Visas and Work Permits in China

Types of Work Permits in China

Hiring foreign talent, whether locally or from abroad, requires the correct visa before starting work. Employees also need a residence permit, which is usually linked to their work permit.

China’s labor laws are not always clear, especially regarding remote work. There are no strict rules for it yet, but employers must follow immigration laws to avoid legal issues.

China Work Visa Types

China changed its visa rules in 2013, making the process more complex. There are now 12 types of visas instead of 8.

Employers are responsible for sponsoring the China work visa for their employees. The main work-related visas are:

I. Category Z visa

This visa is the standard permit for non-Chinese professionals in various industries. It:

• Needs a work permit. 
• Issued for single entry. 
• Must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

II. Category M visa

The M Visa is for foreign nationals involved in major investments or long-term projects in China. One may qualify if they are part of a significant foreign direct investment (FDI) project or a government-approved development program. This is:

• Issued for single, double, or multiple entries. 
• Valid for up to 10 years. 
• Stay per visit is usually 30-60 days.

III. Category R visa 

This visa is for top experts with special skills that China urgently needs. Those with high-level certifications, unique expertise, or exceptional achievements may qualify. 

This visa is part of China’s strategy to attract global professionals. It has a faster approval process. The stay per visit is 30-90 days.

IV. Category S visa

This visa is not directly associated with the workers in China but with their families. It is divided into the categories of S1 (for long-term stay) and S2 (for short-term stay). 

• S1: Stay over 180 days. Single-entry, stay over 180 days. Must apply for a residence permit within 30 days.
• S2: Stay of 30-90 days per visit. Multiple-entry. US passport holders can get up to 10 years.

V. Category C visa

It is for international transportation workers (pilots, ship crew, drivers, etc.). US passport holders can get up to 5 years.

China Work Permit Types

The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) has a unified Chinese work permit system to assess foreign talent (employment in China for foreigners). 

This system is based on skills, achievements, and contributions. 

China classifies foreign workers into three categories:

• Tier A: High-end talents
• Tier B: skilled professionals 
• Tier C: ordinary foreign workers

Below, find the detailed list:

This new system combines the Alien Employment Permit and Foreign Expert Permit into one work permit and uses points to classify workers. (China work permit point system)

• 85+ points = Tier A 
• 60-84 points = Tier B 
• Below 60 points = Tier C 

How to Qualify for Each Tier?

Tier A needs more than 85 scores in the system. You qualify if you:

• Work in science, technology, or innovation.
• Hold a senior position at a Fortune 500 company.
• Have received international awards (for example, the Pulitzer Prize).
• Work in a high-demand industry in China.
• Earn 6 times the local average salary.

Tier B needs 60-84 points. You qualify if you:

• Have a bachelor’s degree + 2 years of experience.
• Work in management, research, or technical roles.
• Are a foreign language teacher (with a degree and certification).
• Earn 4 times the local average salary.

Tier C is where there are below 60 points in your system. You qualify if you:

• Work short-term (under 90 days).
• Are part of a government internship program.
• Work in low-skilled or seasonal jobs.

How Does the Tier Affect You?

• Tier A: Fast approval, online application, no restrictions on age, education, or experience.
• Tier B: Stricter application process, requires full documentation, limited based on labor market needs.‍
• Tier C: Stricter conditions, shorter permit validity, longer approval times, and limited job opportunities.

Requirements for China Work Visa and Permits 

To work in China for a longer period, an employee needs a work visa and a work permit. The Chinese labor law and the government oversee the work permits issued by foreign employees willing to work in international businesses. The process involves multiple steps and requires several documents.

China Work Visa Requirements

Since June 6, 2022, China no longer requires a special invitation letter for work visas. The documents most applicants need are:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Visa application form (with a recent passport-sized photo)
• Health certificate
• Employment license (from Chinese authorities)
• Invitation letter (from employer)

Simultaneously, a company must apply for a work license before hiring a foreign employee. Once approved, the company provides the employee with the work license to apply for a Z visa. The documents are:

• Application form (for foreign employment)
• Employee’s resume (in Chinese, stamped)
• Work experience certificate
• Justification report (why hiring a foreigner is necessary)
• Proof of employee’s skills
• Degree certificate
• Other legal documents (business license, corporate code certificate, IC card from the Labor Bureau)

China Work Permit Requirements

The documents needed for a China work permit application are:

• Employment registration form (2 copies)
• Work license (from the Labor Bureau)
• Labor contract (signed with the employer)
• Passport and visa (original + copy)
• Health certificate
• Photos (three 2-inch photos)
• Temporary residence registration form
• The Chinese name of the employee
• Foreigner permit application IC card (from the Labor Bureau)
• No criminal record

Now, let’s look at how long does it take to get China work visa and how to apply for a work visa in China.

How to Apply for China Work Visa and Permits

To work in China, employers and employees must follow a step-by-step process. The China employment visa processing time is usually 1 to 2 weeks. On the other hand, it takes 1 to 3 weeks for China work permit approval.

Work Visa in China 

The process starts with the visa sponsorship process in China. Employers must:

• Verify all the submitted details by the employee
• Submit an official job invitation letter to the Labor Bureau or Foreign Expert Bureau
• Show how the employee’s skills benefit China’s economy or technology sector

Once approved, the employee applies for a Z visa at a Chinese embassy in their home country. To apply, an employee must:

• Visit a Chinese Visa Application Center or a Chinese embassy and submit basic documents
• You can apply for a foreigner’s work permit card online via SAFEA within 15 days of arrival. The sponsoring company must submit this application.
• Obtain a Chinese residence permit. 

Work Permit in China

The step-by-step China work permit process is:

• Get a job offer from a legal company in China. After that, apply for a Foreigner’s Work Permit Notification Letter.
• Next, apply for a Z visa in their country and enter China.
• Within 24 hours of arrival, register at the local police station with your passport and address details.
• Complete a health check as soon as possible. The employer will arrange this.
• Within one month of arrival, go to the local Entry-Exit Bureau to apply for your residence permit.

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FAQs

How do I get a work visa for China?

To work in China, an employee must secure a job offer from a Chinese employer. Next, they can obtain a Chinese work permit and apply for a Z visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.

Can US citizens work in China?

US citizens can get jobs in China. However, they must apply for the necessary permits and obtain a Z visa.

Does China allow foreigners to work?

China permits foreigners to work legally, provided they obtain the appropriate work visa and permits.

What is an F and M visa in China?

An F visa is for non-commercial visits like research or cultural exchanges; an M visa is for business and trade activities.

Who is eligible for a Z visa in China?

Individuals with a valid job offer from a Chinese employer authorized to hire foreign workers are eligible for a Z visa.