entry short-term visas with stays of up to 180 days. This covers the majority of business travellers seeking M-Visas.
What if I don't have an invitation letter from a Chinese company?
An invitation letter is a mandatory requirement for the China M-Visa. If you are attending a trade fair or exhibition, the event organiser can issue an official invitation. Our consultants can also assist in coordinating with your Chinese business partners to obtain a properly formatted letter.
Which visa centre should I apply at?
Your applicable centre is determined by your state of residence — New Delhi covers most of northern and central India; Mumbai covers western India; Kolkata covers eastern India. Our team will confirm the correct centre for your location during consultation.
Can I apply for a multiple-entry M-Visa on my first application?
Yes, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa on your first application. However, embassies typically look at your travel history and the strength of your business ties with China. First-time applicants may find it easier to start with a single or double-entry visa and upgrade on their next application.
How far in advance should I apply?
Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date to account for standard processing time plus any unforeseen delays. During peak trade fair seasons (September–November), start the process 4–5 weeks early. Express processing is available if needed at short notice.
Apply for Your China Business Visa Today
Let our visa experts handle your entire application — from document review to submission — so you can focus on your business.
