Applying for a China work permit: what to
A step-by-step procedure for relocating professionals applying for a China work permit, with no figures because none could be verified.
No published figure yet. The authority does not publish this cost in a form we could verify and quote, so this guide covers the procedure only: what to bring, in what order, and where it goes wrong. We will add the figures the moment there is a source for them.
In order
- Confirm who files the application — Ask your employer in writing whether they submit the work permit application or whether you do.
- Check your passport — Verify it has blank pages and enough remaining validity for the period your employer specifies, and renew it before collecting other documents if not.
- Collect your degree certificate — Obtain the original and ask the receiving office whether it needs authentication or legalisation.
- Obtain criminal record certificates — Request one from each country where you lived for a substantial period, and start early because processing times vary.
- Arrange translations — Ask the receiving office which translator or notary they accept before paying for any translation.
- Submit the application — File through the channel your employer confirmed, and keep a copy of every document and receipt.
- Apply for the residence permit — After the work permit is issued, go to the exit-entry administration to apply for the residence permit.
- Register at the police station — After moving into your address, complete the local police registration and keep the record.
This procedure covers the actions you take to apply for a China work permit as a relocating professional. It contains no figures because no figure in this topic could be verified against a source. Treat it as a checklist of actions, not as legal, tax or immigration advice.
What this procedure covers
This is the sequence of actions for one work permit application. It does not cover dependant visas, permanent residence or tax registration. Because no figure in this topic could be verified, every step below describes timing and quantities in words rather than numbers. Confirm each item with your employer and the local exit-entry administration before you act.
Before you start
Confirm with your employer which office will handle the application and who submits it. In many cases the employer files on your behalf, so your job is to supply documents and attend appointments. Check that your passport has blank pages and remains valid for the period your employer requires. Replace it first if it does not, because a new passport means restarting document collection.
Documents you will be asked for
Expect to provide a passport-style photograph, your passport, your highest degree certificate and a criminal record certificate from each country where you lived for a substantial period. Some documents need authentication or legalisation before submission. Non-English documents usually need a translation. Ask the receiving office which translator or notary they accept before you pay for one.
After the permit is issued
The work permit is not the end of the process. You then apply for a residence permit at the exit-entry administration, and you register with the local police station after you move into your address. Keep every receipt and approval notice. You will be asked for them again at renewal, and at the residence permit stage.
Confirm before you act
Fees and processing times change. This page was checked on 2026-11-09; confirm the current rule with the authority named in each source above before you rely on a deadline.
Last checked 2026-11-09, next review 2027-05-08. Every figure above names its source and the date it was read. This page is a guide, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm with the authority before acting on a deadline.