Working Visa for Foreigners

A Chinese employer may employ a foreigner if no suitable candidate is readily available for the job in question in the industry, and such job cannot not be readily taken up by local work force in Chinese market, The accompanying relatives of the foreigner working in China (spouse, parents and children under 18 years of age) may simultaneously apply for residence permit with same length of stay as that of the employee.

Eligibility Criteria

Be aged 18 or above and healthy
Have the relevant expertise and work experience
Have no criminal record
Confirm his/her employment
Hold a passport or any other international travel document
Application Procedures

1. Application for a Foreigner Work Permit of the People’s Republic of China
2. Application for an Occupation Visa (Z visa)
3. Application for a Foreigner Work Permit of the People’s Republic of China and a Residence Permit (item 1 and 2 not required for individuals from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)
Required Documents

An employment application form for employing a foreigner
The biographical certificate of the foreigner to be employed
The letter of intent for employment ( labor contract in the case of application for a work permit)
A report on reasons for employment
The qualification certificate for such job position
The passport or any other international travel document
The health certificate
The temporary residence registration in China
A recent personal photograph
An original copy and a photocopy of the business license or registration document of the employer or the relevant organisation
The tax certificate of the employer or the relevant organisation for the prior year
Any other documents required by laws and regulations
The following additional documents shall be provided for positions of general manager or deputy general manager

A photocopy of the articles of association
A photocopy of the list of the members of the board of directors
Annual Inspection of Work Permit

The longest effective period of the work permit does not exceed 5 years. If the effective period is more than one year, the enterprise must apply for an annual inspection within 30 days to its expiry for its foreign employee.