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China Work Visa (Z)

Chinese work visa, or Z visa, is issued to foreigners who are going to China for a paid job offer or to undertake commercial entertainment performances in China.
 

How long is the duration of stay of Chinese Z visa?

This Z visa itself only allows a stay duration of 30 days from the date of arrival in China, during which time you and your employer must seek a Temporary Residence Permit for the duration of your contract, to a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 5 years. Note that usually the work visa is a single entry, with the duration of stay being 000, which means the duration is to be determined by the Temporary Residence Permit you get after entering China.
 

What is the age limit for Z visa application?

The age limit is 18 - 60 for all applicants. However, there is some flexibility in these requirements, so if you are not in this age range and can find a willing employer, they may still be able to obtain approval for you.
 

China Work Visa Requirements & Documents

1. Passport

- Applicant's valid actual passport with at least six months before expiry and at least one blank page left in it.

2. Application Form

- One accurately and truthfully completed China Visa Application Form.

3. Recent Photo

- One recent passport standard photo affixed to the Application Form.

4. Work Permit

- Applicants need to submit one of the following work permits obtained through their employers in China:
a. Foreigners Work Permit - issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the PRC.
b. Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries (regions) - issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.
c. An approval document for commercial performances - issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs.
d. Invitation Letter to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations - issued by National Offshore Oil Corporation.

5. Supporting Documents

Applicants might be required to submit supporting documents on a case-by-case basis. This could include a medical form and criminal history check, which has been notarized and authenticated. If you are not required to submit the medical form, you still need to take a medical check when applying for the Temporary Residence Permit in China. Download Physical Examination Record for Foreigner to check the tests you need to go through.
 

How to Apply for China Work Visa

You can go to the Chinese embassy, consulates, Chinese Visa Application Centers (CVASC) or other diplomatic missions in person for application. It's compulsory to make an appointment before going in most cases. Mailed applications are generally not acceptable. 
 

China Employment Visa Fees

The fee is the same as the fee for other types of Chinese visa. Generally speaking, Chinese embassy or consulate only issue single entry Z visa to aliens, thus we only list single entry Z visa fees for some major countries here. For more details, please click China Visa Fees.

US Citizens Canadian Citizens UK Citizens Australian Citizens
USD 185 CAD 142 GBP 151 AUD 109.5
 

Processing Time

It usually takes 4 working days for processing. For example, you submit application on Monday and then you can pick up your visa on Thursday. An additional US$ 30 is charged for one working day processing, and US$ 20 for 2-3 working day processing.
 

Which visa applies to accompanying family members of Z visa applicants?

Accompanying family members should apply for an S visa by submitting invitation letter from the relative with work Z visa in China and a 'proof of relationship', i.e. their marriage certificate for a spouse, or birth certificate for a child.
 

Can foreign domestic helpers work legally in mainland China?

Foreign domestic helpers are not able to work in China, indicating that almost all domestic helpers currently working in China are illegal. Some agencies help them to apply for multiple entry tourist L visa or noncommercial visit F visa and then they use it to enter and exit regularly. Despite this, do not take a risk by working as a domestic helper or employing one to avoid being fined.

Note: The most common employment in China for foreigners is teaching English for which the minimum qualifications are stated as having English as a first language and having at least a Bachelors degree and two year teaching experience.
 

Further Reading:

8 Tips for Filling Out Chinese Visa Application Form
Top 8 Reasons Why Your China Visa Gets Rejected

- Last updated on May. 25, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on China Work Visa
Asked by Muddassar Husain from PAKISTAN | Aug. 22, 2023 07:34Reply
i want to work visa
i know tile packing work
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | Aug. 22, 2023 20:20
00Reply


I'm sorry but generally a working visa requires one of the following documents:

1. Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China (Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China for those whose work period is no more than 90 days.) 

2. Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit in the P. R. China (work for more than 90 days).

3. Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of Enterprises of Foreign Countries (regions).

4. An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs.

5. Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China.
Asked by Muhammad Aman Khurrum from PAKISTAN | Aug. 22, 2023 02:15Reply
Visa fee for Pakistan citizen?
Answers (1)
Answered by Edward | Aug. 22, 2023 19:10
00Reply


In fact, it is free for citizens in Pakistan to apply for all kinds of visas.
Asked by Cinco from MEXICO | Aug. 16, 2023 06:29Reply
Can I get a Z-Visa at the Visa Center of Thailand if I have a Visa on Arrival?
Hello,

My employer told me that in order to get the Z-Visa I may have to go back to my home country.
I would like to know;
Is it possible to go to Thailand (I am a non-thai citizen) to get a Visa on Arrival for 15 days, and with the VoA get a Z-Visa at the China Visa Center office in Thailand?

Thanks
Answers (4)
Answered by Cinco | Aug. 16, 2023 06:30
00Reply


I forgot to mention that I am currently inside of China, studying at a university in Shanghai on a student Visa (X)
Answered by Linda | Aug. 16, 2023 18:30
00Reply


Hi, generally, you will be rejected by the Chinese Visa Service Center in Thailand and it is suggested to apply for it in your home country.
Answered by Cinco | Aug. 17, 2023 23:07
00Reply


Excuse me,

May i know what could be the possible reasons for rejection?
Even if I have all the required documents?
Answered by Mia | Aug. 17, 2023 23:13
00Reply


In fact, there will be no reason and the result can just depends on luck.
Asked by Muhammad Masab from PAKI | Aug. 11, 2023 23:16Reply
What is requirement for z visa 5 years
Answers (1)
Answered by Emma | Aug. 13, 2023 23:38
00Reply


Generally, the longest stay duration is 1 year and you can extend it at the local entry and exit administration bureau when it is expired.
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