An M (business) visa is not work authorisation. Providing labour or holding a de facto job for a China entity usually is illegal employment under Exit-Entry Law Arts. 41 and 80 — including “unpaid help” at your own WFOE, consulting invoices, or overseas payroll while you sit in a China office. Short negotiations with no roster can still be business travel; a week at a desk should be treated as work. The legal path is a Foreigner’s Work Permit plus work-type residence, not another M extension. Already doing it: stop, then use the timeline — do not add overstay on top.
An invoice or offshore payroll does not convert the visa.
Scope and legal framework
Exit and Entry Administration Law Art. 41. Work in China requires the prescribed work permit and corresponding residence. The authorisation is employer-specific.
Same law Art. 80. Illegal employment can bring fines and, in serious cases, detention for the individual, plus separate penalties for the entity that used the labour.
Already working on M: stop and open the permit timeline.This is not the overstay page.
Practical workflow if you are already on the ground
Stop the job-like activity this week.
Do not “fix it” by extending M.
If a China employer will sponsor, start the Notification / FWP / residence sequence — usually from outside or via a lawful in-country conversion if status allows.
If the job already ended, use job loss, not another M story.
Common mistakes
Board week stays a meeting. Desk week needs a permit.
Installing equipment for six weeks on M.
Managing WeChat groups of China staff as “HQ support.”
Legal boundary: Prefer primary statutes, judicial interpretations, and official guidance when making decisions. Where this guide links to city hubs or lawyer listings, verify credentials and engagement terms directly with counsel. Full disclaimer · Request a consultation.
FAQ
Common questions
Quick answers for foreign nationals and employers. Rules vary by city and change over time.
Can I attend board meetings on an M visa?
A genuine short board trip is the usual business-visa use. Running the company from the meeting room is not.
Is a consulting invoice enough protection?
No. Officers look at what you do in China.
What about unpaid work at my own WFOE?
Unpaid is not a defence if you are performing the job.
Is the M visa a substitute for a Work Permit?
No.
Consultation preparation
What to prepare before contacting counsel
Send a focused first package so counsel can check conflicts, understand scope, and identify urgent deadlines.
A concise timeline and the result you want to achieve.
Names of all parties and affiliates for a conflict check.
Key contracts, notices, correspondence, filings, or decisions.
Known deadlines, preferred language, location, and budget constraints.
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