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What are my work visa options?
Work and Residence Permit.
What are the most common visa types?
  • Z visa for main applicant.
  • S1 or S2 visa for dependents.
What is the typical timeline for the immigration process?
2-3 months.
How long does it take to collect information and submit the application?
2-4 weeks.
What is the application processing time?
The typical processing time is about one week.
What is my duration of stay?
The work permit card is issued with a 5-year validity, and the residence card is issued for 1 year. Renewals are possible.
How soon can employees start working?
1-2 months after arrival. Immigrants must complete a Temporary Residence Registration, Medical examination verification, work permit applications, and residence permit applications.
Is there a quota for the number of transferees that can apply?
No.
Is there expedited processing available for applications?
No express service is available right now.
What are the requirements for permanent residency?
Requirements vary depending on the location within China. For up-to-date information, check the official website. We review these requirements on a case-by-case basis to ensure accuracy.
What documents are required from the employee?
  • Passport
  • CV
  • Degree
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Employment experience letter
  • Medical examination report
  • Photographs
  • Application form
  • Original Reference Letter/Experience Letter issued by current or previous employers
Will documents require translation, apostilles, and/or legalization?
Two documents require translation, with authentication, before submission. This includes the Diploma and the Police Clearance Certificate. Authentication is different for each home country. Some embassies/consulates in China are able to legalize documents, but not all. This should be checked on a case-by-case basis.
What is the requirement for the application location?
Applicants need to apply for an entry visa from their home country.

The required documents are :
  • Passport
  • CV
  • Degree
  • Photographs 
  • Application form
  • Photocopies of previous Chinese visas (if any)
Is set-up/sponsorship registration needed for transferees by their employers?
Yes, see below requirements.
What documents are required from employers?
  • Company business license 
  • Certificate of approval
  • Power of attorney
  • Invitation letter 
  • Employment contract
  • Employment registration book 
  • Company SAFEA username and password
  • Tax-paying commitment letter
  • Assignment letter
When do I renew my work visa?
Renewals are possible. If applicable, the work permit should be renewed about 5-6 months prior to the 5-year expiration date.
Can dependents work under the registration process? If so, do they have limitations and requirements to do so?
Spouses or partners are not permitted to have employment access via the dependent pass. Other family members besides spouses/partners are not permitted to have employment access as well.
Are same-sex spouses considered dependents?
No, same-sex spouses are not recognized as dependents.
Are unmarried partners considered dependents?
No, as they are not considered family members.
What, if any, deregistration requirements are required?
Work and residence permits must be formally cancelled prior to the employee’s final departure from China.
What are the red flags and/or special criteria?
  • Onshore/post-arrival change of status option is available.
  • Chinese entity must be electronically registered at the corporate level.
  • Applicants are categorized by ranking of personal data, such as job level, salary, education, etc.; top category applicants (A) can enter China on a business visa then apply for a post-arrival change of status.
  • Category A applicants enjoy a more streamlined process with fewer required documents.
  • Age caps are strictly enforced. 
  • Immigration practice and policy vary by province; applications submitted for locations outside of Shanghai or Beijing can be more complex and longer.
  • Applicants are categorized by ranking of personal data, such as job level, salary, education, etc.; top category applicants (A) can enter China on a business visa then apply for a post-arrival change of status.
  • Category A applicants enjoy a more streamlined process with fewer required documents. 
  • Chinese entity must be electronically registered at the corporate level.
  • Age caps are strictly enforced.
  • Immigration practice and policy vary by province; applications submitted for locations outside of Shanghai or Beijing can be more complex and lengthy.
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