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China’s booming economy has led this country to be one of the most important destinations for job seekers in Asia. Every year, many people come to this country to work. All foreigners who intend to work in China will need a work visa. We will describe the most important issues related to the China work visa process, such as the application procedure, the application form, the cost, and how to renew the visa.

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China Work Visa

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What is a China work permit?

When you apply for a China work visa, you need to come to an agreement with an employer. He/she needs to apply for a work permit or the authorities’ approval so a foreign national can come to  China and work there.  A work permit is one of the requirements of a work visa, and you can not apply without a work permit.

The employer receives the Registration Certificate and the work permit so the employee can apply for a work visa in his/her home country. There might be other documents by the case and the type of work the employee will do in the country.

What are Chinese work visa types?

It has two types:

What is the age limit for the work visa application?

The age limit defined for Z visa applicants is 18 to 60 years. But this requirement is flexible. So if you are not in the range of age and can find an appropriate employer, you can still get approval.

China Work Visa Requirements 2022

The Chinese working visa requirement or the Z visa or work visa requirements are as follows:

  • A valid visa: The visa must be valid for at least 12 months and have two blank pages.
  • China works visa application form: You must first fill out the form on your computer and then print and sign it. The handwritten form is not acceptable. All blanks must be filled out. If a section doesn’t apply, please write “None” or “N/A’.  Pages should be printed on single-sided pages. Do not use a staple to attach the papers. It is enough to use a paper clip.
  • A photo: The dimensions of the photo should be 33 * 48 mm, and it should be on a white background. Photo quality must be acceptable and be taken within the last six months.
  • Work permit: Applicants for a work visa must submit one of the following documents. The employer obtains these documents;
    • Foreigners Work Permit
    • Registration Certificate
    • An approval document for commercial performances
    • Invitation Letter to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations
  • Other supporting documents: In some cases, more documents, such as medical forms or criminal histories, may be required. Note that in order to obtain a Temporary Residence Permit in China, you will need to have a Physical Examination Record.

Readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences in comments is a great help for applicants.

Infographic How to apply for China work visa? What is Work Permit Point System?A complete guide to getting a work visa in China

How to apply for a China work visa?

You must submit your documents to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in person. A friend, family member, as well as a travel agency, can send documents on your behalf of you. Mailed applications are rejected. No appointment is required.  You can also apply for a work visa through the China Visa Application Centers. Some of these centers accept mailed applications.

Websites to find a job in China 

These are the best websites you can look for a job in China; 

  • Chinajob.com 
  • Chinasemester.com 
  • foreignhr.com
  • Echinacities.com 
  •  jobsitechina.com
  • Hiredchina.com 
  • Jobleadchina.com
  • Chinaexpat.cn
  • Pingwaijiao.com 
  • thebeijinger.com
  • echinacareers.com
  • linkedin.com

What is Work Permit Point System?

When you apply for a China Z visa, your value is calculated by different criteria. These factors include:

  • Qualifications,
  • Work experience,
  • Age,
  • Fluency in the Chinese language,
  • Location of employment.

Depending on the score you receive in this rating system, you will enjoy special benefits. People are divided into three categories based on the points they obtain:

Tier A: People with a score of 85 or higher

China work visa application for these people is processed faster. Also, their visa validity will be longer. They can work in different fields of work in important job positions.

Tier B: People with a score of 60 to 84

The visa application process for these people is slower than for the previous group. These people can only work in the industries needed by China.

Tier C: People with a score below 60

The Chinese government allows a limited number of people in this category to work in China. Workers working temporarily in China fall into this category.

What is a work permit in Chinese?

The Chinese word or the character for a work permit is “工作准证” and the pinyin, or how the characters are pronounced, is Gōngzuò zhǔn zhèng.

The work permit is the permission or approval of the government that a foreign employee or worker can work inside China’s mainland.

The point is that a potential employee can not apply for a work permit, and the employer who is willing to hire the employee is only able to apply for a work permit.

