Although the process for obtaining a work visa in China has a reputation for being difficult for foreigners, it is not true. In fact, since 2013, the procedure has continuously evolved. 

Today, all you need to do to get a work visa in China is make sure you’re applying for the correct type of visa and send in the necessary paperwork. Obviously, it’s not as easy as it sounds. 

If you know anything about the Chinese government, you know they are very thorough, and there will be a lot of waiting. But because of this, if you are an employee, your employer will help you through the entire process, and If you’re a business, your agent will help you.

If you are looking to work in China and wondering how to get a work visa, this article will guide you through everything you need to know. 

Visa Types and Requirements 

What is the most Appropriate Working Permit for Foreigners?

The Process of Applying for a Work Permit in China

Classification of Foreign Employees

Criteria for Permanent Residence for Foreigners

Visa Changes

Restrictions for Foreigners

Visa Types and Requirements 

Below is a list of work permits that apply to foreign nationals.

Table: Visa Types and Requirements

What is the most Appropriate Working Permit for Foreigners?

The most appropriate work permit for foreigners is a Z-Visa. You need a signed employment contract and evidence of your qualifications to get this work permit. Also, you must be over 18 years old, in good health, and have no criminal records in your country of residence.

Time Frame for Z-Visa

The time it takes you to prepare for the interview is entirely up to you. But if and when you apply and obtain the visa, you are expected to be in China within 30 days. This is when you and your employer need to forward an application to the local labor and social security bureau for proceeding, which will take about three days. 

Your work permit must be approved within 30 days of getting into China, and afterward, it will take another four to six weeks to complete. 

Visa Cost

The cost of getting a China visa depends on your nationality, the number of entries, and visa duration. You can get detailed information from the respective Chinese consulate in your country or their website. But it is advisable to carry extra cash. 

Personal Interview

Now, this does not always happen, but sometimes a personal interview with the concerned visa authority will be requested. For instance, if a foreigner wants to apply for a permanent residence work permit in china. 

First, you should attest personal information provided in the application. Secondly, a personal interview will also be required if an applicant has been previously denied entry or exit in China. 

The Process of Applying for a Work Permit in China

Here are the steps and requirement of applying for a Chinese work permit:

Foreign Employment License  

Before hiring you, your company or employer must get permission from the Beijing Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs.

Here are the documents the company must take with them:

•       Resumes of the employees
•       Confirmation of the employment
•       Credentials 
•       Medical certificates
•       Completed visa application form
•       Recent passport-size colored picture

Usually, the time for completion of the process is 15 working days.

Invitation Letter from Beijing Municipal Commission of Commerce

The company must also provide an original copy and photocopy of the Invitation Letter written by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Commerce to the foreign employee. The commission should issue the letter within three working days. 

Work Visa

The essential requirement for all is to have a valid work visa. The process takes place in the respective Chinese embassy or Chinese consulate and the estimated time is four working days.  

Physical Examination and Employment Permit 

The employee must submit a medical report ascertaining the medical fitness. Also, you need to provide a photocopy of the Labor contract, the company’s business license, a valid passport, and a copy of the registration form for temporary residence. The process takes five working days. 

Classification of Foreign Employees

The employees are classified into three categories.

•     A-Grade Foreign workers
•     B- Grade Foreign workers
•     C- Grade Foreign workers

A-Grade Foreign Workers

Conditions for A-grade foreign employees are:

• Recipient of any International Award recognizing the talent of the employee.
• Selected by China’s Talent Import Plan
• Exceptional entrepreneurship skills
• Selected under Youth Talent Plan

A-grade employees comprise 16 percent of Foreign Workers in China and get more benefits. The application process is much faster, and there are more chances of getting approved. The verification only needs a few documents, and there are no restrictions on age, degree, education, experience, etc. 

B- Grade Foreign Workers

The requirements for such workers are: 

• Bachelor’s degree with Two years of experience
• Holder of a master’s degree from one of the top 100 institutions in the world
• Foreign Language Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree, two years of experience teaching the respective language, and the language of instruction to be the native language.

B-Grade workers are roughly 61 percent of Expat workers.  

C-Grade Foreign Workers

Foreign workers are graded as C-Grade if:

• They work as domestic helpers.
• Workers enter China under an Internship program of the government.
• They are Seasonal workers. 

The C-Grade workers make up around 22 percent of Expat workers. They are invited, given the market requirements, and are usually for a shorter period. The processing is difficult and time-consuming. 

Criteria for Permanent Residence for Foreigners

Foreign employees who have been working continuously for four years with an annual income exceeding 600,000 RMB, paid income tax of more than 120,000 RMB, and stayed in mainland China for more than six months yearly are eligible for permanent Residence in China. Their spouses and unmarried children below 18 can also apply for permanent residence. 

Visa Changes 

Employees who change positions will have to get a new work permit. There are two situations in this regard.

• First, the employer changes but not the occupation. In this situation, the employee stays in china and doesn’t need a Z or R visa. But the permanent residency of the employee should be valid. 
• Secondly, if the occupation and employer change, the employee should leave china. Re-enter with a new R or Z visa. 

Restrictions for Foreigners 

The international students or internees can only undertake employment and dependents of the foreigners. Foreign workers can only work with a company after getting a work permit. Employers and employees should sign a contract of employment. 

Get in contact with us 

Chinese resident permit requirements can vary on different factors such as your job type, duration, etc. 

Contact us today to kickstart your entry into the vibrant Chinese market! We offer a wide range of services to meet your individual business needs.