Work permits for employees in China: A complete guide for employers

How long does it take to get a work permit in China?

Those applying for Chinese work visas are most likely to get a Z visa (more on that below). After getting the necessary documents notarized (which may take upwards of four weeks), the applicant can then apply for a Foreigner’s Work Permit Notice. It may take 30 days for the permit to be processed. Once it’s cleared, then foreign nationals apply for the Z visa in their home country, which is processed in three to seven days.

Once the Z visa is granted, the worker must travel to China within a month and apply for a residence permit, which takes about 10 to 15 days to receive. In all, the process may take several months.

Types of work visas in China

The Z work visa in China is for those planning to stay and work in the country for more than six months. There are other types of visas that intersect with Chinese work visas:

• X1 or X2 visas, which are student visas for those planning to stay more than 180 days (X1) or under 180 days (X2). 
• J1 or J2 visas are for foreign journalists.
• M visas are granted to business owners staying in China for 30 to 60 days.
• F visas are for exchange students, study tours, or visitors who will be in China for 30 to 60 days. Note that tourists are not allowed to work while in China.
• R visas are for high-level foreign talent who need to work in China. This is also known as the Talent Visa. Individuals are qualified if they have been selected to join China’s talent introduction programs, have accomplished international acclaim in their field (such as Nobel Prize winners or professors from top universities), or are leaders in market-oriented enterprises which are encouraged by the Chinese government.

Under the Z work visa, China has different work permit categories, determined by skill levels:

Class A. This category is for high-level experts. Individuals may qualify if they’ve won a major international award, are an established entrepreneur, were chosen under a talent plan, have a doctorate degree or higher from a Chinese mainland university or top international university, or if they’re willing to take a scarce job as encouraged by the Chinese government. This is the only category of work permit that those aged over 60 can obtain.

Class B is for professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree, have a minimum of two years of working experience, or hold a master’s degree from a mainland Chinese university or one of the top 100 universities in the world. For foreign-language teachers to qualify for Class B categorization, they must have a bachelor’s, two years of work experience, and be native speakers of the language they teach.

Class C is for lower-skilled workers who are taking on seasonal employment, are interning or entering China under a government agreement, or are domestic help for those who are in Class A.

China ranks professionals on a points system to determine which class they belong to.

Qualifications for Chinese work visas

Not everyone who wants a work visa in China will qualify. Per Chinese regulations, work visa applicants must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 60 (unless those aged 60+ qualify as Class A)
• Be in good health, as shown in a medical exam report
• Have valid travel documents
• Have no criminal record
• Have a valid job offer in China and have the skills/experience for that job

The application process for Chinese work visas

Here are the steps to obtain a Z work visa:

• The worker must first secure a job offer in China. Once they have the offer letter in hand, they must apply for a Foreigner’s Work Permit notification letter, and the employer should submit documentation to the local Labor Bureau. In three to four weeks, the notification letter will arrive, letting the applicant know if they are eligible to work in the country.
• The worker should collect the required documentation, including original and authenticated copies of their diplomas, original copies of police clearance certificates, a copy of their work experience certificate showing that they have at least two years’ experience, a CV (resume), a job offer letter and labor contract with the employer, a medical report, and a police registration form of residence. Additional documentation may be required for those who were in the military (proving that they have retired), have family members in the military, or have recently traveled to certain countries. Meanwhile, the employer needs to provide a business license and certificate of approval, a passport for the legal representative of the company, and an authorized company stamp.
• The worker applies for the Z visa at their local visa office, Chinese embassy, or consulate, depending on their country of residence and what’s available. They may need to meet with a visa officer and must pay their application fees, which may vary in cost depending on their country of origin.
• If the worker meets the eligibility requirements for a Z visa, they'll receive an approval letter. That means they can now travel to China and continue the visa process there.

