China Visa Invitation Letter Guide
Complete guide to preparing invitation letters for China M (Business) and L (Tourist) visas
China Visa Invitation Letters
A China visa invitation letter is an official document required for most Chinese visa applications. It serves as proof of your visit purpose and provides guarantees about your stay in China.
M Visa (Business)
Purpose: Business meetings, trade negotiations, technical exchanges, commercial activities
Inviter: Chinese registered company
Duration: Usually up to 90 days per entry
L Visa (Tourist)
Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends/family
Inviter: Chinese citizen or travel agency
Duration: Usually 30-60 days per entry
Basic Requirements
Full name (exactly as in passport), passport number, nationality, date of birth, gender, occupation
Purpose of visit, arrival/departure dates, places to visit in China
Full name, contact information, ID number, signature, date
Guarantee of compliance with Chinese laws and timely departure
Requirements by Visa Type
M Visa Requirements
- Chinese company’s business license
- Company letterhead with official stamp
- Detailed business itinerary
- Cooperation agreement or contract
- Company bank statement (optional)
L Visa Requirements
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Round-trip flight bookings
- Hotel reservations
- Travel insurance proof
- Financial capability proof
Common Mistakes to Avoid
For M Visas:
- Missing company stamp or signature
- Vague business purpose description
- Business license not attached
- Incorrect company information
For L Visas:
- Insufficient travel itinerary details
- Missing flight or hotel confirmations
- No proof of financial means
- Incomplete inviter information
2025 Policy Updates
Until December 31, 2025, fingerprint collection is waived for short-term L visa applicants (stays under 180 days)
Some nationalities can apply for 10-year multiple-entry tourist visas
Most embassies now accept scanned invitation letters
Frequently Asked Questions
Not usually. Most embassies accept invitation letters without notarization if they are on official company letterhead (for M visas) or include the inviter’s ID copy (for L visas). However, some embassies for certain countries may require notarization. Always check with your specific embassy.
Typically 3 months from the date of issue. It’s best to prepare the invitation letter 1-2 months before your planned travel date.
Yes, most Chinese embassies now accept scanned copies of invitation letters. However, some may require the original to be mailed later. Always check with your specific embassy.
For minor changes (different arrival date within the visa validity), you can usually travel without issues. For major changes (different purpose, longer stay), you may need a new invitation letter and possibly a new visa.
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