Last updated 2026-05-04
Service visa to China for German citizens
Official visit visa, Official visa
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Issued for the government officers, consular officers and their accompanying spouses and minor children, who are holding service passports or UNLP passports (red or blue), traveling to China for official visit or transit. Foreign travelers can submit their entry information online before entering China using various official platforms, including the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website via PC or smartphone, the “NIA 12367” mobile app, or the WeChat (Alipay) mini program.
Eligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Government officer, consular officer, official passport holder, family member
Time frames and cost
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
For the duration of the mission
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The visa is usually valid for the entire duration of the mission.
For the duration of the mission
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The visa is usually valid for the entire duration of the mission.
For the duration of the mission
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
The visa is extended based on the individual situation of the foreigner.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Double-entry
The ability to enter the country only twice during the visa's validity period. This is typically used for transit visas and when multiple entries are required within a short timeframe, such as during travel to multiple countries.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
When applying for a Chinese visa, based on personal travel plans, all applicants fill in the proposed number of entries to Mainland China: 1 entry (within 3 months), 2 entries (valid for 3–6 months) and multiple entries (for 6 months or 1 year or more) and special remarks in the Chinese visa application form. The visa officer at the embassy/consulate will decide on the number of entries after reviewing the application materials and the intended purpose of travel to Mainland China.
from 4 days to 7 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Visa processing usually takes four working days if all supporting documents meet the requirements. However, in some special cases where additional documentation is required, the processing time may be extended. It is possible to submit the entry information online before entering China using various official platforms, including the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website via PC or smartphone, the “NIA 12367” mobile app, or the WeChat (Alipay) mini program.
Free of charge
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Holders of diplomatic/official passports are exempt from paying the consular fee.
Documents
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
Mandatory
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Visa application form
One visa application form completed online and signed by hand.
Photograph
Photo size must be 48mm x 33mm, with the head centered and measuring 15–22mm in width and 28–33mm in height. The face, neck, and upper shoulders should be clearly visible. The image must be high-resolution, recent (taken within six months), and free from creases, stains, or damage. Head coverings or hats are not permitted except for religious reasons if the face remains unobscured. Glasses are allowed only with untinted lenses, no glare, and frames must not cover the eyes.
Passport
Original service passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and a photocopy of the bio data page.
Supporting
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Verbal note or official letter
A verbal note or official letter issued by relevant government departments, which states the applicants' official identity and official purpose for visiting China.
Invitation letter
An official invitation letter from Chinese government departments or relevant diplomatic missions in China.
Additional
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Travel health insurance
Valid for the full duration of stay, covering at least €30,000, and include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, including in case of death.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Requirements
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Visa Information
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
English international
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Service visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Service visa
Sources
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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