Your guide to business immigration to China

The Z Visa is the main entry visa for foreign nationals travelling to the Mainland of China to take up employment. It is generally used where an eligible employer in the country has hired a foreign employee to carry out approved work activities.

Features

A Z Visa permits the holder to enter the Mainland of China for employment purposes. It, however, does not independently provide the full authorisation needed to work and remain in the country on a long-term basis. Once the employee has entered the country, they must usually complete the Foreigner’s Work Permit and work-type residence permit procedures.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for a Z Visa, the employee will generally need:

• A confirmed job offer from an employer permitted to hire foreign nationals;
• A valid passport; and
• A Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, an existing Foreigner’s Work Permit or another applicable approval document.
• Employer applies for the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit
• Foreign employee applies for a Z Visa outside China
• Foreign employee enters China
• Accommodation registration and medical examination are completed as required
• Foreigner's Work Permit is granted
• Work-type residence permit is issued
• Foreign employee can now legally work and reside in China

The employer is responsible for coordinating the relevant work approvals before the employee submits the visa application.

Validity

As mentioned, the Z Visa provides the basis for entry into the Mainland of China for employment. After arrival, the employee must complete the outstanding Foreigner’s Work Permit and work-type residence permit procedures within the applicable local timelines.

1. Foreigner's Work Permit

The Foreigner’s Work Permit is the formal authorisation that allows a foreign national to work for the approved employer in the authorised position. It should not be confused with the Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, which is generally secured before entry and used to support the Z Visa application.

Under the Foreigner’s Work Permit system, applicants are classified into Category A, B or C based on their qualifications, experience, professional profile and the nature of the proposed employment.

Category	Typical profile	Key characteristics
Category A: high-level foreign talent	Scientists, senior business leaders, technology experts, international entrepreneurs and other specialists whose skills are particularly needed in the Mainland of China	Applicants may qualify through a recognised talent programme, market-based criteria or the points-based assessment system.
Category B: foreign professionals	Foreign employees taking up managerial, technical, teaching or other professional roles	Typical requirements may include a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least two years of relevant work experience. Alternative eligibility pathways or exemptions may apply in certain circumstances.
Category C: other foreign personnel	Foreign nationals admitted under intergovernmental agreements, quota-based arrangements or other national or local policies	Applications may be subject to quotas, labour-market controls or conditions attached to the relevant programme.

The work permit is linked to the approved employer and position. Where the employee changes employer, role or other material employment details, the permit may need to be amended, cancelled or replaced, depending on the circumstances and local procedures.

2. Work-type residence permit

While the Foreigner’s Work Permit confirms the individual’s right to work for the specified employer in the approved position, the work-type residence permit provides permission to reside in the country for that employment. It is issued by the relevant exit-entry administration and is generally recorded in the holder’s passport.

When applying for the residence permit, an employee entering with a Z Visa will generally need to provide evidence of their Foreigner’s Work Permit and other supporting documentation from the employer.

The validity period will depend on the employee’s circumstances and the decision of the authorities. Under China’s Exit and Entry Administration Law, a work-type residence permit may be issued for between 90 days and five years, although the period granted may be shorter depending on the employee’s work authorisation, employment arrangements, passport validity and local procedures.

Standard process for foreign employees working in China

The relocation process for the Z Visa therefore typically goes as follows:

As the process involves several authorities, employers may handle it internally or appoint a professional service provider to assist with the applications. All procedures should be completed within the applicable statutory timelines.

The employee should only begin work once the required work authorisation has been issued and the necessary immigration procedures have been completed.

The R Visa, also known as the talent visa, is intended for high-level foreign talent and specialists whose skills are urgently needed in the Mainland of China. It is designed to facilitate entry for eligible professionals.

Features

Eligible applicants may receive a multiple-entry R Visa with a longer validity period than many other visa categories. However, like the Z Visa, the R Visa alone does not provide the authorisation to work in the Mainland of China.

An R Visa holder who intends to take up employment must generally apply for a Foreigner’s Work Permit. If the holder will reside in the country for work, they may also need to complete the applicable work-type residence procedures. Eligible applicants may qualify for simplified procedures or longer permit validity, subject to the applicable rules.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must generally qualify as high-level foreign talent or specialists whose skills are in demand in the Mainland of China. Eligibility may be based on recognised professional achievements, inclusion in an eligible talent programme or satisfaction of other criteria established by the relevant authorities.

Applicants will typically need a Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign Talents issued by the relevant authority. Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the procedures of the relevant embassy, consulate or visa application centre.

