Doing Business in China- How to Apply for a China Business Visa in Nigeria

By Shelah Jegede

15 November 2019

China has risen to be the world?s 2nd biggest economy and largest exporter (after USA), the Chinese economy shows no signs of slowing down and is predicted to have grown by 6.3% this year, making the nation a force to be reckoned with. Nigerians who are looking to travel to China to start up business are required to apply for a China Business Visa.

To read more on the visa information for China, click here.

The Chinese business culture can be very challenging as communication can be a barrier, unless you speak Mandarin Chinese, with a translator often being required. Many Chinese business personnel do not like to say ?no? to requests they believe that to do so would cause embarrassment. So you should be wary of phrases such as ?Yes but it might be difficult? and ?Yes, probably? as they can often lead to misunderstandings

Documents Needed to Apply for a China Business Visa

Nigerians who want to apply for a China Business Visa are required to provide certain documents. They include:

  • Current passport with at least 6 months of validity and at least one blank visa page.
  • One completed and signed Visa Application Form (BG-01) with one additional passport photo (black & white or colored).
  • One 33mm ? 48mm passport-sized photograph.
  • Invitation letter from a Chinese company.
  • Proof of legal stay, residence status, employment or student status, or valid certificates needs to be provided by relevant authorities from your home country.
  • The business license of your company or certificated business license by the Foreign Ministry.
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months as proof of financial means.
A business license
A business license

Types of China Business Visa

  1. Commerce and trade (M): This visa is for travelers who plan to conduct commercial or trade work within China (internships don?t count). It can be set either for single entry or multiple entries.
  2. Talent Visa (R): A visa for people who have a skill or talent (at a high level) that is in urgent need in China.
  3. The Work Visa (Z): This single-entry visa is for a person who comes to China to work for a Chinese company, rather than to represent the interests of a foreign business.

Tips for Doing Business in China

Here are some tips that are necessary to learn while doing business in China:

  • Collaborate with your business partners with long-term goals in mind.
  • Consider that there are big cultural differences, such as the Lunar calendar.
  • Respect the Chinese view of the world.
  • Understand that no company in China is disconnected from politics.
  • Hire local partners and learn from them.

In the Chinese business culture, it is regarded as impolite to look people straight in the eye. Chinese professionals tend to look down, lowering the eyes as a mark of respect. When doing business in China it is also very important to remember that respect plays a large role in the cultural nature of Chinese business and society.

Are you also interested in touring China? Read here to know more on how to get a China Tourist Visa.

The China Business Visa Fee.

Double-Entry with 6-month Validity 21,000 naira
Multi-entry with 6 months validity 28,000 naira
Multi-entry with 12 months validity 42,000 naira

The China Business Visa processing time.

Normally it takes 4 business days for a regular business visa application, if all the documents meet requirements.

The Embassy of China in Nigeria.

Since China has become a world center for business, you can go on a business trip to China. We can help you with the process, click here to get connected to a visa agent.

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