意大利人来华签证怎么办理？How do Italians apply for a visa to China?

一、中意建交55周年：共绘开放互利新蓝图，携手造福两国人民

I.55th Anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic ties: Jointly draw a new blueprint for openness and mutual benefit to benefit our two peoples

国家副主席韩正会见意大利参议长拉鲁萨

图源中国外交部

中国和意大利1970年11月6日建交，1985年6月互设米兰、上海总领事馆，后又在多地设馆。2004年建立全面战略伙伴关系，近年高层互访增多，双边关系发展。意是中国在欧盟第四大贸易伙伴，中国是意亚洲第一大贸易伙伴。

今年是建交55周年重要里程碑，中方愿与意携手推动双边关系朝成熟稳定、开放互利发展，惠及两国人民。中意多领域合作互补互利，契合发展需求。中国推进高水平开放和高质量发展，为自身及世界经济增添动力。

二、意大利人来华工作的机遇

II. Opportunities for South Italian to work in China

工作许可制度

根据《外国人在中国就业管理规定》，用人单位聘用意大利人须为其申请就业许可，经获准并取得《中华人民共和国外国人就业许可证书》后方可聘用。意大利人在中国就业须年满18周岁，身体健康，具有从事其工作所必需的专业技能和相应的工作经历，无犯罪记录，有确定的聘用单位，持有有效护照或能代替护照的其他国际旅行证件。

签证要求

意大利人应持Z字签证入境（有互免签证协议的，按协议办理），入境后取得《外国人就业证》和外国人居留证件，方可在中国境内就业。

企业领域

中央所属企业及二级子公司、世界500强企业全球或地区总部、国家高新技术企业等会聘用具有高级管理或技术职务的意大利人。此外，跨国公司派遣的中层以上雇员、外国企业常驻中国代表机构的首席代表和代表等岗位也为意大利人提供了就业机会。

图源网络

Work permit system

According to the "Regulations on the Employment Management of Foreigners in China", employers who hire Italians must apply for employment permits for them. Only after obtaining approval and the "Employment Permit Certificate for Foreigners of the People's Republic of China" can they be employed. Italians who wish to be employed in China must be at least 18 years old, in good health, possess the necessary professional skills and corresponding work experience for their jobs, have no criminal record, have a definite employer, and hold a valid passport or other international travel documents that can replace a passport.

Visa requirements

Italians should enter China with a Z visa (if there is a mutual visa exemption agreement, it should be handled in accordance with the agreement). After entering the country, they must obtain the "Foreigner Employment Permit" and the Foreigner Residence Permit before they can be employed within the territory of Chna.

Enterprise field

Central enterprises and their second-level subsidiaries, global or regional headquarters of Fortune 500 companies, and national high-tech enterprises will employ Italians with senior management or technical positions. In addition, positions such as middle-level and above employees dispatched by multinational companies, chief representatives and representatives of foreign enterprises' permanent representative offices in China, etc., also provide employment opportunities for Italians.

三、意大利人来华学习的机会

III. Opportunities for Italian to study in China

奖学金政策

根据《中意开展教育合作的执行计划》，中国政府向意大利公民提供全额奖学金。2025/2026学年提供23个全额奖学金名额，扣除在华继续学习者占用的名额，实际招收10名。申请类别包括博士研究生、硕士研究生、本科生和进修生，申请人需满足相应的学历、年龄、语言等要求。

签证政策

意大利人来华学习通常需申请X2签证，需准备护照、签证申请表、照片、境内招收单位出具的录取通知书原件及复印件等材料。此外，截至2025年3月，意大利普通护照持有人来华经商、旅游观光、探亲访友、交流访问、过境不超过30天，可免签入境，这也为意大利学生短期来华交流学习提供了便利。

短期交流项目

一些高校会举办短期交流项目，如同济大学2025年7月举办的意大利暑期学校，面向在意大利学习中文课程的留学生，组织为期14天的上海和成都双城访学活动，包括参访校园、科研实验室，学习汉语及传统文化课程，体验手工艺实践等。

图源网络

Scholarship Policy

According to the "Implementation Plan for Educational Cooperation between China and Italy", the Chinese government offers full scholarships to Italian citizens. For the 2025/2026 academic year, 23 full scholarship places will be offered. After deducting the places occupied by continuing learners in China, 10 students will actually be recruited. The application categories include doctoral students, master's students, undergraduate students and visiting students. Applicants must meet the corresponding requirements in terms of education, age, language and other aspects.

Visa policy

Italians who come to study in China usually need to apply for an X2 visa and prepare materials such as their passports, visa application forms, photos, and the original and photocopies of the admission notices issued by the domestic recruiting institutions. In addition, as of March 2025, holders of Italian ordinary passports can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit for no more than 30 days. This also provides convenience for Italian students to come to China for short-term exchange and study.

Short-term exchange program

Some universities organize short-term exchange programs. For instance, Tongji University will host an Italian Summer school in July 2025, which is aimed at international students studying Chinese in Italy. It will organize a 14-day study visit to Shanghai and Chengdu, including campus visits and research laboratories, learning Chinese and traditional culture courses, and experiencing handicraft practices.

