签证 (qiān zhèng) is a noun meaning 'visa'—an official document issued by a foreign government that permits the holder to enter, stay in, or leave that country for a specified period and purpose. The first character 签 (qiān) means 'to sign' or 'to endorse', reflecting the official authorization process; the second character 证 (zhèng) means 'certificate' or 'document', indicating its nature as an official proof of permission. Together, they literally convey 'a signed certificate'—emphasizing both authentication and legal validity.

This word is commonly used in travel, immigration, and international education contexts. It appears in compound terms like 旅游签证 (lǚ yóu qiān zhèng, tourist visa), 学生签证 (xué shēng qiān zhèng, student visa), and 过境签证 (guò jìng qiān zhèng, transit visa). Unlike informal documents, a 签证 always requires application through embassies, consulates, or authorized online portals, and often involves supporting materials such as invitations, financial statements, or flight itineraries.