英国人来华签证如何办理How to apply for visas for British people to China？

中新网成都12月23日电(单鹏)英中商业发展中心主席约翰·麦克莱恩对四川并不陌生。日前在成都举行的世界显示产业创新发展大会上，他表示将推动英中两国企业在超高清显示、新型材料研发等领域的合作，探索更多双赢的合作模式。这是时隔半个月后，他再次到访成都。

今年12月初，麦克莱恩赴成都参加英中商业发展中心与四川省贸促会共同举行的，四川省服务外资企业政企对话会暨四川—英国企业对接交流会。当时，20余家英国企业代表与四川省政府官员围绕投资和市场进入策略进行了面对面交流。“我现在的工作之一是把英国公司带到中国。”他在接受采访时如是说道。

今年12月初，英中商业发展中心与四川省贸促会在成都举行了四川省服务外资企业政企对话会暨四川—英国企业对接交流会。

麦克莱恩的中国之旅始于1999年。彼时，中国高速的经济增长吸引麦克莱恩不远万里来到中国，从事纺织、进出口、资本运作等业务。2021年，麦克莱恩在英国伦敦成立英中商业发展中心，致力于推动中英之间经贸、科技、投资、教育、文化等多领域合作。

“在英国或其他西方国家，成都、重庆等中国西部城市仍不太为人所知，但这并不意味着没有合作机会。”麦克莱恩认为，成都和重庆具有“后发优势”，在借鉴中国东部沿海城市的发展经验的同时，可逐渐形成自己的独特优势，“成都目前在全球产业集群中占有重要地位，在生物医药、清洁能源、电子信息等领域具有很强的实力，我们也欢迎中国企业前往英国的‘舞台’尽情展示。”

麦克莱恩表示，英中商业发展中心已经与中国贸促部门有了非常紧密的联系，“我认为关键在于贸促会的理念，它是关于促进商业的，而这正是我们的目标。我们分享相同的做事方法，虽然我们可能从不同的角度出发，但要说我们有共同的计划或目标，那就是在两国之间创造贸易。”

近几年，麦克莱恩还去过中国许多城市，看到不同地区的增长潜力和发展预期。在江苏南京，他体会到科创金融的活力；在湖北武汉，他看到智能汽车发展的“加速度”；在广东深圳，他领略了智能设备、电动汽车、生物医药等产业对于全球投资的强大吸引力。一站站的走访加深了他对中国经济持续增长的信心。他认为，随着中国的现代化进程，机遇愈发清晰可见。

从四通八达的铁路系统到连接世界的航空网络，从快速发展的绿色技术到驰骋着的电动汽车，从中产阶级崛起到绝对贫困消除，中国的日新月异令麦克莱恩感到兴奋。“中国电动汽车的成功绝不是一夜之间发生的。”此前在参观一家中国新能源车企时，麦克莱恩感叹道，“中国对电动汽车的研发至少已有10年，而英国才刚刚起步，我相信合作一定能带来双赢。”中国改革开放后，中英经济合作进入快速发展时期，英国企业增加对华投资，中英贸易规模不断扩大。但麦克莱恩发现，当下仍有不少英国企业对中国缺乏了解。

今年9月，麦克莱恩带领一支英国金融科技代表团参访北京、武汉和南京。该代表团成员主要是金融科技界的企业家，但绝大多数人此行前从未来过中国。“中国有一句话叫作‘眼见为实’，英国企业应该尽可能多地来到这里。”麦克莱恩说道，当英国企业家们走进中国的企业，才发现中国远比想象中发达。在与中国企业家热烈“碰撞”中，他们找到了合作机会，并达成了一些协议。

Chengdu, December 23 (Xinhua) -- John McClane, Chairman of the UK China Business Development Center, is no stranger to Sichuan. At the World Display Industry Innovation and Development Conference held in Chengdu recently, he stated that he will promote cooperation between British and Chinese enterprises in areas such as ultra high definition displays and new material research and development, and explore more win-win cooperation models. This is his second visit to Chengdu after half a month. 

