A Chinese work visa, also known as the Z visa, is required for foreigners to work in China. Visa Z itself is only allowed to stay in China for 30 days. During this period, you and your employer must apply for a temporary residence permit for the duration of the contract, with a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 5 years. The work visa is usually a one-time entry, which means that the duration of the visa depends on the temporary residence permit you obtain after entering China.
What is the age limit for applying for a Z Work Visa in China?
The age limit for all applicants is 18-60 years old. However, these requirements have some flexibility, so if you are not in this age group and can find a willing employer, they may still be able to get approval for you.
Application requirements and documents for Z work Visa China
Passport
The valid passport of the applicant shall be valid for at least six months with at least one blank page.
Application
An accurate and authentic application form for a Chinese work visa.
Recent photos
A standard recent passport photo is attached to the application form.
Work permit
The applicant is required to submit one of the following work permits obtained through his employer in China:
Work permit for foreigners – issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and social security of the People’s Republic of China.
Registration certificate of permanent representative offices of foreign (regional) enterprises – issued by China’s Administrative Department for Industry and Commerce.
Approval documents for commercial performances issued by the cultural authorities of the Chinese government.
An invitation letter issued by the state Offshore Oil Corporation inviting foreigners to engage in offshore oil operations.
Supporting documents
The applicant may need to submit supporting documents according to the specific situation. This may include medical forms and criminal history checks, which have been notarized and certified. If you do not need to submit a medical examination form, you still need to have a physical examination when you apply for the Chinese temporary residence permit. Download physical examination records for foreigners and check the exams you need to take.
How to apply for Z work visa China
You can apply at the Chinese embassy or other consulates. You can also have a friend, travel agency or visa agency to represent you. There is no need to make an appointment. Mail applications are not accepted. If there is a Chinese visa application center (cvasc) in your country, you can go there to submit your application; some cvascs accept mail applications.
Z work visa China Processing Time
Processing usually takes 4 working days. For example, you submit your application on Monday and then you can pick up your visa on Thursday. There is an additional charge of $30 for one business day of processing and $20 for 2-3 business days of processing.
What kind of visa is applicable to the accompanying family members of visa applicant?
Accompanying family members should submit the invitation letter and “relationship certificate” of Z visa relatives working in China, i.e. marriage certificate of spouse or birth certificate of children, and apply for s visa.