China Visa Checklist

Traveling to China from the Philippines for business, trade, meetings, conferences, company visits, or other commercial activities? Filipino passport holders may be required to apply for a China Business Visa, also known as an M Visa, before traveling to mainland China.

This guide covers the China Business Visa requirements for Filipinos in 2026, including the general documentary requirements, invitation letter requirements, additional documents for first-time China visa applicants, financial documents, company sponsorship requirements, and other supporting documents that may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Before submitting your China Business Visa application, make sure that all information provided in your application form is complete, correct, and consistent with your passport, invitation letter, employment or company documents, and other supporting requirements.

China Business Visa Requirements for Filipinos 2026
All applicants applying for a China Business Visa (M Visa) from the Philippines should prepare the following requirements:

1. China Visa Application Form

–    You may download it here
–    The application form must be completely and correctly filled out.
–    All information provided should match the applicant’s passport and supporting documents.
–    The application must be signed by the applicant.
–    Visa application should be typewritten and electronically/computer-generated
–    Handwritten forms or back-to-back printouts will not be accepted
–    Only the signature must be handwritten in black ink (e-signatures are not allowed)

2. Passport-Sized Photos – 2 Pieces

–    Click here to see the sample photo as a guide for the required China visa photo specifications
–    White background
–    Recently taken
–    Submit two (2) pieces

3. Formal Invitation Letter from the Inviting Company in China
The invitation letter must:

–    Bear the signature and company stamp of the inviting company
–    Indicate the applicant’s full name and passport number
–    State the purpose of visit
–    Indicate the intended duration of stay in China
–    Include other relevant details of the business visit

4. Original Philippine Passport

–    Passport must be valid for at least six (6) months.
–    Passport must have at least two (2) blank visa pages.
–    Submit the original passport.

5. Submit a photocopy of the passport information or bio page.

6. Previous Chinese Visa, if applicable
Applicants who have previously traveled to China should submit:

–    Original and photocopy of the previous Chinese visa
–    Only previously used Chinese visa stickers are accepted as proof of a previous China visa.

Applicants whose previous Chinese visas were issued only as stamps will be treated as first-time China visa applicants.

7. Old Passport, if applicable

–    Submit the original and photocopy of the old passport, especially if it contains a previously issued Chinese visa.

8. Latest Philippine Arrival Stamp or E-Travel

–    Submit a photocopy of the latest Philippine arrival stamp.
–    If there is no arrival stamp in the passport, submit a copy of the applicant’s E-Travel.

9. Round-Trip Airline Ticket Reservation

–    Submit a copy of the applicant’s round-trip flight reservation.

10. Hotel Reservation in China

–    Submit a copy of the hotel reservation covering the applicant’s intended stay in China.

11. Accommodation or Home Address in China
If the applicant will stay with relatives in China:

–    Provide the complete residential address in China.
–    Submit proof of relationship between the applicant and the relative.

12. Day-to-Day China Travel Itinerary

–    Submit a proposed daily itinerary covering the applicant’s planned stay in China.

13. China Informed Consent Letter

– You may download it here
– Submit the required China Informed Consent Letter.

14. Travel Agency Waiver

– Download here – Travel Agency Waiver

Additional China Visa Requirements for First-Time Applicants
Filipino applicants who do not have a previously used Chinese visa sticker must submit additional supporting documents.

15. Original Bank Certificate

–   Submit the original Bank Certificate.
–   The Bank Certificate must be accompanied by the bank’s Official Receipt.
–   Submit a Statement of Account covering the last six (6) months.

16. Certificate of Employment for Employed Applicants

–   The Certificate of Employment should indicate: Position, Date hiredand Compensation or salary
–   Applicants should also submit a photocopy of their Company ID.

17. Income Tax Return

–   Submit a copy of the applicant’s Income Tax Return or ITR.

18. Business Documents for Business Owners or Self-Employed Applicants
Submit the applicable business documents:

–   Business Permit
–   SEC Registration and GIS for corporations or companies
–   DTI Registration, if applicable

19. Requirements for Students
Students should submit:

–   Valid School ID; or
–   Certificate of Enrollment

20. Professional ID

–   Submit a photocopy of a valid Professional ID, if applicable.

21. Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate

For minors:
–   Birth Certificate
–   Consent Letter from the parents, which you may download here.

For married applicants:
–   PSA Marriage Certificate or Marriage Contract

China Visa Requirements If You Have an Inviter in China
Applicants who will be invited by an individual in China should prepare the following additional documents:

22. Invitation Letter
The invitation letter should include:

–   Applicant’s complete information
–   Applicant’s passport details
–   Inviter’s information
–   Duration of stay in China
–   Accommodation arrangements
–   Places to be visited during the trip

23. Inviter’s Identification Documents

If the inviter is a foreigner residing in China:
–   Copy of the inviter’s passport
–   Copy of the inviter’s valid residence visa or permit in China

If the inviter is a Chinese citizen:
–   Copy of Chinese passport; or
–   Copy of Chinese National ID

24. Proof of Relationship

–   Submit documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the inviter.

If the Company Will Sponsor the Trip

25. Guarantee Letter from Employer

The letter should include:
–    Applicant’s details
–    Employer’s details
–    Applicant’s name
–    Passport number
–    Duration of stay
–    Purpose of visit

26. Company Bank Certificate and Bank Statements

27. Company Business Documents
–    SEC Registration and GIS, if applicable
–    DTI Registration, if applicable
–    Valid Business / Mayor’s Permit

Important Reminders
All documents should be clear, complete, valid, and consistent with the information declared in the visa application form.
Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances and upon assessment of the Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Center.
Submission of complete requirements does not guarantee visa approval. Visa issuance, validity, number of entries, and permitted duration of stay remain subject to the discretion of the appropriate Chinese visa authorities.