Business visa for Italian citizen residing in Tokyo

Hi Giovanni! You can apply for the one-year multiple-entry M type, so that you can regularly go to PRC for work. You need to submit a valid passport, a photocopy of the passport's data page, a filled-out application form affixed with a passport size photo, the original and photocopy of your Japan residence card, and an invitation letter from the company in PRC. In general, it takes four working days to deal with the application from the time you present all the required documents.

Thanks Anita, I actually already did all of the above and submitted my application two days ago. Only one note to add to your information, all of which is correct: in order to obtain a multiple entry permit one must have already visited China at least twice, and provide copy of the entry/exit stamps from the passport. Until the third visits one can only get a single entry visa.

Did you submit your application to the embassy by yourself or through an agency?

Through an agency.