China Visa Guide for Irish Businesses

As Ireland deepens trade and investment links with China, more Irish companies are looking east for new opportunities. Whether you’re exploring supplier partnerships, attending trade fairs, launching a subsidiary, or relocating staff, understanding China’s visa system is essential to operate legally and effectively.

While China has broadened its visa-free access to many countries, Irish passport holders still require a visa for most purposes of entry. This guide is tailored specifically for Irish companies and professionals engaging with China in 2025, outlining who needs a visa, what type to apply for, how to stay compliant, and how Woodburn can support your market entry.

Do Irish Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to China?

Yes. As of 2025, citizens of Ireland must apply for a visa to enter mainland China for:

• Business trips and commercial negotiations

• Attending trade shows, conferences, or exhibitions

• Working in China (short- or long-term assignments)

• Studying or attending academic exchanges

• Visiting family residing in China

• Any stay beyond short-term transit

While China has extended visa-free status to some European countries, Ireland is not currently on the list, meaning all travel for business, work, or personal visits requires the appropriate visa.

Which Visa Types Are Most Relevant for Irish Businesses?

Visa Type	Purpose	Common Irish Use Cases	Key Documents Required
M Visa	Business and trade activities	Visiting suppliers, attending fairs, negotiations	Invitation letter from Chinese company, flight/hotel bookings
Z Visa	Employment	Irish employees seconded to China	Notification of work permit, company invitation letter
F Visa	Non-commercial visits	Inspections, training, or academic exchanges	Official invitation from the host organisation
R Visa	High-end foreign talent	Senior executives, specialists in key sectors	Certified talent recognition from Chinese authorities
L Visa	Tourism	Mixed-purpose travel	Return tickets, accommodation proof, or private host invitation
S1/S2 Visa	Private visits	Family members joining Irish expats	Proof of relationship, host residence documents
X1/X2 Visa	Study	Staff education or language training	Admission confirmation from a Chinese institution

Transit Without Visa (TWOV): Limited Applicability for Irish Travelers

Irish travelers can benefit from China’s short-term visa-free transit policies (ranging from 24 to 144 hours), but only when transiting to a third country. Business activity during this period is not allowed. Always confirm your route qualifies before relying on TWOV.

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa from Ireland

Visa applications must be submitted to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Dublin or via their official portal.

Visa Application Process for Irish Nationals:

1. Fill out the online application form on the CVASC website.

2. Book an appointment for in-person submission (if required).

3. Prepare supporting documents based on the visa category (see table above).

4. Attend your appointment or submit documents by post, if permitted.

5. Provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, at the visa center.

6. Collect your visa or request postal return after processing.

Fees and Processing Times for Chinese Visa Irish Businesses

Visa Type	Standard Fee (EUR)	Express/Urgent Fees	Processing Time
Single Entry	€70	€100–€140	4 working days
Double Entry	€90		2–3 working days
Multiple Entry (6 mo.)	€105		Same day (urgent)
Multiple Entry (12 mo.)	€140

Prices subject to change and do not include service center administrative fees.

Important Requirements After Entering China

1. Temporary Residence Registration

Irish travelers must register their address with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels handle this automatically. If staying in a private apartment or with a host, you must register at the local police station in person.

2. Apply for a Residence Permit

If your stay will exceed 180 days (e.g. for work or study), you must convert your entry visa to a residence permit within 30 days of arriving. Required documents will depend on your visa type (e.g. employment contract, admission letter, proof of relationship).

3. Apply for a Work Permit (for Z Visa Holders)

All employees working in China must obtain a work permit within 15 days of entering the country. As of December 2024, the process is digital via the Electronic Social Security Card App and the Service System for Foreigners Working in China.

Visa Extensions, Renewals, and Changes

If your Irish employees need to stay longer than initially planned, they can apply for a visa extension or a new visa category through the Exit and Entry Bureau of the Public Security Bureau. This must be done before the existing visa or permit expires.

Penalties for Visa Violations

Failing to comply with China’s immigration rules can have serious consequences, including:

• Fines of up to RMB 10,000

• Deportation and entry bans for up to 5 years

• Detention or legal proceedings in severe cases

Always ensure Irish employees and visitors to China are operating within legal boundaries and timeframes.

How Woodburn Helps Irish Companies Operate in China

Expanding into China presents incredible opportunities — but it also requires local knowledge and compliance. That’s where Woodburn Accountants & Advisors can help. We offer trusted expertise for Irish companies at every stage of their China journey:

Let Woodburn guide your China expansion with confidence.

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Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.

Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.

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