The Z Visa is the standard visa for foreigners intending to work legally in China. It is required for paid employment and long-term assignments with a registered Chinese employer.
Back to the overview of all China visas.
Who Qualifies
- Foreigners who have a confirmed job offer from a licensed Chinese employer.
- Applicants must generally hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have two years of relevant professional experience (some exceptions for high-level talent).
- The employer must be authorized to hire foreign workers and must obtain a Notification Letter of Work Permit on your behalf.
Required Documents
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank visa pages)
- Completed Visa Application Form (COVA), printed and signed
- Recent passport photo (color, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit (issued by Chinese authorities)
- Invitation letter from your Chinese employer
- Proof of qualifications (degree certificate, reference letters)
- Medical certificate (from a recognized hospital, if required)
- No criminal record certificate (authenticated)
- Proof of legal stay/residence (if applying outside your country of citizenship)
- Other documents as required by the consulate or embassy
Application Process
- Secure a Job Offer
Your future employer in China must be authorized to hire foreigners. - Employer Applies for Work Permit Notification
The employer submits your documents (contract, degree, criminal record, medical check, etc.) to Chinese authorities online.
Processing time: 7–15 business days. - Apply for the Z Visa
With the Work Permit Notification, apply for the Z Visa at a Chinese consulate/embassy in your home country.
Processing time: 5–7 business days. - Enter China
The Z Visa is typically valid for a single entry and 30 days’ stay. You must enter China within the visa validity period. - Register Temporary Residence
Within 24 hours of arrival, register your address at the local police station (or your hotel will do this for you). Obtain the “Registration Form of Temporary Residence.” - Apply for a Foreigner’s Work Permit
Your employer submits your documents to local authorities to obtain your official Work Permit card within 15 days of arrival. - Convert Z Visa to Residence Permit
Within 30 days of arrival, apply for a Work-Type Residence Permit at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Entry-Exit Administration.
This permit allows you to live and work in China for the duration of your contract (typically 1 year, renewable).
How to Get a Residence Permit
Step 1: Gather Documents
- Passport and Z Visa
- Registration Form of Temporary Residence
- Work Permit Card
- Employer’s business license and letter of certification
- Completed residence permit application form
- Passport-sized photos
- Health certificate (if required)
Step 2: Submit Application
- Go to the PSB Entry-Exit Administration office in your city.
- Submit all documents and pay the processing fee.
Step 3: Attend Interview/Medical Exam (if required)
- Some applicants may be required to attend an interview or undergo a medical check.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
- Processing time: 7–30 days, depending on location.
Step 5: Collect Residence Permit
- Once approved, your passport will be returned with a residence permit sticker, allowing you to live and work legally in China.
Special Notes
- You cannot legally work in China on a tourist (L) or business (M) visa.
- The Z Visa is only valid for entry; you must obtain a residence permit to remain and work in China.
- Always keep your Registration Form of Temporary Residence updated if you change address.
- Family members can apply for S1/S2 visas as dependents.