Work Visa

China's Visa System

Core Certificate System

Z Visa (Work Visa): This is an entry visa applied for by foreign nationals at Chinese embassies and consulates abroad for work purposes. Z visas typically have a single-entry validity of only 30 days and their main purpose is to allow the applicant to legally enter China to apply for subsequent long-term documents.
Foreigner’s Work Permit: This is the core document and sole identity document for foreign nationals to legally work in China, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs) and its local management departments. This document is a physical card with a built-in chip, and each person has a unique, lifelong code.
Residence Permit for Work: Issued by the Exit-Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau, this permit is affixed to the passport and is equivalent to long-term legal residency in China. Foreign nationals must apply for this permit within 30 days of entering China with a Z visa. The residence permit is usually valid for 1 to 5 years, during which time the holder can freely enter and exit China an unlimited number of times.

Foreigner work permit classification (Categories A/B/C)

China adopts the guiding principle of “encouraging high-end talent, controlling general talent, and restricting low-end talent” in its introduction of foreign talent. A classification system combining comprehensive points and direct entry conditions is used based on applicants’ education, salary, age, and work experience:

Category A (High-end Foreign Talent): This category includes internationally recognized outstanding achievers, urgently needed innovative and entrepreneurial talents, and outstanding young talents. Category A talents enjoy “green channel” privileges, with fast approval processes, no strict restrictions on age, education, or work experience, and can be issued work permits valid for up to 5 years. They are also eligible to apply directly for Chinese permanent residency (Chinese green card) as the primary applicant.
Category B (Foreign Professional Talent): This category applies to the vast majority of foreign white-collar workers, mid-to-senior level managers in enterprises, and foreign teachers in China. The typical hard requirements are: a bachelor’s degree or above and at least 2 years of relevant work experience. Age restrictions apply (usually not exceeding 60 years old).
Category C (General Foreign Personnel): This category includes temporary, seasonal, and non-technical laborers restricted by national policy (such as laborers meeting specific bilateral agreements), subject to strict industry restrictions and quota management.

Application Process

The employer in China applies for and receives the “Notification of Foreigner’s Work Permit” online on behalf of the foreign employee.
The foreign employee uses the notification to apply for a Z visa at an overseas embassy or consulate and enters China.
Upon entry, the employee undergoes a medical examination at a designated hospital under the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.
With the medical certificate and original documents, the employee applies for the “Foreigner’s Work Permit” at the government service window.
Within 30 days of entry, the employee applies for and renews the “Foreigner’s Work Residence Permit” at the local Public Security Bureau’s Entry-Exit Administration Department.

Kindly contact us for more information on available work visa options.

MSMC ASIA

#19-06 160 Robinson Rd, SBF Center, Singapore 068914