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In the pre-COVID era, it was almost a regular practice for companies with regular business relations with China to obtain China business visas for Indians. Not anymore. Applicants will no longer be able to make Visa Application Centre (VAC) New Delhi applications from October 26, 2026, and must apply directly to China’s diplomatic mission. It’s a spotty time, with some Indian companies waiting for China visa approvals saying they are seeing approval rates as low as 20% to 40%, with some executives even seeing rejection rates of over 95%.
Quick Facts on China Business Visa for Indians
- Effective date: October 26, 2026. The visa application and legalisation of consular packages are also being closed at the New Delhi centre.
- Collection window: All documents that have been processed can be picked up until 12 pm on 30.10.2026.
- New Submission Point: Chinese Embassy in New Delhi / Consulate General in Mumbai (as per your country).
- Application processing fee: The submission of an online application beyond 5 p.m. on October 23, 2026, will not attract a processing fee. No refunds will be made on any fees paid.
- Reported approval levels: Roughly 20% to 40% for some Indian firms, with rejections touching 95% in certain cases.
- Application mode: Visa application and the form and relevant documents are submitted via the visa application portal of the foreign ministry online.
What Changes From October 26
The new procedure for the China business visa application process for Indians means that no one will go to China’s New Delhi centre to submit the documents. Visas/consular legalisation applications are submitted straight to the embassy or consulate. Before that, the applicants have to fill out the online application form, upload the required documents and send it for online inspection.
Where to Apply: Jurisdiction by State
With the changes in the China visa policy for Indian businesses, the rules applicable to them will depend on their place of residence:
- In Mumbai, Maharashtra and Karnataka, there is a Consulate General in Mumbai.
- Embassy in New Delhi (temporary) in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
- All other states / U.T.: Embassy in Mumbai.
Why Indian Business Travellers Are Worried
The China business visa for Indians was painted a picture of difficulty in a report in the Economic Times in August 2026, in particular for Indian business travellers to China. The process has become a bit slower and less reliable, and for some companies, the approval rate is as low as 20% to 40%. Applicants who do not get a response to their complete applications can reapply, but it doesn’t mean they’ll get better offers and planning factory audits, supplier conferences and trade shows is a risk.
Reducing Avoidable Mistakes
No details have been released on the reasons for China visa rejections, so companies are limited in what they can do to redouble efforts on what they can control:
- Utilise the proper classification. The M visa is appropriate for brief visits for commercial reasons. A China work visa vs. business visa “mishmash” can ruin the best of files, as there is a different path to the former.
- Make sure to get the invitation just right. Verify the name, dates and purpose of your trip on the China invitation letter with your Chinese partner.
- Keep paperwork consistent. All documents must be uniform, including the passport, company letter, itinerary and invitation.
- Apply early. Use a new submission system; allow for additional time for China visa processing.
What Companies Should Do Now
Please verify your jurisdiction, make your submissions well in advance and do not submit hurriedly. Please check the official website of the Chinese Embassy for any updates, as they may change again. The China business visa for Indians has been a planning risk for Indian companies that rely on frequent business visits to China.
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