Work Visa In China

In order to find a job in China, you need to find a company willing to hire you and sponsor you for a work visa. When applying for a work visa, you will be evaluated based on whether you qualify for this job. Getting a Chinese work visa may seem difficult. While it is true that there are many steps and it may take some time, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

China Work Visa Overview

Work visa (Z). Work visa: A visa to enter China for the purpose of work, valid for 30 days. This document must be exchanged for a residence permit (allowing foreigners to reside in China) within 30 days of entry.

Work permit for foreigners: a document issued to foreign workers in China after completing the relevant procedures in China.

Alien residence permit. The document replaces the work visa in the passport to allow unrestricted legal residence and travel abroad during the working period.

Who needs a work visa?

Any foreign national who plans to be legally employed by a Chinese or foreign company/enterprise in mainland China must have a work visa.

It should be noted that foreign employees in China can only apply for work visas and residence permits, foreign employees in China can only work in designated companies and locations, and part-time work is not allowed elsewhere during their stay in China. It is also important to note that 18-60 years is the age range for employment in China.

How to apply for a work visa in China

Step 1: Have all the necessary documents ready

As with any type of Chinese visa, there are specific requirements that need to be submitted at the time of application.

The following are the basic requirements required on the day of application.

A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity left and at least one empty visa page left.

A copy of the passport's main information page, as well as copies of other pages, including a previous Chinese visa or entry stamp.

2 recent photos

Completed China Visa Application Form, which should be completed in advance (typed and printed) and leave no blank spaces.

supporting documentation

Before you can even consider applying for a work visa, you will need to complete all interviews and arrangements with potential employers in China. The employer must also have a permit to employ foreigners in China and be able to provide it.

You will need to sign a contract with your employer detailing your scope of work, salary, accommodation, place of work, etc.

Proof of physical (health) examination records from a specific hospital/clinic approved by the Chinese Consulate.

Certificate of non-criminal background check from the local government/authorities. To be notarized by the Chinese Embassy.

Higher education diplomas and transcripts.

Updated Resume.

Depending on the job you're applying for, there may be many other forms that need to be submitted, such as certificates or licenses. You may receive a notice from your employer.

If you can provide all of these materials, then you will most likely receive a work permit notice from your employer. Then, you can proceed with the application for a work visa. These documents may also need to be presented on the day of application, or even upon arrival in China, in order to obtain a temporary residence permit. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you make several quality copies of each document or form during the application process, as you may need them multiple times.

Step 2: Submit an application

Gather all the prepared documents (preferably a file/folder) and go to the nearest Chinese Embassy, Consulate or China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).

Citizens of some countries may be allowed to mail applications, while others may be allowed to submit applications on their behalf. Often, however, it is best to present the material in person, as the consular officer may have to ask relevant questions about the trip. From 2018, citizens of some countries will need to be present in person when applying for biometric fingerprints to be taken.

Step 3: Wait, Collect and Pay

If you have successfully submitted all the requirements, then your visa is most likely on the way! You will leave your passport at the consulate/embassy for collection on the specified date (usually within a week). You will leave your passport at the consulate/embassy and pick it up on a specified date (usually within a week), depending on the type of processing service you use. For more information on China visa processing times, please click here.

On the collection date, you will usually need to go to the place where you applied for your Z visa to collect your passport. The fee for the visa is generally paid on the day of collection.