China Visa Requirements from Dubai: Documents & Invitation Letter
What documents do I need for a China visa from Dubai?
Core requirements are: completed application form (V.2013, double-sided on one A4 sheet), original passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages), one 48mm × 33mm white-background photo (no glasses), valid UAE residence visa copy, Emirates ID copy, round-trip flight itinerary, hotel bookings or invitation letter, 3-month bank statements (bank-stamped), and employment letter. M and F visa applicants also need an invitation letter from their Chinese host company or institution.
Key Takeaway
- Core requirements are: completed application form (V.2013, double-sided on one A4 sheet), original passport (6+ months v...
- Photo Size: 48mm × 33mm
- Bank Statements: 3 months (stamped)
- Passport Validity: 6+ months
- Form Format: Double-sided, 1 A4 sheet
Getting your China visa documents right is the single most important factor in a successful application from Dubai. The China Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Dubai reviews every document at the counter on the day of submission — and if anything is missing, incorrectly formatted, or fails to meet the specification, your application is returned on the spot. There is no opportunity to email a missing document later or to have a staff member overlook a minor error.
This guide is designed as the definitive document reference for China visa applicants in Dubai. It covers the exact requirements for every document category: the application form format, photograph specifications (which are non-standard and frequently wrong), the types of invitation letters required for different visa categories, and the specific standards the CVASC enforces that are not always clear from the Chinese Embassy website.
Whether you are applying for an L tourist visa, an M business visa, or an F visit visa, this checklist will ensure you arrive at the CVASC prepared. OraVisa reviews every client's document set before submission — this guide reflects the practical standards we verify against on every application.
China Visa Application Form: How to Complete Form V.2013
The China visa application form (officially designated Form V.2013) is the foundational document for your application. Errors or omissions on this form are the most common reason applications are rejected at the CVASC counter. Unlike some visa application forms that can be completed online and submitted digitally, China's form must be printed and physically signed.
- 1Download Form V.2013 from the official Chinese Embassy website or the CVASC Dubai website — do not use third-party sources as outdated versions are rejected
- 2Complete the form in English (or Chinese) — Arabic entries are not accepted
- 3Print the completed form double-sided on a single A4 sheet — printing on two separate pages is rejected at the counter without exception
- 4Do not leave any field blank — write "N/A" or "None" for sections that do not apply to you
- 5List every country you have visited in the last 5 years in the travel history section — incomplete travel history is a common rejection reason
- 6Provide your full itinerary in the travel plan section — specific cities and dates, not just "Beijing and Shanghai for 10 days"
- 7Sign and date the form in the designated signature box — unsigned forms are returned immediately
- 8If you make a correction, cross it out neatly and initial it — white correction fluid (Tipp-Ex) is not permitted on visa application forms
Application Form: Critical Rules
- Must be printed double-sided on ONE A4 sheet — this is the most common submission failure at the CVASC Dubai counter
- Use only Form V.2013 — older versions of the China visa application form are invalid
- Complete in English or Chinese only — Arabic is not accepted
- All fields must be completed — "N/A" is acceptable but leaving fields completely blank is not
- Sign in ink in the signature box — digital signatures and typed signatures are not valid
China Visa Photo Requirements: The Non-Standard Size Explained
China's passport photo requirement is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of the application. The standard UAE passport photo size (40mm × 60mm) does not meet China's specification. The China visa requires a 48mm wide by 33mm tall photograph — a wider, shorter format that most standard photo booths and kiosks do not produce. If you present the wrong size, your application will be returned.
