Dear friend, if you're planning to come to China for business cooperation, cultural exchange, academic visits, or other purposes, you'll definitely need an invitation letter to China. Don't worry. Here's a detailed guide to help you obtain the invitation letter easily and embark on your journey to China!
亲爱的朋友，如果你正计划来到中国，无论是为了商务合作、文化交流，还是学术访问，你一定需要一份来华邀请函。别担心，这里有一份详细的指南，帮助你轻松搞定邀请函，开启你的中国之旅！
Generally, before foreigners come to China for economic, trade, scientific, technological, visiting, or exchange activities, they need to apply for the corresponding business (M) or visiting (F) visas at Chinese embassies or consulates abroad. Usually, an invitation letter issued by an inviting enterprise or institution is sufficient for the application. This applies to people from countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Egypt, etc. It also includes citizens of countries with mutual visa exemption agreements for ordinary passports, those eligible for specific visa - free policies, and those applicable to specific regional visa - free policies, who don't need a government - issued invitation letter. However, for people from some countries like Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, when applying for such visas, the embassy may also require them to provide an "official invitation letter" such as a TE invitation letter issued by the government or an invitation letter issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
一般来说，外国人来中国进行经贸、科技、访问、交流等活动前，需向中国驻外使领馆申请相应的商务（M）或访问（F）签证，通常由邀请方的企业或机构出具邀请函即可申请。比如：泰国、马来西亚、新加坡、印尼、美国、英国、法国、德国、南非、巴西、阿根廷、埃及等。还包括：实行互免普通护照签证协定的国家；符合特定免签政策的国家；适用特定地区免签政策的国家，也无需政府邀请函。但对于巴基斯坦、土耳其、伊朗、伊拉克、叙利亚等部分国家的人员，在申请此类签证时，使馆还会要求其提供政府出具的 TE 邀请函，或者商务部出具的邀请函等“官方邀请函”。
1
Business Trips: Opening the Door to Cooperation
商务之旅：开启合作之门
If you plan to conduct business activities in China, such as trade negotiations, business cooperation, or participating in economic and trade exhibitions and conferences, you'll need a business invitation letter. This letter will help you apply for a business visa (M visa), allowing you to smoothly enter the Chinese market and expand your business territory.
如果你计划来中国开展商务活动，比如贸易洽谈、商务合作，或者参加经贸类展会、会议，那么你需要一份商务邀请函。这份邀请函将帮助你申请商务签证（M字签证），让你顺利进入中国市场，拓展你的商业版图。
Contact the Inviting Unit: Find a Chinese partner or inviting unit and ask them to assist you in applying for the invitation letter.
Prepare Materials: The inviting unit submits application materials to the local commerce department (system), including your personal information, purpose of visit, and itinerary.
Submit the Application: The inviting unit submits the materials to the commerce department. After passing the review, the commerce department will issue the invitation letter.
联系邀请单位：找到中国的合作伙伴或邀请单位，让其协助你申请邀请函。
准备材料：邀请单位向当地商务部门（系统）提交申请材料，包括你的个人信息、访问目的、行程安排等。
提交申请：邀请单位将材料提交至商务部门，商务部门审核通过后，会发放邀请函。
Plan in Advance: It is recommended to start the application process 1 - 2 months in advance to ensure sufficient time for handling relevant procedures.
Ensure Material Authenticity: Make sure all submitted materials are true and valid to avoid application rejection due to false information.
提前规划：建议提前1-2个月开始申请，以确保有足够的时间处理相关手续。
材料真实：确保所有提交的材料真实有效，避免因虚假信息导致申请被拒。
2
Cultural Exchanges and Academic Visits: Exploring the Charm of China
文化交流与学术访问：探索中国魅力
If you come to China for cultural exchanges, academic visits, scientific research cooperation, or to participate in educational, sports, cultural, and artistic activities, you'll need a visiting invitation letter. This letter will help you apply for a visiting visa (F visa), enabling you to deeply experience China's culture, history, and modern development.
如果你来中国是为了文化交流、学术访问、科研合作，或者参加教育、体育、文化艺术活动，那么你需要一份访问邀请函。这份邀请函将帮助你申请访问签证（F字签证），让你深入体验中国的文化、历史和现代发展。
Contact the Inviting Unit: Find a Chinese cooperative institution, school, research unit, or cultural organization and ask them to assist you in applying for the invitation letter.
Prepare Materials: The inviting unit submits application materials to the foreign affairs department, including the Approval Form for Inviting Foreigners to China, the list of personnel, the itinerary in China, a copy of the passport visa page, and a guarantee letter.
Submit the Application: The inviting unit submits the materials to the foreign affairs department/system. After passing the review by the foreign affairs department (within 5 working days), the invitation letter will be issued.
联系邀请单位：找到中国的合作机构、学校、科研单位或文化团体，让其协助你申请邀请函。
准备材料：邀请单位向外事部门提交申请材料，包括：邀请外国人来华审批表；人员名单；来华日程安排；护照签证页复印件；担保函。
提交申请：邀请单位将材料提交至外事部门/系统，外事部门审核通过后（5个工作日），会发放邀请函。
Clearly Define the Purpose: Clearly state your purpose of visit and plans in the application materials, which will help speed up the review process.
Be Flexible and Adjust: According to the requirements of the foreign affairs department, you may need to adjust your itinerary or plans. Keep communication channels open.
明确目的：在申请材料中清晰说明你的访问目的和计划，这将有助于加快审批流程。
灵活调整：根据外事部门的要求，可能需要对行程或计划进行调整，保持沟通畅通。
3
Invitations from Government Agencies and Public Institutions: Embarking on a Special Journey
政府机关与事业单位邀请：开启特殊之旅
If you are invited by Chinese government agencies, public institutions, scientific research institutions, universities, or social organizations for economic, trade - related or non - economic, trade - related activities, you usually need to apply for an invitation letter from the foreign affairs department. These institutions usually have rich experience and resources and can provide you with comprehensive support.
如果你被中国的政府机关、事业单位、科研院校或社会团体邀请，无论是经贸类还是非经贸类活动，通常需要向外事部门申请邀请函。这些机构通常有丰富的经验和资源，能够为你提供全面的支持。
Contact the Inviting Unit: Keep in touch with the inviting unit and understand the specific requirements and procedures.
Prepare Materials: The inviting unit will prepare complete application materials, including your personal information, purpose of visit, and itinerary.
Submit the Application: The inviting unit submits the materials to the foreign affairs department. After passing the review, the foreign affairs department will issue the invitation letter.
联系邀请单位：与邀请单位保持沟通，了解具体要求和流程。
准备材料：邀请单位将准备完整的申请材料，包括你的个人信息、访问目的、行程安排等。
提交申请：邀请单位将材料提交至外事部门，外事部门审核通过后，会发放邀请函。
Understand the Policies: Different regions may have different specific regulations. It is recommended to consult the local foreign affairs department in advance.
Plan Your Time: Plan your itinerary in advance to ensure sufficient time for handling the invitation letter and visa applications.
政策了解：不同地区可能有不同的具体规定，建议提前咨询当地外事部门。
时间规划：提前规划行程，确保有足够的时间处理邀请函和签证申请。
Regardless of whether your purpose is business cooperation, cultural exchange, or academic visit, China provides you with a vast stage. With a long - standing history, splendid culture, and rapidly developing economy, China is a land full of opportunities.
无论你的目的是商务合作、文化交流还是学术访问，中国都为你提供了广阔的舞台。这里有着悠久的历史、灿烂的文化和快速发展的经济，是一个充满机遇的地方。
Author 作者 | Ryan