In early December this year, McLean went to Chengdu to attend the Sichuan Provincial Government Enterprise Dialogue and Sichuan UK Enterprise Matchmaking and Exchange Conference jointly held by the UK China Business Development Center and the Sichuan Council for the Promotion of International Trade. At that time, representatives from over 20 British companies had face-to-face discussions with officials from the Sichuan Provincial Government regarding investment and market entry strategies. One of my current jobs is to bring British companies to China, "he said in an interview.

 In early December of this year, the UK China Business Development Center and the Sichuan Council for the Promotion of International Trade held a Sichuan Provincial Government Enterprise Dialogue and Sichuan UK Enterprise Matchmaking and Exchange Conference in Chengdu. 

McLean's journey to China began in 1999. At that time, China's rapid economic growth attracted McLean to travel thousands of miles to engage in businesses such as textiles, import and export, and capital operations. In 2021, McLean established the UK China Business Development Center in London, dedicated to promoting cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, technology, investment, education, and culture between China and the UK. In the UK or other Western countries, cities in western China such as Chengdu and Chongqing are still relatively unknown, but this does not mean that there are no opportunities for cooperation.

 "McLean believes that Chengdu and Chongqing have a" latecomer advantage "and can gradually form their own unique advantages while learning from the development experience of coastal cities in eastern China." Chengdu currently occupies an important position in the global industrial cluster and has strong strength in fields such as biomedicine, clean energy, and electronic information. We also welcome Chinese companies to go to the UK's "stage" to showcase themselves, "McLean said.

The UK China Business Development Center has already established very close ties with China's trade promotion department." I think the key is the concept of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, which is about promoting business. And that's exactly our goal. We share the same approach to doing things, although we may approach it from different perspectives, but if we have a common plan or goal, it is to create trade between the two countries .

In recent years, McLean has also visited many cities in China and seen the growth potential and development expectations of different regions. In Nanjing, Jiangsu, he experienced the vitality of science and technology innovation finance; In Wuhan, Hubei, he saw the "acceleration" of the development of intelligent vehicles; In Shenzhen, Guangdong, he experienced the strong attraction of industries such as smart devices, electric vehicles, and biomedicine to global investment. The one-stop visits have deepened his confidence in the sustained growth of the Chinese economy. He believes that with China's modernization process, opportunities are becoming increasingly clear and visible. 

From the well connected railway system to the aviation network connecting the world, from rapidly developing green technologies to galloping electric vehicles, from the rise of the middle class to the elimination of absolute poverty, China's rapid progress has excited McLean. The success of electric vehicles in China did not happen overnight, "McLean exclaimed during a visit to a Chinese new energy vehicle company." China has been researching and developing electric vehicles for at least 10 years, while the UK has just started. I believe that cooperation will definitely bring a win-win situation. "After China's reform and opening up, China UK economic cooperation entered a period of rapid development, British companies increased their investment in China, and the scale of China UK trade continued to expand. But McLean found that there are still many British companies that lack understanding of China. 

In September this year, McLean led a British fintech delegation to visit Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing. The delegation members are mainly entrepreneurs from the fintech industry, but the vast majority of them have never been to China before this trip. There is a saying in China called 'seeing is believing', and British companies should come here as much as possible, "McLean said. When British entrepreneurs enter Chinese companies, they realize that China is far more developed than they imagined. In the passionate collision with Chinese entrepreneurs, they found opportunities for cooperation and reached some agreements.

‌制造业投资机会‌：自2024年11月1日起，中国全面取消了制造业领域的外资准入限制，这意味着英国企业可以平等地参与中国制造业的市场竞争和合作。英国企业可以在中国设立独资企业，参与出版物印刷和中药饮片生产等传统行业的竞争‌。

‌服务业投资机会‌：中国服务业的扩大开放为英国企业提供了广阔的市场机遇。特别是在金融、科技等领域，英国企业可以通过加强与中国的合作，拓展业务范围和市场空间‌。

‌贸易和投资合作‌：英国财政大臣计划于2025年1月访华，旨在促进英中两国的双向贸易和投资，特别是在伦敦的金融行业。此次访问将为英国企业提供更多的贸易和投资机会‌。

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具体行业机会‌：在医疗领域，中国计划在北京、上海、广州、深圳等9个城市设立外商独资医院，这为英国医疗企业提供了进入中国市场的新途径‌。

‌签证便利性‌：目前，英国人来华办理商务签证相对便捷，可以在香港申请中国签证，通常当天送签，选择加急服务后第二天即可拿到签证，方便英国人前来中国进行商务活动‌。

Manufacturing investment opportunities: Starting from November 1, 2024, China has completely lifted foreign investment access restrictions in the manufacturing sector, which means that British companies can participate equally in market competition and cooperation in China's manufacturing industry. British companies can establish wholly-owned enterprises in China to compete in traditional industries such as publication printing and traditional Chinese medicine decoction piece production. 