China Visa Photo Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo Dimensions | 48mm (width) × 33mm (height) — wider than tall, NOT a standard passport photo |
| Background | Plain white — no gradients, patterns, or shadows of any kind |
| Face Coverage | Face must occupy 70–80% of the photo frame from top to bottom |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Not permitted — remove glasses regardless of whether you normally wear them |
| Head Coverings | Not permitted unless for documented religious reasons |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, looking directly at the camera |
| Photo Finish | Matte or semi-matte — glossy prints are acceptable but matte is preferred |
| Colour vs Black & White | Colour photographs only — black and white not accepted |
| Number Required | One photograph (additional copies recommended as backup) |
| Printed Separately | Must be a printed photograph — photocopies of photos are not accepted |
Photo Dimensions
- Specification
- 48mm (width) × 33mm (height) — wider than tall, NOT a standard passport photo
Background
- Specification
- Plain white — no gradients, patterns, or shadows of any kind
Face Coverage
- Specification
- Face must occupy 70–80% of the photo frame from top to bottom
Recency
- Specification
- Taken within the last 6 months
Glasses
- Specification
- Not permitted — remove glasses regardless of whether you normally wear them
Head Coverings
- Specification
- Not permitted unless for documented religious reasons
Expression
- Specification
- Neutral, mouth closed, looking directly at the camera
Photo Finish
- Specification
- Matte or semi-matte — glossy prints are acceptable but matte is preferred
Colour vs Black & White
- Specification
- Colour photographs only — black and white not accepted
Number Required
- Specification
- One photograph (additional copies recommended as backup)
Printed Separately
- Specification
- Must be a printed photograph — photocopies of photos are not accepted
The 48mm × 33mm format is unique to China's visa system. Visit a professional photography studio and specify that you need a China visa photo (48mm wide by 33mm tall) — do not assume the studio knows this without being told. OraVisa recommends printing 3-4 copies in case a photo is damaged during handling.
In addition to the correct dimensions, the CVASC staff check photo quality on submission. Photos with uneven backgrounds, facial shadows, or poor focus are rejected. If you are applying at home with a smart-phone or digital camera, ensure you have the image professionally printed to the correct dimensions — not printed on a home inkjet printer.
Photo Tips to Avoid Rejection
- The 48mm × 33mm size is unique to China — this format is wider than tall, unlike most passport photos
- Tell the studio specifically: "China visa photo, 48mm wide by 33mm tall, white background, no glasses"
- Remove glasses — even prescription glasses are not permitted in China visa photos
- Take the photo at a professional studio, not a self-service kiosk, to ensure correct sizing and quality
- Bring at least 2 printed copies to the CVASC — one is attached to the form, one is kept as a backup
Passport and UAE Residence Requirements
Your passport and UAE residence documents are the foundation of your China visa application. The CVASC checks these documents carefully because they establish both your identity and your right to submit at the Dubai centre (which requires UAE residency).
Passport and UAE Residence Document Requirements
| Document | Requirement | Copy Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Original Passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date from China; at least 2 blank visa pages | Yes — photocopy of bio-data page |
| Previous Passports | Bring any previous passports if they contain prior China visas — strengthens your application | Yes — photocopy of China visa pages |
| UAE Residence Visa | Must be a valid UAE residence visa (not visit visa); valid at time of application; at least 30 days remaining | Yes — photocopy of residence visa page (both sides if applicable) |
| Emirates ID | Original Emirates ID card; must be valid | Yes — photocopy of both front and back |
| UAE Entry Stamp (if applicable) | If your UAE residence visa page also contains entry stamps, copy all relevant pages | Yes |
Original Passport
- Requirement
- Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date from China; at least 2 blank visa pages
- Copy Required?
- Yes — photocopy of bio-data page
Previous Passports
- Requirement
- Bring any previous passports if they contain prior China visas — strengthens your application
- Copy Required?
- Yes — photocopy of China visa pages
UAE Residence Visa
- Requirement
- Must be a valid UAE residence visa (not visit visa); valid at time of application; at least 30 days remaining
- Copy Required?
- Yes — photocopy of residence visa page (both sides if applicable)
Emirates ID
- Requirement
- Original Emirates ID card; must be valid
- Copy Required?
- Yes — photocopy of both front and back
UAE Entry Stamp (if applicable)
- Requirement
- If your UAE residence visa page also contains entry stamps, copy all relevant pages
- Copy Required?
- Yes
If your UAE residence visa is sponsored by your employer and is due for renewal around the time of your China trip, the CVASC may query the validity timeline. OraVisa recommends ensuring your UAE residence visa is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return from China.
