Who Needs a Work Permit in China
Employers in China must secure work permits for employees who are not Chinese nationals but will be employed within the country. Generally, any foreign worker planning to take up paid employment in China will require a work permit. This includes expatriates, foreign professionals, and any individuals whose work in China requires legal documentation to ensure their stay and employment status are compliant with Chinese labor laws.
It is important for employers to recognize that individuals coming to China for business activities (such as meetings, conferences, or temporary contracts) may not need a full work permit but could require a business visa or short-term work visa instead.
Types of Work Visas in China
China offers several types of visas depending on the nature of the employment and the duration of stay. Understanding the different categories will help employers determine which visa best suits the needs of their employees.
| Visa Type | Description |
| Z Visa (Work Visa) | Issued to individuals who have secured employment with a Chinese company or institution. It is the primary visa for foreign workers planning to stay in China long-term. |
| R Visa (High-End Talent Visa) | Issued to highly skilled foreign professionals in fields such as technology, finance, or education. This visa offers faster processing and less restrictive entry requirements. |
| M Visa (Business Visa) | Typically used by foreign workers who are in China for short-term business engagements or work-related activities, such as meetings or conferences. |
| F Visa (Non-Commercial Visits) | Issued for short-term visits related to business, research, or cultural exchange. It is not for long-term employment or paid work. |
| S Visa (Family Visa) | Granted to family members of foreign nationals holding work or student visas, allowing them to reside in China during the employment period of the primary visa holder. |
Common Hiring Scenarios for China
When hiring talent in China, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.
Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa
This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in China. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.
Key Employer Considerations:
- Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
- Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
- Processing timelines vary (around 1-3 weeks on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.
This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in China.
Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in China
Independent professionals in China can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.
With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:
- Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
- Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Chinese Yuan (CNY) or USD.
- Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.
This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in China.
Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to China
Transferring an existing team member to China? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.
EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:
- Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
- Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
- Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.
This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Asia, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.
Requirements For a Work Permit in China
To obtain a work permit in China, certain criteria must be met by both the employer and the foreign employee. These requirements ensure that the individual is eligible to work legally in the country.
- Employment Contract: The foreign worker must have a valid employment contract with a Chinese employer. This contract should specify the position, salary, and duration of employment.
- Qualifications & Experience: The employee must meet the necessary qualifications, including educational background and work experience relevant to the position in China.
- Health Check & Background Checks: Medical exams and background checks may be required to ensure the employee meets China’s health standards and is not involved in any criminal activities.
- Work Permit Application: The employer must submit a work permit application to the relevant Chinese authorities, usually the local labor bureau or Foreign Expert Bureau.
China Work Permit Application Process
- Step 1: Obtain a Job Invitation Letter from a licensed Chinese employer or organization.
- Step 2: Submit the job invitation letter and relevant documents (e.g., employee's passport, medical certificate) to the local labor bureau or Foreign Expert Bureau.
- Step 3: Wait for approval from the Chinese authorities. This can take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Step 4: Once approved, the worker applies for the Z Visa (work visa) at a Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Step 5: Upon arrival in China, the worker must apply for a temporary residence permit, which allows them to stay in the country for the duration of their employment.
The process of visa sponsorship in China requires employers to play an active role in securing the appropriate documentation for their foreign employees. To sponsor a foreign worker, the employer must provide proof of a valid job offer and ensure the employee meets the necessary qualifications. This typically involves verifying the employee's educational background, work experience, and health status. For specialized or high-end talent, employers may also need to demonstrate how the employee’s skills will benefit China's economic or technological development.
Employers must submit an official job invitation letter and the required documentation to the local labor bureau or Foreign Expert Bureau. Once the work permit is approved, the sponsored employee can apply for a corresponding work visa (such as a Z Visa) at a Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country. Upon arrival in China, the employee will need to obtain a temporary residence permit to legally stay and work in the country for the duration of their employment contract.
What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in China
The cost of applying for a work permit or visa in China varies depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, the fees are relatively low compared to other countries, but they can add up when factoring in additional documentation or expedited processing.
| Visa Type | Application Fee |
| Z Visa | ¥500 - ¥1,000 (approximately $70 - $140) |
| R Visa | ¥1,000 - ¥2,000 (approximately $140 - $280) |
| M Visa | ¥200 - ¥500 (approximately $28 - $70) |
| F Visa | ¥300 - ¥600 (approximately $40 - $85) |
Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in China, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.
Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in China
The processing time for a work permit or visa in China varies based on the type of visa and the applicant’s circumstances. Typically, it takes 1-3 weeks for approval of the work permit itself. After that, visa processing can take another 1-2 weeks. For high-demand professions or expedited processing, timelines can vary. It is advisable for employers to plan ahead and ensure all required documentation is complete to avoid unnecessary delays.
Work Permit Renewal Periods in China
Work permits in China are usually issued for a period of one to five years, depending on the nature of the job and the type of visa granted. After the initial period, the work permit can be renewed. Employers should submit renewal applications at least two months before the current permit expires to avoid gaps in the worker's legal status. Failing to renew the permit on time may lead to penalties or legal complications for both the employer and employee.
Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in China
China does not currently offer a specific visa for digital nomads. However, foreign professionals who wish to work remotely from China may use a tourist visa (L Visa) for short stays. For longer durations, employers may need to consider other visa options, such as the Z or M visa, depending on the specific work arrangement.
- Valid Passport: Digital nomads must have a valid passport with at least six months' validity.
- Temporary Employment Agreement: Depending on the length of stay and work type, a temporary employment contract may be required.
- Health Check & Insurance: Some regions may request proof of health insurance and a medical check.
Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in China
Hiring foreign workers in China presents unique challenges, including navigating complex visa requirements, language barriers, and cultural differences. Employers should be proactive in ensuring compliance with local laws to avoid fines or delays.
- Visa Processing Delays: Applications for work permits can be delayed due to incomplete paperwork or regulatory changes.
- Language Barriers: Non-Chinese-speaking employees may face challenges in everyday communication and integration.
- Cultural Differences: Understanding local workplace customs and expectations can be crucial to the success of international hires.
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