M visa is a type of visa issued for people who enter China for business and trade activities. So, what is the difference between M visa and F visa and what are the required documents for M visa application? This article will answer all of your questions.

M字签证是针对入境中国进行商业贸易活动的人员颁发的签证类型。那么，M字签证和F字签证有什么不同？M字签证的申请所需材料是什么？本文将为您一一解答。

Difference between business visa (M) and visitor visa (F)

商务签证 (M) 和访问签证 (F) 的区别

In the past, there was only the F visa and not yet the M visa. Starting from September 2013, the F visa is divided into M (for commerce and trade) and F (for others invited to China for visits, study tours, lectures, and scientific and cultural exchanges.) The F visa is for foreigners who are invited to China for exchanges, including visits to China for tours, study tours, and other activities. M visas, on the other hand, are for foreigners who are invited to China for business or trade purposes.

在过去，只有F签证，还没有M签证。从2013年9月开始，F签证分为M(商贸)与F(其他应邀来中国访问、考察、讲学、进行科技文化交流)。F签证是针对被邀请来中国进行交流的外国人，包括来中国访问参观、游学、以及其他活动的人。而M签证则是针对那些出于商务或贸易目的受到邀请来中国的外国人。

Simply put, the M visa is a separate category of commerce and trade from the original F-word visa, primarily to facilitate more targeted administration. Therefore, the M visa is specifically for specific business people who are engaged in business or trade activities. Applicants are required to submit an invitation letter from their business partners in China to the visa authority, which helps the visa authority to verify the authenticity of the applicant's reason for coming to China.

简单来说，M签证是从原有的F字签证中分离出的商贸类别，主要是便于更有针对性地进行管理。因此，M签证是专门针对从事商业、贸易活动的特定商务人士，申请人需要向签证机关提交中国境内商业合作方出具的邀请函，这有助于签证机关核实申请人来华事由的真实性。

Difference between work visa (Z) and business visa (M)

工作签证 (Z) 和商务签证 (M) 的区别

The following cases are considered short-term work assignments (short-term Z visa):下列情况属于短期工作任务 (短期Z签证)：

To a domestic partner to complete a certain technical, scientific research, management, instruction, etc.

To conduct trial training at a sports organization in the country (including coaches and athletes).

到境内体育机构进行试训（包括教练员、运动员）。

Film shooting (including commercials, documentaries)

拍摄影片（包括广告片、纪录片）。

Fashion show (including car models, shooting print ads, etc.)

时装表演（包括车模、拍摄平面广告等）。

Engaging in foreign-related business performances. The following cases fall under the category of short-term business visa (M visa)

从事涉外营业性演出。 下列情况属于短期商务签证 (M签证) 的范畴：

Personnel who purchase machinery and equipment supporting maintenance, installation, commissioning, dismantling, instruction and training.

购买机器设备配套维修、安装、调试、拆卸、指导和培训的人员。

Personnel who instruct, supervise and inspect the projects won in the territory.

对在境内中标项目进行指导、监督、检查的人员。

Personnel sent to branches, subsidiaries, and representative offices in the territory to complete short-term work.

派往境内分公司、子公司、代表处完成短期工作的人员。

Those who participate in sports events, including athletes, coaches, team doctors, assistants and other related personnel.

参加体育赛事的，包括运动员、教练员、队医、助理等相关人员。

Process for foreigners to apply for business visa (M)

外国人申请商务签证 (M) 的流程

Step 1: The trade partner in China provides invitation letters such as business event documents and invitations to economic and trade fairs. The invitation letter must contain the following:

第一步：中国境内贸易合作方提供商务活动文件、经贸交易会请柬等邀请函件。邀请函必须包含以下内容：

Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc.

被邀请人个人信息：姓名、性别、出生日期等。

Information of the invitee's visit: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, source of expenses, etc.

被邀请人访问信息：来华事由、抵离日期、访问地点、与邀请单位或邀请人关系、费用来源等。

Information of the inviting unit or the inviter: name of the inviting unit or the name of the inviter, contact telephone number, address, seal of the unit, signature of the legal representative or the inviter.

邀请单位或邀请人信息：邀请单位名称或邀请人姓名、联系电话、地址、单位印章、法定代表或邀请人的签字。

Step 2: Apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your location.

第二步：向所在地中国驻外使领馆申请中国签证。

In summary, the issuance of a business visa (M) helps the Chinese government to better understand the trajectory of foreigners' business activities and facilitates more targeted management and supervision of them. A successful visa application requires the submission of as many required documents as possible, and the application process should be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the visa authority to avoid any unnecessary hassles.

总之，商务签证 (M) 的颁发，有助于中国政府更好地掌握外国人的商贸活动轨迹，便于对其进行更有针对性的管理和监督。签证的成功申请需要尽可能多地提交所需材料，并且应当按照签证机关的规定进行相应的申请程序，以免出现任何不必要的麻烦。