One nuance that surprises many applicants: the CVASC in Dubai is open to UAE residents (those with a UAE residence visa), not just UAE nationals. If you hold a visit visa to the UAE rather than a residence visa, you must apply for your China visa at the Chinese Embassy in your home country before travelling to Dubai, as the Dubai CVASC requires UAE residency.
Travel Itinerary Documents: Flight & Hotel Bookings
Your flight itinerary and accommodation bookings demonstrate to the Chinese Embassy that you have a concrete and credible travel plan. The CVASC does not accept vague travel intentions — specific bookings with confirmation numbers are required.
- Round-trip flight booking — a confirmed booking reference showing your entry date into China and your return date to Dubai. A paid ticket is not necessary — a booking hold or reservation reference from a travel agency is acceptable.
- The flight booking must show your full name (matching your passport), the departure city (Dubai), the destination city in China, and both outbound and return flight numbers and dates.
- Hotel bookings for your entire stay — bookings must cover every night of your trip. Gaps in accommodation (nights unaccounted for) are flagged during document review.
- Each hotel booking should show the hotel name and address in China, your check-in and check-out dates, your name, and a booking confirmation number.
- If visiting multiple cities, you need hotel bookings for each city on your itinerary.
- If staying with friends or family who live in China, a formal invitation letter (see below) replaces the hotel bookings for those nights.
- If booking through platforms like Booking.com or Agoda, print the confirmation email — screenshots on a phone screen are not accepted.
Key Takeaways
- Cover every night of your trip with either a hotel booking or an invitation letter — gaps in accommodation are a common rejection reason
- The flight booking must be a round trip — one-way tickets raise concern about return intent
- Hotel bookings do not need to be paid in full — a free-cancellation reservation with a confirmation number is sufficient
- Print all booking confirmations on paper — the CVASC does not accept phone screens
Invitation Letter Requirements for China Visa
The invitation letter is one of the most variable requirements across China visa categories. What is required — and who must issue it — differs significantly depending on whether you are visiting as a tourist staying in hotels, visiting friends or family, travelling for business, or going for a cultural exchange. Understanding which type applies to you prevents the most common rejection at the Dubai CVASC.
China Visa Invitation Letter by Visa Type
| Visa Category | Invitation Required? | Issued By | Key Content Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| L (Tourist) — Hotel Stay | No | N/A — hotel bookings suffice | Not applicable |
| L (Tourist) — Staying with Friends/Family | Yes | Chinese national or permanent resident hosting you | Full name, Chinese ID number, address, relationship to applicant, contact number, declaration of responsibility for accommodation and costs |
| M (Business/Trade) | Yes | Chinese registered company | Company name, registration number, registered address, purpose of visit, invitation dates, authorised signatory name and title, company stamp (official chop) |
| F (Visit/Exchange) | Yes | Chinese institution, NGO, university, or individual host | Organisation name, contact person, visit purpose, dates, confirmation of covering expenses if applicable, official stamp |
| Group L Visa | Optional | Chinese licensed travel agency | Tour agency name, licence number, group itinerary, group leader name |
L (Tourist) — Hotel Stay
- Invitation Required?
- No
- Issued By
- N/A — hotel bookings suffice
- Key Content Required
- Not applicable
L (Tourist) — Staying with Friends/Family
- Invitation Required?
- Yes
- Issued By
- Chinese national or permanent resident hosting you
- Key Content Required
- Full name, Chinese ID number, address, relationship to applicant, contact number, declaration of responsibility for accommodation and costs
M (Business/Trade)
- Invitation Required?
- Yes
- Issued By
- Chinese registered company
- Key Content Required
- Company name, registration number, registered address, purpose of visit, invitation dates, authorised signatory name and title, company stamp (official chop)
F (Visit/Exchange)
- Invitation Required?
- Yes
- Issued By
- Chinese institution, NGO, university, or individual host
- Key Content Required
- Organisation name, contact person, visit purpose, dates, confirmation of covering expenses if applicable, official stamp
Group L Visa
- Invitation Required?
