As a professional who has personally applied for a work visa to China, I can attest that it can initially seem intimidating. But getting a Z visa to work in China is fairly doable if you follow the proper advice and become ready. I’ll walk you through all the necessary procedures and requirements in this guide to help you easily obtain your work visa.
Obtain a Notice of Work Permit and Job Offer
Getting a job offer from a legitimately operating Chinese firm is an important first step. After that, your employer will apply to the local labor bureau on your behalf for a Foreigner’s Work Permit Notice by submitting the necessary paperwork. It usually takes three to four weeks to receive this notice, which confirms your ability to work in China.
In order to apply for the notification of work permit, you must give your employer:
- scanned copy of the information page from your passport
- a TEFL or TESOL certificate as well as an authenticated degree or diploma (for teaching positions)
- Evidence of a minimum of two years of relevant work experience
- Background check report verified by the Chinese consulate or embassy
- a recent passport-sized photo
- Report on medical checkup from a hospital with authorization
Gather the necessary visa paperwork
After receiving your work permit notice, collect the following paperwork to submit your Z visa application:
- A passport that is valid for at least a year and has two or more blank pages
- filled out application for a visa
- a passport-sized photo taken no more than six months ago
- Notice of work permit
- a legitimate degree and certifications in TEFL/TESOL
- Record of physical examination
- Copy of the employment contract
Step 3: Send in your visa request
Schedule a face-to-face appointment at the closest Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa facility to submit your Z visa application. The cost of applying for a visa varies according to your country and the number of entries you want to request.
Although it occasionally takes longer, processing normally takes four working days. Your passport bearing the Z visa will be returned to you after it has been approved.
Go to China and Sign Up
You can now visit China with your passport and Z visa! After arriving, register with the local police station within a day. If you are lodging at a hotel, they will take care of your registration.
Get Medical Certification
Unless your overseas medical report has been completed and translated, you will need to have another medical verification as soon as you arrive in China. You will be assisted in this procedure by your employer.
File for Resident and Work Permits
Finally, by sending your passport, picture, medical certificate, and police registration to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, your company will assist you in converting the work permit notification into the actual work permit card.
Bring your employment permit to the Public Security Bureau within 30 days of your arrival to apply for your residency permit, which will usually be awarded in around 15 working days and be good for a year.
There you have it, then! The essential procedures for obtaining a work visa and moving forward from a job offer in order to work lawfully in China. Although there are a lot of paperwork and government offices involved in the process, your company will offer great help in getting you through it.