China work permit processing time

The processing time for a China work visa is about 4 working days. Remember that you have to wait for two items until receiving the work visa. First, you need to wait until the Chinese officials process the work permit and issue it. Then you need to apply for a work visa at the embassy or consulate and wait until they issue the visa.

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How long does it take to assess the documents and issue a work visa?

The processing time for a China work visa is about 4 working days.

How much does China work visa cost?

The application fee for a China work visa is the same as other Chinese visas. The cost of applying for a Chinese visa varies from country to country. The embassies can provide detailed guidance in this regard.

Can Z visa holders bring their families to China?

Yes. Family members must obtain an S visa for this purpose. The Z visa holder must submit an invitation letter. Also, the family member’s relationship with the work visa holder must be specified (through documents such as birth certificate and marriage certificate).

Are foreign domestic helpers allowed to work legally in mainland China?

No. Almost all domestic helpers currently working in China are unlawful. Some agencies help them to obtain multiple-entry visas, such as tourist visas or non-commercial visit visas. Then they use these visas to enter and exit China.

Can holders of other visas, including tourist visas, change their visa status to work visas?

No. It is not possible to change visa status. If you want to get a work visa, you must first leave China and then apply for a work visa.

Is the Z visa issued as a multiple entry visa?

China work visa is issued as a single entry. Within 30 days of arrival, a work visa holder must be legally registered at the AKA Public Security Bureau to get a Residence Permit. The holder of a Residence Permit can enter and leave China several times.

China work visa for Pakistani

Pakistani nationals who want to work in China need a work permit and work visa so they can work legally in the country. They can not apply for a work permit from inside Pakistan, and the employee can not apply for the permit.

The Chinese employer needs to apply for a work permit from inside China and receive the authorities’ approval so the foreign worker can work in the country.

The employer and employee must be in contact together and exchange documents and information if required.

When the work permit is issued, the employee can apply for a work visa from Pakistan to the Chinese embassy in Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore.

China work visa fee for Pakistani

The fee or the cost of a China work visa is different for each embassy. The general cost is it is between $ 30 and $ 90. But the Chinese embassy in Pakistan might charge you for some further services. Also, the Chinese embassy in Lahore, Islamabad, Gujrat, and Karachi might have different services and charge you more or less.

China work visa for Indian

The Indians can also apply for a China work visa if they find a job inside the country. There are websites that you can search through to see if there is any job available by your skill or occupation:

  • Chinajob.com
  • Chinasemester.com
  • Jobsitechina.com
  • Foreignhr.com
  • Echinacities.com
  • Hiredchina.com
  • Jobleadchina.com
  • Chinaexpat.cn
  • Pingwaijiao.com
  • Echinacareers.com
  • Thebeijinger.com
  • Linkedin.com

You can search through the above websites to see if there is any job available for you or not. If yes, you can send a resume, negotiate it with the employer and come to an agreement together.

If so, the employer needs to apply for a work permit for you as an Indian national.

When the work permit is approved, you can apply for a work visa inside India at the Chinese embassy in New Delhi.

Let’s sum up …

In this article, we have reviewed the answers to the most frequently asked questions about China’s work visas. On the Visa Library website, you can learn about other Chinese visas as well as ways to immigrate to other countries. In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences in comments is a great help for applicants.

FAQs

How do I get a China work visa?

Find an employer who needs you in the country

Does the Chinese GOVT issue a work permit?

Yes, if you get the job offer and your expertise is needed. 

Is the processing long to get the work visa?

No, the processing is from 2 weeks to a month at most. 

Can I post my documents as the Chinese embassy is far away?

No, you have to submit them in person.

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4 Comments

  1. Warren says:

    I’m 65 years old. I’ve passed the age limit. Shall I forget about applying for a work visa?

    • support says:

      If you have passed the age limit, don’t lose hope. You can still apply if you meet the criteria.

  2. ChinJin says:

    There is no Chinese embassy in my town. Do I still have to visit one in another town?

    • Your friend or family member or a travel agency in that city can send your documents on your behalf as well. Bear in mind that you could apply online to the China Visa Application Centers too.