An invitation letter for a China visa is a short document. It says who invites you, why you will visit, where you will stay, and how long you will stay.
Consulates use it to check your trip purpose and your sponsor in China.
Many visa types ask for this letter, such as family reunion, business, and some visitor visas.
Who can write the invitation letter
A person or group in China can write the letter.
This can be:
- A family member or friend who lives in China.
- A Chinese company or business partner.
- A travel agency or tour operator that organizes a group tour.
Business visits usually need a company letter.
Tourist visits may use a host letter or confirmed flight and hotel bookings instead.
What to include in the invitation letter
Keep the letter clear and short.
Include all of these items:
- Inviter full name and ID or business registration number.
- Inviter address and a contact phone number in China.
- Invitee full name exactly as in passport.
- Invitee passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
- Purpose of visit (for example, family visit, attend a meeting, or tourism).
- Arrival and departure dates and planned stay length.
- Where the invitee will stay in China.
- Who will pay for the trip and living costs while in China.
- Inviter signature and date; company stamp if the inviter is a business.
These items match common templates used by Chinese consulates and visa centers.
Simple table of required fields
| Field | What to write |
|---|---|
| Inviter name | Full legal name on ID or company registration |
| Inviter ID / registration | Chinese ID or company registration number |
| Inviter address | Full street address in China |
| Inviter phone | A phone number in China |
| Invitee name | Full name as shown in passport |
| Invitee passport | Passport number |
| Invitee DOB & nationality | Date of birth and country |
| Purpose | Short reason for travel |
| Dates | Arrival and departure dates |
| Financial responsibility | Who pays expenses |
Sources: official visa guidance and major visa service sites.
Personal (family or friend) invitation letter example
Use this plain sample for a family or friend visit. Replace the bracketed text with real details.
Keep the letter short and clear.
To: Visa Section, Embassy/Consulate of the People’s Republic of China
I, [Inviter Full Name], holder of Chinese ID number [Inviter ID], and resident at [Inviter Address in China], invite my [relationship], [Invitee Full Name], passport number [Invitee Passport Number], born on [DOB], nationality [Nationality], to visit me in [City], China from [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date].
During the visit, [he/she/they] will stay at my address above. I will cover the costs of [his/her/their] accommodation and daily expenses. The purpose of the visit is family reunion and temporary stay with me.
Inviter details:
- Name: [Inviter Full Name]
- ID number: [Inviter ID]
- Address: [Inviter Address]
- Phone: [China phone number]
Invitee details:
- Name: [Invitee Full Name]
- Passport: [Invitee Passport Number]
- DOB: [Date of birth]
- Nationality: [Nationality]
I confirm that the information is true and accurate.
Sincerely,
[Inviter Full Name]
[Signature]
[Date]
Attach a copy of the inviter’s ID or household registration if the consulate asks for it.
Notes for personal letters
- Use the inviter’s exact name as it appears on their ID.
- If the inviter is a foreign resident in China, include their residence permit number.
- Add a brief itinerary if you can, like the places you plan to visit.
- Sign and date the letter. A clear printed letter on white paper is best.
Business invitation letter example
A company should print this on company letterhead. Add the company seal if you have one.
This sample is short and direct.
[Company Letterhead]
To: Visa Section, Embassy/Consulate of the People’s Republic of China
This letter invites [Invitee Full Name], passport number [Invitee Passport Number], to visit [Host Company Name] in [City], China from [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date]. The purpose of the trip is [business meetings / trade fair / training / negotiations]. The host company will provide [accommodation / transport / meeting schedule] and will [cover / not cover] the travel expenses.
Host company details:
- Company name: [Host Company Name]
- Business registration: [Registration number]
- Address: [Host Company Address]
- Contact person: [Name and position]
- Phone: [Contact phone in China]
We confirm the invitation and ask that the consulate grant the necessary visa.
Sincerely,
[Host Company Official Name and signature]
[Company seal]
Attach a copy of the company registration and the host’s ID or passport if asked.
This helps show the invitation is real.
Notes for business letters
- Put the exact company name as shown on registration papers.
- If there is a trade fair, include the event name and dates.
- If the host pays costs, state that clearly.
- Add the contact person’s mobile or landline in China.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Mismatched names or passport numbers. Always copy fields from the passport and application form.
- Missing signature or no company seal on a business letter. Sign and use the company stamp if available.
- Vague trip purpose. Give a clear reason like “attend trade fair” or “family visit.” Attach event proof if possible.
- No contact or wrong phone number. Add a working phone number in China so the consulate can call to check.
These mistakes cause delays or extra requests from the consulate.
Check every line before you print and sign the letter.
When you do not need an invitation letter
Some travelers do not need an invitation letter. You may use other documents instead.
For a standard tourist visa, some consulates accept:
- Confirmed round‑trip flight bookings and
- Hotel bookings that cover the full stay.
If you use flights and hotels, make sure there are no gaps in the dates. This option is common for tourists who do not have a host in China.
What to attach with the invitation letter
Add these supporting files when you submit your visa:
- Copy of inviter’s ID or passport.
- Copy of inviter’s residence permit or household registration if needed.
- Company registration or business license for corporate letters.
- Conference or trade fair registration when relevant.
- A short itinerary or meeting plan.
Attachments strengthen the letter. They help the consulate check the invite and the trip plan.
How to format and submit the letter
- Use plain, clear language.
- Type or print the letter on white paper. Handwritten letters are not ideal.
- For companies, use company letterhead. Add a company seal if you can.
- Sign and date the letter.
- Scan and attach the letter to your visa application packet. Submit it with the other documents to the Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center.
Some consulates may ask for originals when you apply in person. Keep copies to bring with you.
Practical tips to help your application
- Match dates, names, and passport numbers across all papers.
- Ask the inviter to be ready for a short phone call from the consulate. Consulates may verify the invitation by phone.
- Keep the letter short. One page is often enough.
- Add proof for claims, like event tickets or hotel bookings.
- If a company invites, include a short agenda or meeting list to show the visit is real.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I list more than one person in a single invitation letter?
Some consulates accept multiple names in one letter. Many prefer one letter per visitor. Check with your local consulate or visa center for rules. - Do business invitation letters need a company stamp?
Many consulates expect a company seal along with a signature. Add the seal where you can to avoid extra checks. - Is a handwritten letter okay?
A typed or printed letter is better. Handwritten letters may be accepted sometimes. Print to be safe. - How long before travel should I apply for the visa?
Apply early. Many travelers apply 4–6 weeks before travel. Some consulates process faster. Check the current local processing times.
Example checklists you can print
Personal invitation checklist:
- Inviter full name and ID copy.
- Inviter address and phone in China.
- Invitee full name and passport copy.
- Trip dates and city of stay.
- Statement of who pays for expenses.
- Inviter signature and date.
- Attach house registration or residence permit if needed.
Business invitation checklist:
- Company letter on letterhead.
- Company registration copy.
- Host contact person and phone.
- Invitee passport and company details.
- Trip agenda or meeting list.
- Company seal and signature.
Useful external links
- Official China visa site and templates: https://www.visaforchina.cn/ (check the Letter of Invitation template and updates).
- China Discovery invitation letter guide and samples: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/chinese-visa/invitation-letter.html.
- Visa service templates and forms: Oasis China Visa templates and download page: https://oasischinavisa.com/download-forms/.
Sources
- China Highlights guide on invitation letters and visa rules.
- China Discovery samples and step-by-step notes for invitation letters.
- Oasis China Visa templates and downloadable invitation letter forms.
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