Once in China…

• The applicant must temporarily register with the local police within 24 hours of entering the country. Hotels may be able to make this registration on the individual’s behalf.
• The applicant must obtain a medical certification ASAP after entering the country unless they have a completed, translated medical checkup from another country.
• The worker will next submit their passport, a passport photo, medical certificate, and police registration to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. This is who will formally issue the Chinese work permit. They take about five business days to process the permit.

Once the work permit has been issued…

• Apply for a residence permit at the Public Security Bureau Exit and Entry Administration within 30 days of entering the country. The application will be issued within 15 business days and is valid for the duration of the job contract at a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of five years.

Frequently asked questions about work permits for employees in China

Do US citizens need a work permit to work in China?

Yes, US citizens need a work permit to work in China, as do any foreign nationals who plan to work in China. 

What documents are required to apply for a Chinese work permit?

When applying for a Chinese work permit, the worker/applicant needs the following documents:

• A passport valid for six months, with at least one blank visa page
• A recent passport photo
• A letter of invitation from the sponsor or host (the employer), stating the dates of the stay, the name of the applicant as printed on their passport, and a specific request for a Z visa.
• Signed and dated visa application form, which can be filled out online
• A permit or approval document from China, which might include: a Foreign Employment Permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in China, a Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries issued by the Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, a permit for foreign experts working in China as issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts, or an approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs.
• Visa Issuance Confirmation Number, obtained by the sponsor (the employer)
• Travel record of any countries visited in the last year
• Proof of state residency (for US citizens)
• Chinese Labor Ministry documentation, which includes either a Work Permit for Aliens as issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry or a Foreign Experts License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.
• If applicable, in addition to the current passport, any older passport that has a previous Chinese visa
• An original copy of diplomas for higher education 
• An original copy of the Police Clearance Certificate 
• Proof of experience, including a copy of a work experience certificate that shows at least two years experience and a valid CV. 
• A labor contract from the employer
• A medical examination report
• A police registration form of residence 
• There may be additional paperwork for those with former military experience, who have traveled to certain countries, who have different former nationalities, or who are dual citizens.

What’s the fastest way to get a work permit in China?

While there’s no way to rush the process, applicants can reduce wait times by making sure they’re only applying for visas for which they are eligible, making sure their application packet is complete, and filling out documents correctly. 

How much does it cost to get a Chinese work permit?

Chinese work visas vary in cost depending on where the applicant is from. For US citizens applying for Z visas, the cost is USD$185. Canadian citizens pay CAD $142.

Are family members included in work visa applications in China?

No, family members are excluded from work permits and families must apply for a separate S1 or S2 visa. S1 visas are for family members who intend to visit family working or studying in China for more than 180 days. Those who are staying for less than 180 days will apply for an S2 visa. In addition to the paperwork for that visa, they will also need to provide proof of the working permit and proof of kinship. Qualifying family members include parents and parents-in-law, grandparents, children and grandchildren under 18, and siblings.

How do you renew your Chinese work permit?

Z visas must be extended at least seven days before the expiration date. Visa holders should submit an application, necessary documents, and application fees to the Exit and Entry Administration Office of the Public Security Bureau. The processing time for renewals is typically seven days. If approved, applicants must return to the office to retrieve their passport, which is held during the renewal approval process. Those who are denied an extension must leave the country before their visa expires.

Can you re-enter the country on a Z visa?

No, Z visas only allow entrance into China once. That’s why, after entering the country, it’s crucial to register with the police within 30 days and then obtain a residence permit. The residence permit is what allows an individual to leave and return to the country freely.

Is it possible to work in China on a tourist visa?

No, only those on Z visas are eligible to work in China. For those who entered China on a tourist visa, they can’t simply change the visa once they’re in the country. They must leave the country and apply for a Z visa.

What if you hire someone who already has a Z visa under a different sponsor?

When workers under Z visas change employers, they must reapply. There are two different ways this might happen. If they’re in the same occupation but are switching to another employer, they can stay in China during the application process and may not need a new Z visa as long as their residence permit is valid during the transfer. However, if the worker is changing occupations as well as employers, they’ll need to exit the country, apply for a new visa, and then reenter.

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Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.