- Optional
- Issued By
- Chinese licensed travel agency
- Key Content Required
- Tour agency name, licence number, group itinerary, group leader name
Invitation letters for M and F visas that come from Chinese companies or institutions must carry the official company "chop" (an ink stamp used in China for official documents). A letter without this stamp is considered informal and will be rejected. If your Chinese business partner is unfamiliar with the visa invitation letter process, OraVisa can provide a template to share with them.
For individuals visiting friends or family in China (L visa, private accommodation), the invitation letter from the Chinese host is a particularly important document. It must be handwritten or typed on the host's personal stationery or paper, and must include the host's full name in Chinese and pinyin, their Chinese national ID (身份证) number, their full address in China, their phone number, their relationship to the applicant, and a clear statement that they will be responsible for the applicant's accommodation and daily expenses during the visit.
If the person hosting you in China is a foreign national resident in China rather than a Chinese citizen, the requirements differ slightly — they provide a copy of their Chinese residence permit (居留许可) instead of a Chinese national ID. OraVisa advises on the specific format based on your host's status.
Financial and Employment Documents
Financial and employment documents establish two things: that you have sufficient funds to support your trip, and that you have strong ties to the UAE that motivate your return. Both are assessed by the Chinese Embassy when deciding on your application.
Financial and Employment Document Requirements
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Statements | Last 3 months, bank-stamped originals | Online PDFs and screenshots are not accepted — must be stamped by the bank. Most UAE banks charge AED 25–50 for stamped statements. |
| Average Balance | Sufficient for trip costs — generally AED 3,000–5,000 minimum is advisable for a 7–10 day trip | No official minimum published, but low balances trigger scrutiny. Large sudden deposits without income explanation are also flagged. |
| Employment Letter | On company letterhead, signed by HR or management, confirming position, monthly salary, employment start date, and approved leave dates | Must be original (not a photocopy) and on official company letterhead. Should confirm you have authorised leave for the travel period. |
| Salary Certificate | Some applicants submit salary certificate instead of or alongside the employment letter | Either is acceptable; having both strengthens the application. Some companies issue a combined "salary and employment certificate." |
| Self-Employed / Business Owner | Trade licence copy, company bank statements (3 months), and a personal letter explaining the trip purpose | Company bank statements must also be bank-stamped. A letter on company letterhead with your signature and company stamp is recommended. |
| Salary Transfer Records | Optional but helpful — showing regular monthly salary transfers from employer | Provides independent verification of income alongside the employer's letter. |
Bank Statements
- Requirement
- Last 3 months, bank-stamped originals
- Notes
- Online PDFs and screenshots are not accepted — must be stamped by the bank. Most UAE banks charge AED 25–50 for stamped statements.
Average Balance
- Requirement
- Sufficient for trip costs — generally AED 3,000–5,000 minimum is advisable for a 7–10 day trip
- Notes
- No official minimum published, but low balances trigger scrutiny. Large sudden deposits without income explanation are also flagged.
Employment Letter
- Requirement
- On company letterhead, signed by HR or management, confirming position, monthly salary, employment start date, and approved leave dates
- Notes
- Must be original (not a photocopy) and on official company letterhead. Should confirm you have authorised leave for the travel period.
Salary Certificate
- Requirement
- Some applicants submit salary certificate instead of or alongside the employment letter
- Notes
- Either is acceptable; having both strengthens the application. Some companies issue a combined "salary and employment certificate."
Self-Employed / Business Owner
- Requirement
- Trade licence copy, company bank statements (3 months), and a personal letter explaining the trip purpose
- Notes
- Company bank statements must also be bank-stamped. A letter on company letterhead with your signature and company stamp is recommended.
Salary Transfer Records
- Requirement
- Optional but helpful — showing regular monthly salary transfers from employer
- Notes
- Provides independent verification of income alongside the employer's letter.
Financial documents are assessed holistically. The Chinese Embassy is looking for consistent income, a stable financial position, and funds sufficient for the trip. There is no published minimum balance requirement, but a common practitioner guideline is approximately AED 500–700 per day of planned stay in China.
