How to Get a Work & Residence Permit in China?

If you are planning to work and live in China, obtaining a Work Permit and Residence Permit (Z visa) is essential. However, procedures and requirements vary by city and nationality. This updated guide will help you understand how to apply in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, and what documents you need to prepare.

📍 Visa Entry Requirements by City

🔹 Shanghai & Beijing

Legal Representatives or Chief Representatives may apply for a work and residence permit directly in Shanghai and Beijing.⚠️ However, some nationalities may not be eligible for a direct one-year work visa. In such cases, applicants must first obtain a Visa Notification Letter from China, return to their home country, and apply for a 30-day Z visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate.

🔹 Shenzhen, Hangzhou & Other Cities

In most other cities—including Shenzhen and Hangzhou—a Visa Notification Letter is required. The applicant must return to their home country to obtain a 30-day Z visa before continuing the work permit process in China.

📅 Important Updates for Shanghai Applicants

If applying from Shanghai, note the following:

1. Non-criminal record must be authenticated by the Chinese embassy/consulate abroad.

2. Applicants must pay individual income tax in China—labor bureaus may reject applications without proof of tax payment.

3. If the applicant is outside China, the health check must be completed abroad at a Chinese embassy-approved clinic.

📄 Documents Required for Work Permit Application

1. Non-criminal Record Certificate, authenticated by a Chinese embassy/consulate

2. Highest diploma (Bachelor's or above for Category B applicants), also authenticated

3. Resume of the legal representative, including a China mobile number (visa officer may call for verification)

4. Business documents:

• Business License

• Certificate of Approval

• Organization Code Certificate

• OR, for Representative Offices: Registration Certificate + Organization Code

5. Original Temporary Residence Registration Form (registered at the local police station)

6. Original Health Report (issued by an approved health organization)

7. Current Entry Visa used to enter China

🎓 Diploma Authentication 

When applying for a China Work Permit, you must submit your original diploma. If it was issued outside China, it must be authenticated/legalized through one of the following methods:

A. Legalization by the Chinese embassy/consulate in your home country
B. Legalization by your home country's embassy/consulate in China
C. Online authentication via the China Ministry of Education (CSCSE) platform 👉 CSCSE Authentication Website

Note 1: If you earned your degree abroad (e.g., Singaporean with a UK degree), you must also submit a copy of your UK student visa.

Note 2: If your diploma is from an unlicensed institution not recognized by your country’s Ministry of Education, your authentication will fail. Do not use fake or unverified degrees.

CSCSE cannot authenticated all diplomas.  If your college is not on the list.  Contact GOMAX.  We provide the service package for A and B

✅ Application Procedures (Updated July 2025)

⏱️ 5. Timeline & Validity

• Work Permit Notice: 10–15 business days

• Z Visa: 5–7 business days

• Residence Permit issuance: 7–14 working days

• Overall, expect 4–6 weeks, faster for Category A or B professionals

• Residence permit is valid for 1–3 years, depending on category & passport validity 

⚠️ 6. Common Pitfalls

• Missing authentication for diplomas or police certificates

• Ignoring city-specific requirements (e.g., Notify in Tier‑1 cities)

• Delayed residence registration after arrival

• Not renewing before permit expires (renewal requires 2-months lead) 

💡 7. Why Tax Payment Matters

Many local labor bureaus—require proof of individual income tax payment before approving a work permit renewal. Failure to provide this document could lead to rejection of your renewal application.

📬 Need Help with the Work & Residence Permit Process?

Navigating Chinese immigration policies can be complex—but Gomax International Service Center is here to help. Our consultants provide expert support for:

• Visa Notification Letters

• Work Permit applications

• Residence Permits

• Degree and non-criminal record document authentication

• Health check coordination

• Tax registration and compliance for work permit renewal

  
  

📧 Contact our visa experts today at 👉 marketing@gomaxgroup.com  

We're here to guide you every step of the way.

🌐 Gomax International Service Center

Your Trusted Partner for China Work Visa & Compliance Solutions