Investment opportunities in the service industry: The expansion and opening up of China's service industry has provided vast market opportunities for British enterprises. Especially in the fields of finance, technology, etc., British companies can expand their business scope and market space by strengthening cooperation with China. 

Trade and Investment Cooperation: The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer plans to visit China in January 2025 with the aim of promoting two-way trade and investment between the UK and China, particularly in the financial industry in London. This visit will provide more trade and investment opportunities for British businesses. 

Specific industry opportunities: In the healthcare sector, China plans to establish wholly foreign-owned hospitals in nine cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, providing a new avenue for British healthcare companies to enter the Chinese market. 

Visa convenience: At present, it is relatively convenient for British people to apply for a business visa in China. They can apply for a Chinese visa in Hong Kong. The visa is usually delivered on the same day, and they can get the visa the next day after choosing the expedited service, which is convenient for British people to come to China for business activities.

治安状况良好‌：中国治安世界领先，90%的受访者认为独自走夜路是安全的。地铁站和景区大街上都有武警站岗和巡逻员，这为留学生提供了极高的安全感‌。

‌气候多样性‌：中国气候多样，北部寒冷干燥，南部温暖湿润，留学生可以根据自己的喜好选择学校位置‌。

‌美食丰富‌：中国是美食天堂，各种菜系应有尽有，许多留学生都被中国的美食深深吸引。英国留学生在中国可以品尝到丰富的中国美食，甚至在家就能吃遍各种各样的中国美食‌。

‌交通便利‌：中国的交通十分便利，地铁、公交、高铁、飞机等交通工具一应俱全，价格实惠且班次众多，出行非常便捷‌。

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生活便利‌：中国的移动支付、快递物流、外卖体系非常发达，生活非常便捷。英国留学生可以通过一部手机轻松购买生活必需品，享受高效的生活服务‌。

‌文化交流机会‌：中国一直致力于营造友善、宽容的国际形象，通过给予外籍学生特殊待遇来展示外交善意，促进各国人民之间的相互理解，有利于人文与学术交流‌。

Good security situation: China's security is world leading, with 90% of respondents believing it is safe to walk alone at night. There are armed police officers standing guard and patrolling on the subway stations and scenic streets, which provides a high sense of security for international students. 

Climate diversity: China has a diverse climate, with cold and dry northern regions and warm and humid southern regions. International students can choose the location of their schools according to their preferences.

 Abundant cuisine: China is a paradise for food, with a wide variety of cuisines available. Many international students are deeply attracted to Chinese cuisine. British international students in China can taste a rich variety of Chinese cuisine, and even enjoy all kinds of Chinese food at home. 

Convenient transportation: China's transportation is very convenient, with various modes of transportation such as subways, buses, high-speed trains, and airplanes available at affordable prices and with numerous schedules, making travel very convenient. 

Convenient living: China's mobile payment, express logistics, and food delivery systems are very developed, making life very convenient. British international students can easily purchase daily necessities and enjoy efficient life services through a mobile phone. 

Cultural exchange opportunities: China has always been committed to creating a friendly and tolerant international image, demonstrating diplomatic goodwill by giving foreign students special treatment, promoting mutual understanding among people of all countries, and facilitating cultural and academic exchanges.

