Work Permit Visa in China: Steps to Legal
A step-by-step guide to obtaining a Chinese work permit visa for foreign residents relocating.
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
- Secure a job offer from a Chinese employer — Your employer must be willing to sponsor your work permit and provide the necessary documentation.
- Provide documents to your employer — Send your passport copy, CV, and qualifications so your employer can apply for the Work Permit Notification Letter.
- Receive the Work Permit Notification Letter — Your employer will obtain this letter from local authorities; it is required for your visa application.
- Apply for a Z visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate — Submit your passport, the notification letter, application form, and photo to get your work visa.
- Enter China within your visa's validity — Travel to China before your Z visa expires to begin the residence permit process.
- Complete a medical examination — Visit a designated hospital in China for the required health check.
- Have your employer apply for your Work Permit Card and Residence Permit — Your employer submits the application; once approved, you receive your documents to work and stay legally.
This guide walks you through the process of getting a work permit visa in China, from securing a job offer to receiving your residence permit. It is based on general procedures and not legal advice.
Before You Start
You must have a job offer from a Chinese employer who is willing to sponsor your work permit. Your employer will initiate most of the application process. Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your intended stay, as the permit will be tied to your passport’s validity.
Employer Applies for Work Permit
Your employer applies for a Work Permit Notification Letter from the local government authorities. This letter is required before you can apply for a visa. You will need to provide your employer with your passport copy, CV, and any relevant qualifications or certificates.
Apply for the Visa
Once you receive the Work Permit Notification Letter, you apply for a Z visa (work visa) at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country or current residence. Submit your passport, the notification letter, a completed visa application form, and a recent photo. The visa allows you to enter China for work purposes.
After Arrival in China
Within the validity period of your Z visa, you must enter China and then complete the remaining steps to convert your visa to a residence permit. Your employer will assist with the registration and medical check requirements.
Finalize Your Work Permit and Residence Permit
Undergo a medical examination at a designated hospital in China, as required for work permit issuance. Your employer submits the application for your Work Permit Card and Residence Permit to the local authorities. You will receive these documents, which allow you to work and stay legally.
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.