Visas for foreigners

The ordinary visa consists of eight sub-categories, which are marked with Chinese phonetic letters (D, Z, X, F, L, G, C, J-1 and J-2 respectively).

Visa D - For permanent residence in China.
Visa Z - Issued to those who come to work in China and to their accompanying family members.
Visa X - For students who want to study in China, or practice as interns for more than 6 months.
Visa F - To visit, teach, do business, or for cultural, scientific or technological exchanges for less than 6 months.
Visa L - For travel, visiting friends and relatives or to deal with some private matters. A group visa can be obtained if more than 9 people come together for travel.
Visa G - For stopover's in China.

 

 

Visas for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao  residents

- Taiwanese Residents

Taiwanese people are required to obtain an Exit/Entry Permit called 'Tai Bao Zheng' in order to enter into mainland China. The application for a Tai Bao Zheng is processed in Hong Kong but can also be processed through a travel agency in Taiwan. If applicants are initiating from overseas, they may apply for this permit at Chinese Consulates/Embassies or they may be required to apply for a Travel Certificate depending how long they have lived outside of Taiwan. The Tai Bao Zheng must be endorsed with a single entry visa for entering into mainland China. After entry and the processing of the work permit, the Tai Bao Zheng is endorsed with a residence permit and multiple entry visa.

-Hong Kong and Macao Residents

Hong Kong and Macao residents are required to obtain a special Home Return Certificate which allows entry without a prior visa. Work and Resident Permits are required under certain circumstances and in certain locations in China.