China Work Permit Visa

Types of China Work Permit Visa

Hiring talent in China unlocks a vast pool of skilled individuals, but China work permit visas can be a roadblock. This section explores China's work visa and tiered work permit system to help you navigate international recruitment effectively.

China work visa types

• Even though there is only a Z work visa in China, there is a categorization system for Chinese work permits. 
• The China work visa, the Z visa, is issued to foreign workers staying in China for 90 days. 

China work permit types

• After arriving in China, foreign workers must trade their Z visa for a China Residence Permit. The residence permit allows multiple entry into China with a one-year validity period.
• The China work permit visa categorization system uses three categories to assess foreign talent. It affects processing times and may even influence how long a residence permit is valid:
  • Tier A: High-Level Foreign Talents - Targets highly skilled or experienced individuals in critical fields. It offers benefits like fast-tracked processing, preferential tax treatment, and potentially more extended validity periods.
  • Tier B: Foreign Professionals - This category covers foreign professionals with specialized skills or experience needed for a specific role. Depending on the position and employer, some benefits may be available.‍
  • Tier C: Ordinary Foreign Personnel - This is the most common category with longer processing times for general foreign workers.

Requirements for China Work Visa and Permits 

One of the persistent challenges in international business expansion is securing a work visa and a work permit. Here's a breakdown of work visa requirements in China:

China work visa requirements

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and some blank pages is required.
• Completed Z visa application form with a passport photo.
• Official job offer letter from a Chinese employer.
• Employer-issued work permit notification acts as approval for employment in China and is crucial for the Z visa.
• Or a registration certificate issued to foreign companies upon establishing a resident representative office.
• Or an approval document for commercial activities issued by the Chinese government authorities for Cultural Affairs.
• A health certificate may be required depending on the specific situation.
• Proof of a clean criminal record may be necessary to submit.  

Moreover, a point-based system assesses foreign applicants' qualifications for a China work permit visa. This system categorizes applicants into tiers based on their scores:

• Tier A: Reserved for highly skilled individuals who score 85 points or more.
• Tier B: For qualified professionals scoring between 60 and 84 points.
• Tier C: Applicable to foreign workers with scores below 60.

The applicants are assessed based on annual salary, education qualification, work experience and time spent in China, Mandarin proficiency, employer location, and age. The type of China work permit visa tier will determine processing time and applicable visa benefits. 

China work permit requirements

To secure a Foreigners Work Permit notification letter, the first step for employers is to submit the following documents to the local labor bureau. 

• A relevant Chinese authority legalizes and authenticates an official degree or diploma. 
• Proof of at least two years of experience directly related to the job applying for. Documentation from a previous employer(s) may verify candidates’ employment history and responsibilities.
• A professional document (diplomas, certificates, etc.) outlining candidates’ skills, experience, and education.
• A recent health check-up report from a designated medical facility.
• Details about dependents are required if the candidate brings family members to China. 

This notification letter, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS), is a vital document for your foreign employee to proceed with their Z visa application.

How to Apply for China Work Visas & Permits

Here's a breakdown of the steps to apply for a China Work Visa (Z Visa) based on the information provided by VisaRite:

1. Gather all the required documents 
2. Fill out the China Online Visa Application Form (COVA) online, selecting the appropriate consulate or embassy. 
3. China work visa costs will vary depending on the service level chosen and may include consular processing fees, service fees, and shipping costs.
4. Employers initiate the work permit application process with the local labor bureau in China. This involves submitting qualifications and details of the offered position.
5. Upon approval, the labor bureau will issue a Work Permit Notification. This document verifies candidates’ employment and is essential for obtaining a Z work visa in China.
6. Within 30 days of entering China, candidates must exchange their Z visa for a Residence Permit, allowing candidates to live and work legally in China.

Switching jobs with a valid work permit

A China work permit is tied explicitly to the current employer, and any job change will require candidates to cancel their existing license before starting work with the new company.

Moreover, candidates have a three-month window to apply for a new work permit based on their latest job offer. As a new employer, you will initiate a fresh work permit application process on their behalf.

Application processing time

The application processing time for China work visas & permits varies based on the applicant's location. It usually takes four days to process a visa application and may take 3 to 4 weeks to obtain a notification letter for a work permit.

Looking to Hire in China? Skuad Can Help

Partnering with Skuad for Employer of Record (EOR) services streamlines your international hiring process. We handle payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance, allowing you to scale your workforce efficiently without needing local subsidiaries in China.

Skuad's expertise extends far beyond China. Our comprehensive EOR solution empowers you to build globally distributed teams across over 160 countries. 

Remember, Skuad's work permit and visa services are exclusively available to companies partnering with us for EOR. 

Book a demo today to simplify your hiring process in China!

FAQs

Q1. Is China open for a working visa?

A1. Yes, China is open to issuing work visas (Z-visa) to eligible foreign applicants. It follows a points system to classify foreign applicants into three tiers based on their core human capital factors. While Tier A offers the fastest processing, with benefits like paperless verification and exemption from age/education requirements, only 16% of expats qualify. Tier B is the most common (61%), requiring a bachelor's degree and relevant experience, and Tier C (22%) is for short-term stays or specific programs.

Q2. Can I work in China as a US citizen?

A2. Yes, US citizens can work in China on Z-visa. They require a job offer in China, and employers apply for a work permit notification. 

Q3. How long does a work permit from China take?

A3. Securing a work permit from China can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the category (A being the fastest) and the workload of the consulate you apply through. 

Q4. Can I change a tourist visa to a work permit in China?

A4. You cannot directly change a tourist visa (L visa) to a work permit in China. However, you can obtain an M visa (multiple entry) for commercial and trade activities. To obtain a work permit, you must return to your home country and apply for a work visa (Z visa) after securing a job offer in China. 

Q5. What is a Type C work permit in China?

A5. China uses a tiered system (A, B, and C) for work permits. Tier C applies to foreign workers coming to China for short-term work or specific programs, like internships. It typically involves limited permit availability, longer processing times, and shorter validity periods compared to Tiers A and B.