Do I Need an Invitation Letter for a Visa to China?
Learn which China visa types require an invitation letter and what information must be included.
📍 Does Every China Visa Require an Invitation Letter?
No.
Whether you need an invitation letter depends on the visa type you are applying for.
🧾 Visa Types That Require an Invitation Letter
💼 M Visa (Business)
Requires:
-
Invitation letter from a company in China
🎓 F Visa (Non-Business / Academic)
Requires:
-
Invitation letter from an organization in China
👨👩👧 Q1 / Q2 or S1 / S2 (Family Visit)
Requires:
-
Invitation letter from the inviting relative in China
📄 Visa Types With Different Requirements
🏢 Z Visa (Work)
Requires:
-
Government-issued work permit from the Chinese government
🎓 X1 / X2 (Student)
Requires:
-
Official admissions notice
-
Information Form for Foreign Students Short-term Visit (DQ form)
✈️ C Visa (Crew)
Requires:
-
Crew letter from employer
✍️ What Must an Invitation Letter Include?
For M (Business) and F (Non-Business) Visas:
The letter must include:
-
Full name (as written in passport)
-
Passport number
-
Date of birth
-
Nationality
-
Reason for visit
-
Dates of stay
-
Chinese company or organization address
-
Official company stamp (seal)
-
Signature of the inviting representative
For Q1, Q2, S1, S2 (Family Visit) Visas:
The letter must include:
-
Full name (as written in passport)
-
Passport number
-
Date of birth
-
Nationality
-
Invitee’s full name
-
Invitee’s address
-
Reason for invitation
-
Dates of stay
-
Whether the inviter is funding the trip
-
Inviter’s Chinese passport number (or foreign passport number if not Chinese)
-
Chinese ID number or residence permit number (if not Chinese)
⚠️ Important Exception
Family members applying for an S1 visa to join a foreign national working in China:
-
Do not need a separate invitation letter
-
Must provide a copy of the family member’s work permit
-
The work permit must list the joining family members
💡 Important Notes
-
Invitation letter requirements may vary by consulate
-
Documents must match the purpose of travel
-
Visa approval is determined by the consulate
Swift cannot override consulate document requirements.