ChinaWork

China work visa (Z visa)

Z visa (employment) with Foreigner's Work Permit

In short

Foreigners who work in China need a Foreigner's Work Permit and a work-type residence permit. The employer first obtains the work permit notification from the human resources and social security authorities; you then apply for the Z visa at the Chinese mission responsible for your place of residence, enter China and convert it into a work residence permit within 30 days.

Apply on China Online Visa Application System (MFA) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Entry visa; the work residence permit is valid from 90 days to 5 years
Fee
The fee depends on your nationality, the number of entries and the Chinese mission where you apply; several missions apply a temporary reduced fee until 31 December 2026, and visa application centres add their own service charge. Check the current table of the embassy or centre responsible for you.
Processing time
Work permit notification first; the visa processing time is then set by the mission where you apply
Work
Only for the employer and position in the work permit
Family
Spouse, parents, children under 18 and parents-in-law via S1 / S2
Path to permanent residence
Long-term employees with high salaries and tax payments can qualify for permanent residence
Where to apply
Online form, then documents and passport in person at the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center responsible for your place of residence

Work permit categories

Work permits are classified as A (high-end talent), B (professionals) and C (other, quota-limited workers) on the basis of a points system covering salary, education, experience, Chinese ability and other factors. Applicants must be adults, healthy and without a criminal record, have the skills the job requires and a job offer from a registered employer in China. Category A applicants receive more flexible treatment and may be eligible for the R visa instead.

Documents for the Z visa

Besides the common documents, you need one of the following: the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit issued by the human resources and social security authorities; a work permit for foreign experts issued by the foreign experts administration; the registration certificate of a resident representative office of a foreign company; an approval for commercial performances; or the CNOOC invitation for offshore oil operations. Diplomas and criminal record certificates used for the work permit are usually apostilled, since China joined the Apostille Convention in November 2023.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank visa page, plus copies of visas and entry stamps from the last 12 months

Work

  • Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit (or another accepted work authorisation listed by the Embassy)

Other

  • Online application form completed and approved in the visa system, with a photo meeting Chinese visa photo rules

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • Copies of your last three Chinese visas, if any
  • If you apply outside your country of nationality: proof of legal residence or stay in the country where you apply (residence permit or visa)

Study

  • Apostilled diploma and criminal record certificate (for the employer's work permit application)

Residence permit and registration

After entry the employer completes the work permit itself and you apply within 30 days for a work-type residence permit at the local exit-entry administration, giving fingerprints. The permit lasts from 90 days to five years and is renewed before expiry. Register your accommodation with the police within 24 hours if you do not stay in a hotel.

Changing jobs and illegal work

The work permit is tied to the employer and position. Changing employer requires a new or amended work permit and residence permit. Working without a work permit and work-type residence permit, or outside its scope, is illegal employment and can lead to fines, detention and deportation.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Collect the documents for your visa category and check the website of the Chinese mission responsible for you for any additional documents it requires.
  2. Sign a contract with a registered Chinese employer and send the apostilled diploma, criminal record and other papers it needs for the work permit notification.
  3. Fill in the online form and upload the documents on the system named by the Chinese mission responsible for you: consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA or, where the mission uses a visa application centre, visaforchina.cn.
  4. Wait for online pre-approval and correct any item the system asks for, then hand in your passport and originals in person.
  5. Give fingerprints if your visa leads to a residence permit (Q1, S1, X1, Z, D); short visas up to 180 days are exempt until 31 December 2026.
  6. Pay the fee as instructed by the mission or visa centre and collect your passport; the processing time depends on where you apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I enter on an M visa and convert to work?

The standard route is a Z visa issued abroad on the basis of the work permit notification. Converting other visas inside China is only possible in limited cases decided locally.

How long is the work residence permit valid?

Between 90 days and five years, usually matching the employment contract.

Do I still need legalisation of documents?

Since China joined the Apostille Convention on 7 November 2023, public documents from other states party to the convention generally need an apostille rather than consular legalisation.

Can my spouse come with me?

Yes, with an S1 visa followed by a family residence permit. Your spouse cannot work without their own work permit.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for China

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Duration of stay printed on the visa (short-stay visas allow up to 180 days per entry)

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: X2: up to 180 days; X1: entry visa followed by a residence permit valid 180 days to 5 years

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Processing time: Set by the mission or visa application centre where you apply

Family

Residence

  • Residence permit Maximum stay: Work type 90 days–5 years; non-work types 180 days–5 years
  • Permanent residence Maximum stay: Permanent; the ID card itself is renewed when it expires

China visa guide