Key Takeaways
- Bank statements must be bank-stamped originals — digital bank statements are not accepted by the CVASC
- Show consistent monthly income, not a sudden large deposit made immediately before applying
- Employment letters must be recent (ideally dated within 1 month of application) and on company letterhead
- Self-employed applicants should include both personal and business bank statements
- If your Chinese trip is sponsored by someone else, include a sponsor declaration letter along with the sponsor's financial documents
Complete China Visa Document Checklist
Use this checklist before attending the CVASC Dubai. All items marked as required must be present at submission. Tick every item before leaving for the visa centre.
China Visa Document Checklist for Dubai Residents
| Document | L (Tourist) | M (Business) | F (Visit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form V.2013 (double-sided, signed) | Required | Required | Required | Must be printed double-sided on one A4 sheet |
| Original Passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages) | Required | Required | Required | Bring previous passports if they contain China visa stamps |
| Passport photocopy (bio-data page) | Required | Required | Required | Clear, legible, full-page copy |
| China Visa Photo (48mm × 33mm, white bg) | Required | Required | Required | Non-standard size — have taken at professional studio |
| UAE Residence Visa (original + copy) | Required | Required | Required | Must be valid; both sides if applicable |
| Emirates ID (original + copy) | Required | Required | Required | Both front and back copied |
| Round-trip Flight Itinerary | Required | Required | Required | Shows entry/exit dates; booking reference sufficient |
| Hotel Bookings (full stay) | Required (if no inv. letter) | Required (if not host-provided) | Required (if not host-provided) | Cover every night; confirmation number required |
| Invitation Letter (from Chinese host) | Required if staying with host | Required (from company) | Required (from institution) | See invitation letter section for exact content |
| Bank Statements (3 months, bank-stamped) | Required | Required | Required | Bank-stamped originals; not digital PDFs |
| Employment Letter / Salary Certificate | Required | Required | Required | Recent, on company letterhead, signed |
| Trade Licence (self-employed only) | If self-employed | If self-employed | If self-employed | Copy of valid trade licence |
| Travel Insurance | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Not always mandatory but strengthens application |
| Previous China Visa Copies | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Include if you have previously visited China |
Form V.2013 (double-sided, signed)
- L (Tourist)
- Required
- M (Business)
- Required
- F (Visit)
- Required
- Notes
- Must be printed double-sided on one A4 sheet
Original Passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
- L (Tourist)
- Required
- M (Business)
- Required
- F (Visit)
- Required
- Notes
- Bring previous passports if they contain China visa stamps
Passport photocopy (bio-data page)
- L (Tourist)
- Required
- M (Business)
- Required
- F (Visit)
- Required
- Notes
- Clear, legible, full-page copy
China Visa Photo (48mm × 33mm, white bg)
- L (Tourist)
- Required
- M (Business)
- Required
- F (Visit)
- Required
- Notes
- Non-standard size — have taken at professional studio
UAE Residence Visa (original + copy)
- L (Tourist)
- Required
- M (Business)
- Required
- F (Visit)
- Required
- Notes
- Must be valid; both sides if applicable
Emirates ID (original + copy)
- L (Tourist)
- Required
- M (Business)
- Required
- F (Visit)
- Required
- Notes
- Both front and back copied
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
- L (Tourist)
- Required
- M (Business)
- Required
- F (Visit)
- Required
- Notes
- Shows entry/exit dates; booking reference sufficient
Hotel Bookings (full stay)
- L (Tourist)
- Required (if no inv. letter)
- M (Business)
- Required (if not host-provided)
- F (Visit)
- Required (if not host-provided)
- Notes
- Cover every night; confirmation number required
Invitation Letter (from Chinese host)
- L (Tourist)
- Required if staying with host
- M (Business)
- Required (from company)
- F (Visit)
- Required (from institution)
- Notes
- See invitation letter section for exact content
Bank Statements (3 months, bank-stamped)
- L (Tourist)
- Required
- M (Business)
- Required
- F (Visit)
- Required
- Notes
- Bank-stamped originals; not digital PDFs
Employment Letter / Salary Certificate
- L (Tourist)
- Required
- M (Business)
- Required
- F (Visit)
- Required
- Notes
- Recent, on company letterhead, signed
Trade Licence (self-employed only)
- L (Tourist)
- If self-employed
- M (Business)
- If self-employed
- F (Visit)
- If self-employed
- Notes
- Copy of valid trade licence
Travel Insurance
- L (Tourist)
- Recommended
- M (Business)
- Recommended
- F (Visit)
- Recommended
- Notes
- Not always mandatory but strengthens application
Previous China Visa Copies
- L (Tourist)
- Recommended
- M (Business)
- Recommended
- F (Visit)
- Recommended
- Notes
- Include if you have previously visited China
This checklist is based on current CVASC Dubai requirements as of February 2026. Requirements can change — OraVisa reviews document sets against the most current Embassy guidance before every submission.
