China•AsiaWork Visa (Z Visa)
At a Glance
Processing Time
4-10 days
Application Fee
140 USD
Stay Duration
Up to 1 year
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Employment visa for foreigners taking up work positions in China with local employers. Requires work permit approval and a confirmed job offer from a Chinese company.
The Z visa is the primary employment visa for foreign workers in China. It requires sponsorship from a licensed Chinese employer and approval of a work permit notice from local labor authorities. Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant work experience.
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Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
6 months months
Education
Bachelor or higher
Professional
Experience
2+ years
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity
Passport photo
Color photo 33x48mm, white background
Completed application form
Signed visa application
Work permit notice
From Chinese employer/labor bureau
Educational documents
Bachelor degree or higher qualification
Work experience letter
Minimum 2 years relevant experience
Health certificate
If required by employer or visa officer
OptionalSponsor Documents
Employment contract
Offer letter with job details and salary
Company registration
Proof of company legal registration
Work permit application
Form and supporting documents for labor bureau
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Advantages
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Family members can obtain dependent visas
- Long-term work authorization
- Can transition to other visa types
- Extendable based on employment
Considerations
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Tied to specific employer
- Location-specific residence permit
- Complex application process
- Work permit notice processing takes time
Application Process
Secure employment offer
Receive confirmed job offer from licensed Chinese employer
Employer applies for work permit notice
Chinese company applies to local labor bureau for work permit notice (7-15 business days)
Receive work permit notice
Employer provides work permit notice number to applicant
Apply for Z visa
Apply at Chinese embassy/consulate with work permit notice
Pay visa fee
Pay reduced visa application fee
Process visa
4-10 business days processing
Enter China
Receive Z visa and travel to China
Apply for residence permit
Within 30 days of arrival, apply for work residence permit
Application Forms
Work Permit Application
China Visa Application Form (Z)
Ready to Apply?
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