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商务签证（M签证）‌：
有效护照：有效期至少6个月以上的护照原件及护照照片资料页复印件。
签证申请表：填写完整的签证申请表，并粘贴近期、正面、彩色、免冠照片。
邀请函：由中国境内的贸易合作方或相关单位出具的邀请函原件或传真件、复印件、打印件。邀请函应包含邀请人的基本信息、邀请目的、邀请期限（包括入境和离境日期）、访问地点等详细信息，并由邀请单位盖章和负责人签字。
其他材料：工作证明、公司资质证明、财产证明等文件‌。

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旅游签证（L签证）‌：
有效护照：有效期至少6个月以上的护照原件及护照照片资料页复印件。
签证申请表：填写完整的签证申请表，并粘贴近期、正面、彩色、免冠照片。
其他材料：自2024年1月1日起，中国驻部分国家使领馆减免L字签证申请材料，但具体要求可能因地区和使领馆而异。建议提前查询相关要求并准备必要的材料，如行程单、酒店预订信息等‌
。

‌工作签证（Z签证）‌：
有效护照：有效期至少6个月以上的护照原件及护照照片资料页复印件。
签证申请表：填写完整的签证申请表，并粘贴近期、正面、彩色、免冠照片。
《外国人工作许可通知》：提供人力资源和社会保障部门或者外国专家局签发的《外国人工作许可通知》原件及复印件。
雇佣合同：提供与在华企业或组织签订的雇佣合同原件或复印件。
无犯罪记录证明：提供由申请人所在国家的相关部门出具的无犯罪记录证明，并经中国驻该国使领馆认证。
体检证明：申请人需在中国指定的医疗机构进行体检，并获得体检报告，证明申请人身体健康，符合在华工作的要求‌。
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学习签证（X签证）‌：
有效护照：有效期至少6个月以上的护照原件及护照照片资料页复印件。
签证申请表：填写完整的签证申请表，并粘贴近期、正面、彩色、免冠照片。
录取通知书：中国境内院校出具的录取通知书原件及复印件。
学习计划：提供详细的学习计划。

经济担保证明：提供能够证明申请人经济能力的文件‌。

Business visa (M visa): 

Valid passport: Original passport with a validity period of at least 6 months and a copy of the passport photo information page. Visa Application Form: Fill out the complete visa application form and paste a recent, frontal, color, and bareheaded photo. Invitation letter: The original or fax copy, photocopy, or printed copy of the invitation letter issued by a trading partner or relevant unit within China. The invitation letter should include the basic information of the inviter, the purpose of the invitation, the invitation period (including entry and exit dates), the visit location, and other detailed information, and should be stamped and signed by the inviting unit and the person in charge. Other materials: work certificate, company qualification certificate, property certificate and other documents. 

Tourist visa (L visa): 

Valid passport: Original passport with a validity period of at least 6 months and a copy of the passport photo information page. Visa Application Form: Fill out the complete visa application form and paste a recent, frontal, color, and bareheaded photo. Other materials: Starting from January 1, 2024, Chinese embassies and consulates in some countries will waive the L visa application materials, but specific requirements may vary by region and consulate. It is recommended to check the relevant requirements in advance and prepare necessary materials, such as itinerary, hotel reservation information, etc.

Work visa (Z visa): Valid passport: Original passport with a validity period of at least 6 months and a copy of the passport photo information page. Visa Application Form: Fill out the complete visa application form and paste a recent, frontal, color, and bareheaded photo. Foreigner Work Permit Notice: provide the original and copy of Foreigner Work Permit Notice issued by the Human Resources and Social Security Department or the Foreign Experts Bureau. Employment Contract: Provide the original or photocopy of the employment contract signed with the enterprise or organization in China. Certificate of No Criminal Record: Provide a certificate of no criminal record issued by the relevant department of the applicant's country and authenticated by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in that country. Medical examination certificate: The applicant needs to undergo a medical examination at a designated medical institution in China and obtain a medical examination report to prove that the applicant is in good health and meets the requirements for working in China. 

Study visa (X visa): 

Valid passport: Original passport with a validity period of at least 6 months and a copy of the passport photo information page. Visa Application Form: Fill out the complete visa application form and paste a recent, frontal, color, and bareheaded photo. Admission Notice: The original and photocopy of the admission notice issued by a domestic institution in China. Study Plan: Provide a detailed study plan. Economic guarantee certificate: Provide documents that can prove the applicant's economic ability.

想要了解具体的办理材料和办理过程的话，可向我司的专业签证团队发起咨询！

If you want to know the specific application materials and process, you can consult our professional visa team!