What Are the Key Types of Work Visas in China?

When it comes to work visas in China, companies typically encounter three main types:

1. F Visa (Business Visa)
2. Z Visa (Work Visa)
3. Residence Permit

Each type of visa has specific use cases, eligibility criteria, and application processes. Below is a breakdown of each visa type:

1. What is an F Visa (Business Visa) in China?

The F visa is a short-term business visa often used by employees who need to visit China for temporary business activities. This visa is not suitable for long-term employment and does not provide work authorization.

Key Features of the F Visa in China

• Usage: Short-term business trips (typically less than 6 months).
• Entry Types: Single, double, or multiple entry options.
• Invitation Letter: Issued by a Chinese entity or agent.
• Duration: Can range from 1 month to 6 months, depending on the Immigration Bureau’s discretion.
• Eligibility: Businesspeople attending meetings, trade fairs, or temporary business assignments.

💡 Pro Tip: The renewal of an F visa is possible, but it’s at the discretion of the Chinese Immigration Bureau. If an employee is expected to stay in China for over 6 months, consider a Z visa instead.

2. What is a Z Visa (Work Visa) in China?

The Z visa is the standard work visa for foreign nationals employed in China. Unlike the F visa, it allows for long-term employment and serves as a prerequisite for applying for a residence permit.

Key Features of the Z Visa in China

• Usage: For long-term employment (more than 6 months) at a China-based entity.
• Prerequisite: Must be sponsored by a company incorporated in China (domestic or foreign-invested).
• Residence Permit: The Z visa allows the applicant to apply for a residence permit after arriving in China.
• Entry Requirement: The employee must enter China using a Z visa to qualify for a residence permit.

💡 Pro Tip: Employees must obtain a Z visa before arriving in China. Without a Z visa, they cannot obtain a residence permit, which allows them to live and work legally in China.

3. What is a Residence Permit in China?

Once an employee enters China on a Z visa, they must apply for a Residence Permit, which allows them to live and work legally.

Key Features of the Residence Permit

• Usage: Used as a legal work and residence authorization for foreign employees.
• Duration: Typically valid for one year, but renewable annually.
• Entry/Exit: Allows unlimited travel in and out of China during the permit’s validity.
• Eligibility: Issued to the employee and their dependents (spouse, children).

💡 Pro Tip: Dependents of employees can arrive in China on a tourist visa and convert it to a residence permit. This avoids the need for dependents to apply for a Z visa.

How to Apply for a Z Visa in China?

The Z visa process can be broken down into 3 key steps:

Step 1: Application for an Alien Employment Work Permit

To get a Z visa, the employer must first obtain a Work Permit for the employee from the Labor Bureau.

Required Documents:

• Application form
• Business license (original and copy)
• Employee’s curriculum vitae (CV)
• Final degree/diploma
• Health check report
• Offer letter (employment contract)
• Employee’s passport copy
• Two passport-size photos

💡 Pro Tip: In smaller cities, the process may take longer since local authorities have less experience with foreign hires. An Employer of Record (EOR) in China like Globaine can help expedite the process.

Step 2: Application for an Official Invitation Letter

Unlike the F visa, the Z visa requires an official invitation letter from the government.

Required Documents:

• Application form
• Employee’s passport copy

💡 Pro Tip: This letter is issued by local government agencies and varies from city to city. Partnering with an EOR in China ensures this process is handled smoothly.

Step 3: Application for the Z Visa at a Chinese Embassy

The employee must apply for a Z visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country.

Required Documents:

• Passport (valid for 6+ months)
• Official invitation letter
• Application form from the embassy or consulate

💡 Pro Tip: The Z visa must be obtained outside of China. In most cases, employees apply in their home country.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit in China?

Once the employee enters China with a Z visa, they must apply for a Residence Permit.

Required Documents:

• Application form
• Passport (original and copy)
• Employment certificate from Labor Bureau
• Business license (original and copy)
• Apartment lease agreement or accommodation certificate
• Registration with the local police within 24 hours of arrival

💡 Pro Tip: Late registration with the police can result in fines. Make sure employees register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.

How to Renew a Z Visa or Residence Permit in China?

Renewing a residence permit or Z visa in China is simpler than the initial application.

Step 1: Renew Alien Employment Certificate

• Labor contract renewal
• Business license (original and copy)
• Passport (original and copy)

Step 2: Renew Residence Permit

• Application form
• Passport (original and copy)
• Photos of applicant

💡 Pro Tip: Ensure internal HR tracking of visa renewal deadlines. An expired Z visa can result in fines or deportation. Use an EOR in China like Globaine to stay on top of these deadlines.

How Globaine EOR China Can Help with Work Visas

Handling work visas in China requires navigating local bureaucracies and ensuring legal compliance. Partnering with Globaine EOR China ensures that your visa applications, renewals, and residence permits are processed quickly and correctly.

How Globaine Helps:

• Application Management: Prepare and submit all required documents.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensure legal compliance for Z visas, F visas, and residence permits.
• On-the-Ground Support: Handle region-specific processes that vary by city.
• Dependent Visas: Assist with residence permits for employee dependents.

💡 Get Expert Help: Avoid delays and costly mistakes. Contact Globaine EOR China to manage work visas for your employees.