Chinese visa for foreigners 2026: Guide, Fees, Requirements

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Foreigners living or working in Vietnam can apply for a Chinese visa if they have legal residence status and prepare the required documents according to the regulations of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

Depending on the travel purpose, applicants may apply for several visa types such as tourist visa (L), business visa (M), family visit visa (Q), exchange visa (F), transit visa (G), or work visa (Z). The application process includes submitting the form online, bringing original documents to the Chinese Visa Application Center, and paying the visa fee upon approval. Normally, the processing time takes about 12–15 working days after submitting a complete application.

Common types of Chinese visas for foreigners

Foreigners residing in Vietnam may apply for several categories of Chinese visas depending on their travel purpose.

Each visa category has specific requirements and documentation. Selecting the correct visa type based on your travel purpose is the first step toward a successful application.

Eligibility requirements for a Chinese visa for foreigners

Foreign nationals living in Vietnam can apply for a Chinese visa if they satisfy the following conditions.

Legal residence status in Vietnam

Applicants must hold a valid passport and provide documents proving their legal stay in Vietnam. These documents may include:

• Temporary residence card (TRC)
• Work permit
• 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate
• Other official documents confirming legal residence status

Your residence document must remain valid throughout the visa application process.

Clear travel purpose

Applicants must clearly state their travel purpose, such as:

• Tourism
• Business or trade
• Family visits
• Study or cultural exchange
• Employment in China

Supporting documents should be prepared accordingly, for example:

• Invitation letter from a Chinese partner (for business visas)
• Proof of family relationship (for family visit visas)
• Travel itinerary, return flight tickets, and hotel bookings (for tourist visas)

Complete and accurate documentation

All documents must comply with the regulations of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in delays or rejection.

Required documents for a Chinese visa application

General documents

Most applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Original passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the application date with at least 3 consecutive blank pages.
• Passport copy: Photocopy of the personal information page.
• Previous Chinese visas (if any): Copies of previously issued visas.
• Visa application form: Fully completed online visa application form.
• Passport photo: One recent 4×6 cm photo attached to the application form.
• Appointment confirmation: Printed appointment slip after booking online.
• Proof of legal residence in Vietnam: Temporary residence card, work permit, or other legal documents.

Additional documents for family visit visa

Applicants visiting relatives in China must provide:

• Invitation letter from the host, including details of the inviter, invitee, and visit purpose.
• Identification documents of the inviter, such as Chinese ID card, passport, or residence permit.

Additional documents for business visa

For business or commercial visits, the Chinese partner must provide:

Invitation letter

The invitation letter should be written in Chinese or bilingual English–Chinese and include:

• Personal details of the invitee (name, gender, date of birth).
• Purpose of the visit and travel schedule.
• Intended entry and departure dates.
• Locations to be visited in China.
• Relationship between inviter and invitee.
• Information about who will cover travel expenses.

Business assignment letter

If the applicant is an employee, the Vietnamese company must provide an official letter assigning the applicant to the business trip.

Business registration certificates

Copies of the business registration licenses of both the Chinese company and the Vietnamese company are required to demonstrate the partnership.

Chinese visa application procedure for foreigners

Updated visa application process (effective June 30, 2025)

According to the Chinese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the Chinese visa application process has been updated and now includes four main steps.

Step 1: Submit the online application

Applicants must visit the official website: www.visaforchina.cn

Create an account, complete the visa application form, and upload all required documents online.

After submitting the application, you must wait for a confirmation email. The application is considered valid only after receiving the confirmation.

Step 2: Preliminary review

The Chinese Visa Application Service Center will conduct a preliminary review of the submitted documents and forward the application to the Chinese consular authorities for further evaluation.

Step 3: Submit original documents

Once your online application is approved, you will receive an email notification with further instructions.

Applicants must print the visa application receipt and bring it along with their passport and original documents to the Chinese Visa Application Center.

Step 4: Collect the visa and pay the fee

Return to the visa center on the scheduled date to receive the result and pay the visa fee in cash (USD).

To avoid processing delays, make sure all documents and information are accurate before submission.

Chinese visa fees for foreigners

Visa fee charged by the Chinese embassy or consulate

• Single-entry visa: 45 USD
• Double-entry visa: 90 USD
• Multiple-entry visa (6 months): 120 USD
• Multiple-entry visa (1 year): 180 USD

Chinese visa application service center fee

• Fixed service fee: 690,000 VND

Important notes about payment

Service fee payment

The visa service fee is paid in Vietnamese Dong (VND) when submitting the application. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa result.

Visa fee payment

The visa fee is collected on behalf of the Chinese Embassy. If the visa is approved, you will pay the fee in USD when collecting your visa.

If the visa is refused, the visa fee will not be charged.

Applicants should also budget for additional expenses such as:

• Document translation and notarization
• Courier services
• Urgent processing (if required)

Where to apply for a Chinese visa in Vietnam

Foreign nationals can submit their visa applications at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in Vietnam.

Chinese visa application center in Hanoi

• 7th Floor, Truong Thinh Building, Trang An Complex, No. 1 Phung Chi Kien Street, Nghia Do Ward, Hanoi
• Phone: 024 3275 3888

Working hours:

• Submission: 9:00 – 15:00 (Monday to Friday, except holidays)
• Collection: 9:00 – 15:00

Chinese visa application center in Da Nang

Address:

• 8th Floor, Indochina Riverside Towers, 74 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
• Phone: 023 6382 2211

Working hours:

• Submission: 9:00 – 15:00
• Collection: 9:00 – 15:00

Chinese visa application center in Ho Chi Minh City

Address:

• P1607–1609, 16th Floor, Saigon Trade Center 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 1900 561 599
• Email: [email protected]

Working hours:

• Submission: 9:00 – 15:00
• Collection: 9:00 – 15:00

Chinese visa service for foreigners at Tan Van Lang

If you are a foreigner currently living in Vietnam and need to enter China, Tan Van Lang offers professional Chinese visa services for foreigners to help simplify the entire process.

With over 20 years of experience in visa consulting, our team supports clients from document preparation to visa collection.

Our service process

► Visa consultation

We analyze your travel purpose and recommend the most suitable visa type.

► Document preparation

Our specialists assist you in preparing complete and compliant documentation.

► Application submission and monitoring

We represent clients in dealing with visa authorities and closely monitor the application progress.

► Visa delivery

Once the visa is issued, we return your passport promptly or arrange delivery if needed.

Frequently asked questions about Chinese visas for foreigners

Applying for a Chinese visa for foreigners in Vietnam requires careful preparation and compliance with the latest visa procedures. Understanding the requirements, documents, and application steps will significantly increase your chances of approval.

If you need assistance with the Chinese visa application process, contact Tan Van Lang Visa via our hotline for professional consultation and support. Our experienced team will guide you through every step to ensure a smooth and successful visa application.