Have OraVisa Review Your China Visa Documents
OraVisa reviews every document in your China visa application before you attend the CVASC, catching common errors that lead to same-day rejection. We then attend the centre on your behalf for submission and collection.
Get Your Documents ReviewedFrequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for a China visa from Dubai?
The core documents required are: completed China visa application Form V.2013 (printed double-sided on a single A4 sheet), original passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, one 48mm × 33mm white-background passport photo with no glasses, valid UAE residence visa (original plus copy), Emirates ID (original plus copy), round-trip flight itinerary, hotel bookings or an invitation letter covering your full stay, 3 months of bank-stamped bank statements, and an employment letter or salary certificate. M and F visa applicants also need an invitation letter from their Chinese host company or institution.
What size photo do I need for a China visa from Dubai?
China visa photos must be 48mm wide by 33mm tall — this is wider than tall, and different from the standard UAE passport photo size of 40mm × 60mm. The background must be plain white, no glasses are permitted, the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months, and your face must occupy 70–80% of the frame. Visit a professional photography studio and specifically ask for a China visa photo at 48mm × 33mm. Do not use standard passport photo booths as they produce the wrong size.
Do I need an invitation letter for a China tourist visa?
If you are staying in hotels throughout your visit, you do not need an invitation letter for an L tourist visa — your hotel booking confirmations serve as proof of accommodation. However, if you are staying with friends or family in China, they must provide a formal invitation letter including their Chinese national ID number, full address, relationship to you, and a declaration of responsibility for your accommodation and costs. For M (business) and F (visit/exchange) visas, an invitation letter from the Chinese company or institution is always mandatory.
Can I submit bank statements as PDFs for a China visa?
No. The China Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai requires bank-stamped original bank statements. Digital PDFs, online banking printouts without a bank stamp, and screenshots of banking apps are not accepted. You must visit your bank and request an official statement for the last 3 months with a bank stamp. Most UAE banks charge AED 25–50 for stamped statements. Allow 1–2 business days for your bank to prepare the stamped statement.
How do I fill in the China visa application form?
Download Form V.2013 from the Chinese Embassy website. Complete it in English (or Chinese) — Arabic is not accepted. Do not leave any field blank; write "N/A" where a question does not apply. Print the completed form double-sided on a single A4 sheet — printing on two separate pages is rejected at the CVASC without exception. Sign and date the form in ink. Do not use white correction fluid; cross out errors neatly and initial them. Check your name, passport number, and travel dates against your passport before printing.
What invitation letter does a Chinese company need to provide for an M visa?
For an M (business) visa, the Chinese company inviting you must provide a formal invitation letter on company letterhead that includes: the company's full name, registration number, and registered address; the purpose of your visit; the specific dates of your visit; the name and title of the person authorising the invitation; and — critically — the official company stamp (chop). A letter without the company's official ink stamp is considered informal and will be rejected. The letter should be addressed to the applicant by name and passport number. OraVisa can provide a template for your Chinese business contact.
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Written by
Sarah Khan
Content Manager & Visa Research Specialist
Content Manager creating accurate visa guides based on daily research across 100+ country policies. Former travel editor with a journalism background.
Expert reviewed by Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Last updated: · 12+ years of visa consultancy experience
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