Work permits and visas in China: An employer’s guide

If you are hiring a new employee or relocating a team member to China, you need to make sure they have the proper work visa and permit under local visa regulations. Your company also needs to stay on top of labor and tax laws for compliant HR.

Known for its booming economy and innovative technology, China remains a popular work destination for top talent. In this article, Remote walks you through right-to-work checks, work visa types, and visa requirements for your employee to work in the People's Republic of China.

See also: The complete employer's guide to hiring in China

Right-to-work checks in China

Before onboarding, the worker needs a Foreigner’s Work Permit (work authorization) and a Residence Permit for work issued by the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration.

The entry visas for employment are the Z visa (standard work entry visa) and the R visa (for high-level or urgently needed talent). Work visas are for entry only. After arrival, the employee must convert the Z or R visa into a Residence Permit for work at the PSB within the required timeframe. The Residence Permit, together with the Foreigner’s Work Permit, is what proves the person’s ongoing legal right to live and work in China.

Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in China?

Yes. Non-citizens must obtain both a valid work visa (usually a Z or R visa) and a Foreigner’s Work Permit with a Chinese Residence Permit for work, to be legally employed in China.

• Work Permit Notification (pre-arrival): The employer obtains a Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit through the national system.
  
  
• Entry visa: The employee uses the notification letter to get the entry visa at a Chinese embassy or Chinese consulate.
  
  
• Foreigner’s Work Permit card (post-arrival): After entering China, the employee exchanges the notification letter for the physical Work Permit card.
  
  
• Residence Permit for work: The employee then applies at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration to convert the single-entry visa into a Residence Permit that allows lawful stay (and multiple re-entries) for the employment period.

Types of work visas in China

Some work visas allow a foreign national to travel to China for employment purposes, but they must be converted after arrival into a Residence Permit for work and paired with a Foreigner’s Work Permit card.

Z Visa

Most foreign nationals hired by a Chinese employer would enter the county on a Z visa. The Chinese employer first obtains a Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, also called a Work Permit Notification. The employee then applies for a China Z Visa at a Chinese embassy, Chinese consulate, or a Chinese Visa Application Service Center with the required Chinese Visa Application forms and supporting documents.

The Z visa is usually valid for a single-entry period of 30 days. Upon arrival, the employee presents the Work Permit Notification to receive the Foreigner’s Work Permit card.

Next, the employee applies to the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration to convert the Chinese visa into a Residence Permit for work. The Residence Permit replaces the single-entry visa with a multiple-entry visa for the period of validity, which is typically one year and renewable.

Keep in mind the Residence Permit with the Work Permit confirms the person’s legal right to live and work in China.

R Visa

The R visa is for foreign professionals who are classified as high-level or as urgently needed talent by the Chinese government. The R visa works the same way as the Z visa: it is an entry visa that must be converted into a Residence Permit for work after arrival, with the accompanying Foreigner’s Work Permit card. 

M Visa

The M visa is for short business visits such as meetings, negotiations, or site visits. It does not authorize paid work for a Chinese employer and cannot be converted into a Residence Permit for work. Any actual employment must be done under the Z or R visa route.

Eligibility requirements for a work visa in China

China classifies foreign employees into three categories based on a points system and eligibility criteria. 

Category A (High-level talent)

• Includes leading scientists, international entrepreneurs, and specialized professionals in urgent-demand fields.
• Often tied to China’s talent introduction programs.
• Benefits include simplified procedures, longer validity periods, and sometimes a “green channel” fast-track.

Category B (Professional talent)

• Covers most of foreign employees, such as skilled professionals with bachelor’s degrees and at least two years of relevant work experience.
• Standard route for most foreign hires.

Category C (Other foreign workers)

Refers to temporary, seasonal, or quota-based employment (e.g., internships, some entry-level roles).
More restricted, often requiring additional approvals, and usually short-term.

Application process for a work visa in China

Applying for a work visa in China involves multiple steps and requires coordination between the Chinese employer, the employee, and Chinese authorities. Here's a breakdown of the application process for a work visa in China:

Apply for work permit notification (employer)

The Chinese employer begins the application process online through the Foreigners' Work Permit Management System, where they apply for the Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit. The work permit is often called the Work Permit Notification.

Apply for the entry visa (employee)

Using the work permit notification, the employee files a Chinese Visa application for a Z Visa or an R Visa at a Chinese embassy, a Chinese consulate, or a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).

The applicant completes the China Online Visa Application (COVA) form, prints the confirmation page, and submits the required forms and supporting documents as instructed by the visa office.

Documents the Visa Office typically asks for include:

• Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit (primary document for Z or R visa)
  
  
• Valid passport with remaining validity and blank visa pages
  
  
• Chinese visa photo that meets the photo specifications
  
  
• Health certificate, if required by the accepting office
  
  
• Criminal record certificate, if required by the accepting office
  
  
• Invitation Letter, only when specifically requested by the embassy, consulate, or CVASC. Many Z-visa posts accept the Work Permit Notification without an Invitation Letter.
  

Apply for permits

After arriving on a Z visa or R visa, the employee should first pick up the physical Foreigner’s Work Permit card. Next, they must apply to the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration for a Residence Permit for work within the required timeframe. When applying, they will need to show a valid Foreigner’s Work Permit and the Chinese employer’s certification.

Once issued, the Residence Permit replaces the entry visa and confirms the employee’s ongoing right to live and work in China. Make sure the employee’s Registration Form of Temporary Residence is kept up to date with their current address.

Digital nomad visas in China 

China does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Official visa lists published by the Chinese government do not include a digital  nomad category, and ongoing employment in China requires an entry visa (a Z visa or R visa), a Foreigner’s Work Permit, and a Residence Permit for work.

Working in China on a Tourist visa (L visa) or Business visa (M visa) is not allowed under Chinese laws.

How Remote can help with work visas in China

To hire or relocate employees to China, you need to navigate immigration laws to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll and benefits according to local tax laws. 

That's why Remote’s Employer of Record service is invaluable. We act as the legal employer in China on your company’s behalf. Remote helps you stay compliant with local labor and tax laws, so you can onboard your employees in a matter of days to save time and resources. 

If you already have an entity in China, Remote can help with international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on Chinese work visa applications. 

To learn more about the application processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.