图源网络

四、签证办理指南

IV. Visa Application Guide

（1）签证类型与基础材料

工作签证（Z签证）

核心材料：

有效期6个月以上的护照原件（空白签证页≥3页）。

彩色打印的签证申请表（需在线填写并签字，网址：https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/）。

6个月内白底2寸彩照2张。

中国雇主出具的邀请函原件或传真件。

单位派遣函。

护照首页复印件。

特殊要求：需提供无犯罪记录证明、学历证明及体检证明（部分使领馆可能要求）。

学习签证（X签证）

核心材料：

有效期6个月以上的护照原件。

彩色打印的签证申请表。

6个月内白底2寸彩照2张。

录取通知书原件及《外国留学人员来华签证申请表》（JW201/202表）。

资金担保证明（如银行存款证明）。

注意事项：申请X1签证（长期学习）需在入境后30日内申办居留证件。

商务签证（M签证）

核心材料：

有效期6个月以上的护照原件。

彩色打印的签证申请表。

6个月内白底2寸彩照2张。

中方公司出具的邀请函（需包含经贸活动详情、费用承担方等信息）。

派遣函（需包含申请人信息、职位、出访目的等）。

特殊要求：若非在国籍国申请，需提供合法停留或居留证明。

（2）办理流程

在线填写申请表：登录中国签证在线办理系统（https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/），如实填写并提交申请表。上传符合要求的照片（近期、正面、彩色、免冠）。

递交材料：网上初审通过后，无需预约即可前往中国驻意大利大使馆或签证申请中心递交护照及材料。

需留存十指指纹（未满14周岁或超过70周岁人员、持外交护照人员等可免采）。

缴费与等待审批：

缴费标准：普通签证费用因签证类型及有效期而异（如Z签证费用约2435元人民币起，含手续费）。

审批时间：普通4个工作日，加急3个工作日（含递交护照当日）。

领取签证：

审批通过后，凭取证单及缴费凭证领取护照及签证。

（3）注意事项材料真实性：

所有材料需真实、完整，虚假材料将导致拒签或入境受阻。

邀请函要求：邀请函需明确访问目的、时间、停留期、费用承担方等信息，并由邀请人亲笔签名（电子签名无效）。

生物信息采集：除免采指纹人员外，均需到馆采集指纹。

加急服务：加急费约1000元人民币/人，3个工作日出签。

入境后手续：持Z签证或X1签证入境后，需在30日内向拟居留地公安机关申办居留证件。

图源网络

(1) Visa Type and Basic Materials: 

Core materials for a work visa (Z visa) :

An original passport valid for more than 6 months (with at least 3 blank visa pages). 

Color print visa application form (online fill out and sign, url: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/). 

Two 2-inch color photos with a white background taken within six months. 

The original invitation letter issued by the Chinese employer or the fax copy. Unit dispatch letter. 

A copy of the first page of the passport. 

Special requirements: A certificate of no criminal record, academic qualifications and a physical examination certificate must be provided (some embassies and consulates may require this). 

Core materials for the study visa (X visa) : 

An original passport valid for more than six months. 

The visa application form printed in color. 

Two 2-inch color photos with a white background taken within six months. 

The original admission notice and the "Visa Application Form for Foreign Students to Study in China" (JW201/202 form). Proof of financial guarantee (such as bank deposit certificate). 

Note: To apply for the X1 visa (long-term study), a residence permit must be applied for within 30 days after entry. 

Core materials for a business visa (M visa) : 

An original passport valid for more than six months. 

The visa application form printed in color. 

Two 2-inch color photos with a white background taken within six months. 

The invitation letter issued by the Chinese company (which should include details of the economic and trade activities, the party bearing the costs, etc.). 

Dispatch letter (which should include the applicant's information, position, purpose of visit, etc.) 

Special requirements: If the application is not made in the country of nationality, a legal proof of stay or residence must be provided. 

(2)fill out the application formonline process: 

login Chinese visa online conduction system (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/), truthfully fill out and submit the application form. Upload photos that meet the requirements (recent, frontal, color, and bareheaded). After the online initial review is passed, you can go to the Chinese Embassy in Italian or the Visa Application center to submit your passport and relevant materials without making an appointment. Fingerprints of all ten fingers must be collected (those under 14 years old or over 70 years old, and those holding diplomatic passports, etc. are exempt from collection). Payment and waiting for approval: Payment standard: The cost of a regular visa varies depending on the type and validity period of the visa (for example, the cost of a Z visa starts from approximately 2,435 RMB, including handling fees). Approval time: Regular 4 working days, expedited 3 working days (including the day of passport submission). After approval, collect your passport and visa with the receipt and payment voucher. 

(3) Notes the Authenticity of Materials: 

All materials must be true and complete. False materials will result in visa rejection or obstruction of entry. Invitation letter requirements: The invitation letter must clearly state the purpose of the visit, time, duration of stay, and the party bearing the expenses, etc., and be signed by the inviter in person (electronic signatures are invalid). Biometric information collection: All individuals except those exempted from fingerprint collection are required to come to the library for fingerprint collection. Express service: The express fee is approximately 1,000 RMB per person, and the visa will be issued within 3 working days. After entry procedures: After entering the country with a Z visa or X1 visa, you need to apply for a residence permit from the public security organ of the intended place of residence within 30 days.