China Visa Application Checklist: Documents You Must Prepare in 2025
When applying for a China visa, missing even one required document can result in rejection or long delays. To help you stay organized, here’s a complete checklist for 2025 based on the different visa types.
General Documents for All Visa Types
Every applicant, regardless of visa category, must have the following:
- A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages
- A completed China visa application form
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of travel itinerary, such as confirmed flight bookings and hotel reservations
Tourist Visa (L-Visa) Checklist
For those traveling for leisure, sightseeing, or family visits, additional documentation is required:
- Invitation letter (if visiting friends or relatives)
- Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements)
- Evidence of return flight or onward travel
Business Visa (M-Visa) Checklist
Travelers entering China for commercial purposes must include:
- Official invitation letter from a registered Chinese company
- Proof of trade activities, business contracts, or event registrations
- Company registration certificate (if required)
Student Visa (X-Visa) Checklist
Students applying for a China study visa need:
- Original admission notice from the Chinese university
- JW201 or JW202 form issued by the Ministry of Education
- Proof of previous education qualifications
- Medical examination certificate (if required)
Work Visa (Z-Visa) Checklist
Professionals planning to work in China must prepare:
- Valid work permit or foreign expert certificate from the Chinese authority
- Invitation letter from the employer in China
- Employment contract or offer letter
Final Thoughts
Being thorough with your documentation is the key to a successful visa application. Preparing the right documents according to your visa type ensures smooth processing and minimizes the risk of rejection. For applicants seeking expert support, ChinaVisa.com offers professional document review and personalized assistance to make the entire process faster and stress-free.