Chinese Visa Guide for UK Businesses
- Kristina Coluccia
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Updated: May 7
As China strengthens its position as a key global economy, UK companies are increasingly exploring business opportunities in the region — from market entry and client engagement to long-term investment and talent deployment. Understanding China’s visa landscape is essential for ensuring smooth business travel, legal compliance, and workforce mobility.
Despite China’s expanding visa-free policies, UK citizens still need to apply for the appropriate visa when traveling for work, commercial activities, or extended stays. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of current Chinese visa rules, categories, and compliance steps specifically for UK business travelers, employees, and company owners.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Enter China?
Yes. As of 2025, UK passport holders must apply for a visa to enter mainland China for any of the following purposes:
Attending business meetings, exhibitions, or trade fairs
Establishing or operating a business entity
Working or being assigned temporarily to a Chinese partner or office
Studying or participating in an exchange programme
Visiting family members living in China
Staying for more than the short-term transit duration
Even though China has introduced visa-free policies for certain countries, the UK is not currently included in those exemptions. Therefore, UK companies sending personnel to China must ensure the correct visa type is applied for — based on the purpose and length of stay.
Overview of Key Visa Categories for UK Businesses
Visa Type | Purpose | Typical UK Business Use Case | Key Documents Required |
M Visa | Commercial/business activities | Business travel, trade fairs, client meetings | Invitation letter from Chinese company, flight/hotel details |
Z Visa | Employment | UK staff assigned to work in China | Work permit notice, employer invitation |
F Visa | Non-commercial exchanges | Research, training, site visits | Letter of invitation from Chinese host |
R Visa | High-level talent | Senior executives, specialists | Government-designated talent documentation |
L Visa | Tourism | Executive leisure travel or mixed-purpose trips | Proof of accommodation and itinerary |
S1/S2 Visa | Private visits to working relatives | Family members accompanying UK expats in China | Proof of relationship, host details |
Q1/Q2 Visa | Family reunification | Long-term relocation with family | Proof of kinship and residency in China |
X1/X2 Visa | Study | Employee training or education programs | Admission confirmation from Chinese institution |
China’s Visa-Free Transit Policy: What UK Companies Should Know
UK travelers en route to a third country may qualify for short-term visa-free transit through China, generally ranging from 24 to 144 hours, depending on the city. However, this only applies if you're in transit and not engaging in business activities. Business meetings, even during transit, require a valid M or Z visa.
Applying for a Chinese Visa from the UK
UK applicants must go through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). As of 2025, the process is partly digital but still requires in-person or courier submission of physical documents.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Complete the online application at the official CVASC portal.
Book an appointment at the CVASC in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh (if required).
Prepare supporting documents based on the visa type (see table above).
Attend your appointment or send a representative to submit documents.
Provide biometric data (fingerprints) if required.
Collect your visa or opt for courier delivery.
Visa Fees and Processing Times for UK Applicants
Visa Type | Standard Fee (GBP) | Express Service | Expected Processing Time |
Single Entry | £151 | Additional £45–£90 | 4 working days (standard) |
Double Entry | £178 | 2–3 days (express) | |
Multiple Entry (6 mo.) | £210 | 1 day (urgent, limited availability) | |
Multiple Entry (12 mo.) | £231 |
Fees subject to change. Additional service charges may apply depending on the visa centre and application method.
UK Company Compliance After Entry into China
1. Register Temporary Residence
All foreign visitors must register their place of residence within 24 hours of arrival. For hotels, this is automatic. For private stays, your team must register at the local police station.
2. Apply for a Residence Permit (If Staying Long-Term)
If your UK employees are relocating to China for more than 6 months, they must convert their visa into a residence permit within 30 days of entry. This is commonly needed for Z (employment) and X1 (study) visas.
3. Obtain a Work Permit
Companies must apply for a work permit for foreign employees within 15 days of entry. As of late 2024, this can be handled digitally through the Electronic Social Security Card App and the Service System for Foreigners Working in China.
Extending or Changing Visa Status
Should your employee’s stay in China extend beyond the visa’s validity, they can apply for an extension or conversion through the local Public Security Bureau. This must be done before the current visa expires, and all relevant documents must reflect the updated purpose of stay.
Risks of Non-Compliance
UK businesses must understand the serious consequences of non-compliance:
Overstaying a visa may lead to fines, deportation, and bans from re-entry.
Illegal employment can result in detention and corporate penalties.
Failure to register residence could incur fines up to RMB 2,000 (approx. £220).
How Woodburn Can Support UK Companies Doing Business in China
At Woodburn Accountants & Advisors, we specialize in helping UK businesses seamlessly establish and operate in China.
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.
