The Z visa is the formal work visa for foreigners in China, usually valid for 30 days; after entry you must convert it to a work-type residence permit within 30 days.
Step 1: employer applies for the work permit. The Chinese employer applies for the Foreigner's Work Permit (categories A/B/C) from the local authority; once approved you receive a Work Permit Notification.
Step 2: visa application. Submit the notification, a passport valid 6+ months, the visa form and photos to a Chinese embassy/consulate. Processing usually takes 4-7 working days.
Step 3: after entry. Within 30 days: medical exam (at an entry-exit inspection facility), then apply for the work-type residence permit (public security exit-entry office). The permit lasts 1-5 years and allows multiple entries.
Notes: enter within 3 months of issuance; changing employers means redoing the permit and residence procedures; family (spouse, children) can accompany on S visas.
The China work visa (Z visa) is the "entry ticket" to legal work in China. Many planning to work here are confused by the process; this article clarifies it.
First, clear a myth: the Z visa is not obtained by simply applying at a consulate. The core precondition: you already have a Chinese employer who has secured a work permit for you.
The process has three steps: first, the employer applies to the local human-resources authority for the Foreigner Work Permit Notice; second, you apply for the Z visa at a consulate with the notice; third, apply for a residence permit within thirty days of entry.
Work permits fall into A, B and C categories: A for high-end talent (high salary, high education, scarce skills), B for general professionals, C for ordinary workers. Requirements differ.
Category A enjoys a "green channel": faster permit and visa processing, some cases without degree proof.
For the permit notice, the employer submits: business licence, your passport copy, degree certificate, police clearance, work experience proof, medical examination.
Police clearance is the most troublesome: official documents from your home country, translation, notarisation, and authentication (apostille or consular) - a month or more in total.
Degree: generally bachelor or above, also translated and notarised; degrees earned abroad should ideally be verified.
Salary: localities set minimum salary requirements (usually above local average) - part of the review.
After entry with the Z visa: apply for the residence permit within thirty days or risk illegal stay; its validity usually matches the contract, up to five years.
Changing jobs in China: the new employer applies for a new permit, and you redo the residence permit. Keep your status legal during the switch.
Timeline: from permit application to visa, 1-2 months if smooth. Start preparing materials, especially clearance and degree verification, half a year ahead.
With the Z visa, you officially join the Chinese workplace. The more prepared, the smoother the process.