Validity

An eligible applicant may receive a multiple-entry R Visa valid for five to ten years, with each authorised stay typically lasting up to 180 days, subject to the issuing authority’s determination. The actual validity period, number of entries and permitted duration of stay will be stated on the visa. An R Visa holder planning to work and reside in the Mainland of China on a longer-term basis must generally arrange the required work and residence authorisation.

Recently added to the Mainland of China’s visa framework, the K visa is intended for foreign young science and technology talent. It came into effect on 1 October 2025 and aims to make it easier for eligible applicants to take part in science, technology and innovation-related exchanges in the Mainland of China.

Features

Compared with other existing visa categories, the K Visa may offer more convenience in terms of the number of permitted entries, validity period and duration of stay. A notable feature is that applicants are not required to have a Chinese Mainland employer or inviting organisation at the application stage, making it different from visa routes that are more closely linked to employment sponsorship or a specific host entity in the Mainland of China.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the requirements for foreign young scientific and technological talent as prescribed by the relevant Chinese authorities and provide the required supporting documentation. Further details on eligibility and application requirements may be announced by Chinese Mainland embassies, consulates or other competent authorities.

Employers should note that the K Visa is an entry visa category, not a form of work authorisation. If a foreign national intends to carry out activities that require a work permit under Chinese Mainland law, the individual must still secure the appropriate Foreigner’s Work Permit and related residence permit. Holding a K Visa alone does not authorise employment in China.

Validity

For the K Visa, the validity period, number of entries and permitted duration of stay will be determined by the issuing authority based on the applicant’s circumstances and the applicable regulations.

The M Visa is intended for foreign nationals travelling to the Mainland of China for commercial and trade activities. It is commonly used for temporary business travel involving meetings, negotiations, supplier discussions or attendance at trade fairs.

Features

An M Visa may be issued for a single entry, two entries or multiple entries. It allows the holder to carry out the commercial and trade activities permitted by the visa during the authorised period of stay.

However, an M Visa does not normally authorise employment in the Mainland of China. If the proposed activities involve taking up a position with an employer or carrying out duties that constitute employment, a Foreigner’s Work Permit and a work-type residence permit may be required.

Employers should therefore assess the nature and duration of the proposed activities before deciding whether an M Visa is appropriate.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for an M Visa, the applicant will generally need to demonstrate a genuine commercial or trade purpose for the visit. Supporting documents commonly include an invitation letter from a commercial or trade partner in the Mainland of China, or an invitation to attend a trade fair.

The invitation letter will typically include:

• information about the applicant;
• the purpose, dates and locations of the visit; and
• details of the inviting organisation.

Applicants will also generally need a valid passport, a completed visa application form and a compliant photograph. Further supporting documents or an interview may be required.

Validity

The validity period, number of entries and permitted duration of stay will be determined by the issuing authority based on the applicant’s circumstances and supporting documents.

Where additional time is needed for the permitted commercial or trade activities, the holder may apply for an extension. This should generally be done at least seven days before the authorised stay expires.

The D Visa is issued to foreign nationals who have been approved to reside permanently in the Mainland of China. It serves as an entry visa under China’s permanent residence framework and is not intended for temporary employment or business activities.

Features

Not to be confused with the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, the D Visa facilitates entry following permanent residence approval. The card then serves as evidence of the holder’s status and may generally be used for residence, work, entry and exit together with a valid passport.

Subject to the individual maintaining valid permanent residence status, a foreign national holding a valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card may generally work in the Mainland of China without a separate Foreigner’s Work Permit.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must generally secure permanent residence approval before applying for a D Visa. The principal supporting document is usually the Confirmation Form for Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Status issued by the relevant authority.

Permanent residence is subject to strict eligibility requirements. Applicants must generally comply with Chinese Mainland law, be in good health and have no criminal record. They must also qualify through an applicable pathway, which may include:

• Making qualifying direct and stable investments in the Mainland of China;
• Holding an eligible senior or specialist position;
• Making significant contributions to the Mainland of China or possessing expertise that is particularly needed;
• Being the qualifying spouse or child of an eligible applicant;
• Being married to a Chinese Mainland citizen or foreign permanent resident and meeting the applicable residence requirements; or
• Meeting the relevant conditions for dependent children or older relatives.

Permanent residence is not granted merely because a foreign national has lived or worked in the country for an extended period.

Validity

The validity period and permitted entry date will be stated on the D Visa. After entering the Mainland of China, the holder must generally complete the remaining formalities with the competent authority within 30 days.