Working In China For Expatriates
1. What is the general visa requirement to enter China?
Visas are required for all foreign nationals wishing to enter China. Individuals should apply for visas at a Chinese diplomatic mission, embassy, and consulate or with other representatives in foreign countries authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prior to their departure. Documentation and processing times vary among embassies.
2. What types of visas are available?
Depending on the status and type of passport held by a foreign national, a diplomatic, courtesy, business or ordinary visa may be issued. These are designated by identification letters that correspond to the purposes of the individual visit.
Visa Type - Details, Information and Documentation Required
D Issued to a person who plans to reside permanently in China A residence confirmation form applied for by the applicant or an entrusted relative in China at the entry-exit control department of the municipal or county public security bureau where the applicant intends to reside
Z Issued to a person who enters China to take up employment and to that person’s accompanying family An “Employment Approval Letter” and “Employment Visa Notification Letter” issued by an authorized unit
F Issued to a person who has been invited to visit China for no longer than six months for business, seminars and fact-finding purposes; for scientific, technical or cultural exchanges; for short-term continuing or practical training; or for any other such activities An invitation extended by an authorized unit
X Issued to a person who enters China for study, further education or practical training for six months or longer A certificate issued by the receiving unit or the relevant department in charge
G Issued to a person who passes through China in transit A valid visa for the country (region) to which the applicant intends to travel next or, in the absence of such a visa, an onward ticket
3. What other documents are required for the application of a visa?
· A valid passport or an equivalent certificate of identification
· A completed visa application form
· Passport-size photographs
Family members of a working expatriate do not automatically receive the same type of work visa as the expatriate, i.e. they must apply independently for their own visas. In addition, subject to the decision of the local government, children of working expatriates may be required to obtain student visas to attend schools in China.
For Hong Kong and Macau residents with Chinese nationality, they may enter China directly (no visa required) with “Huixiangzheng” (the Hong Kong and Macau resident entry permit). For Taiwanese residents, they may apply for a "Taibaozheng" (the Taiwanese resident entry permit).
4. How can one obtain a “Z” visa?
In some PRC cities, expatriates who intend to work in China may be allowed to enter the PRC by using “F” Visa first and then apply for “Z” visa after arrival. This is, however, subject to the local government’s discretion. It is recommended to first check which visas are acceptable for your destination in China before departure.
To apply for a “Z” visa at the local embassy prior to arrival in China, the PRC employer should first provide the following documents to the expatriate to support his application:
· Employment Approval Letter
· Employment Visa Notification Letter
5. What is required for an employment approval letter?
The PRC employer needs to apply to the Local Labour Bureau for an “Employment Approval Letter” before hiring an expatriate. The following documents are required for the application:
From the Expatriate
· Passport (copy)
· Resume
· Reference letter from previous employer
· In some PRC cities a certificate of health is also required
From the PRC Employer
· Approval certificate (copy)
· Business licence (copy)
· Unified Code certificate (copy)
· Reference letter for the expatriate (original)
· Application form and application letter
6. What is required for an employment visa notification letter?
Besides the Employment Approval Letter, the PRC employer should also apply for an “Employment Visa Notification Letter” at the local office of the Foreign Trade and Economic Commission. Documents required include:
Expatriates based in China and work for PRC entities should undergo medical health check, apply for foreigner residence permits and foreigner work permits. These requirements and procedures vary from area to area within the PRC.
From the Expatriate
· Passport (copy)
From the PRC Employer
· Business licence (copy)
· Unified Code certificate (copy)
· Application form and application letter
· Employment Approval Letter
7. What is the first thing to do after entering China?
Within 24 hours of arrival in China, an expatriate (and dependants) should apply for a temporary residence permit. The hotel at which the expatriate is staying normally handles such applications.
8. When is a medical health check required?
If an expatriate intends to take up permanent residence or stay in China for one year or more, he or she (and including all adult dependants) is obliged to undergo a health check. The health check should be carried out in China after the expatriate’s arrival. However some Chinese embassies may request visa applicants to take this health check in the country of residence prior to their departure. It is recommended that applicants confirm details with the local Chinese embassy as to the exact arrangements required.
9. When is a work permit needed?
Expatriates intending to work in China for more than 3 months should obtain a work permit from the local branch of Labour Bureau. Work permits will in general be granted to qualified expatriates (either through educational qualifications, work experience or both) filling positions of technology, management or to others requiring skills that cannot be filled by domestic candidates.
10. What are the documents required for a work permit?
Expatriate
· Passport (original and copy)*
· Passport-size photos
· Medical report (copy)
· Temporary residence permit (original and copy)
· Resume
· Reference letter from previous employer
PRC Employer
· Business licence (copy)
· Unified Code certificate (copy)
· Employment Contract (in Chinese)
· Employment Approval Letter
· Application form and application letter
“Previous employer” refers to the legal entity employing the expatriate immediately prior to arrival in China and fax copy of reference letter is usually acceptable. This is not required if a copy of a suitable educational certificate (diploma) can be produced.
* Hong Kong and Macau residents may present their identification cards and "Huixiangzheng". Taiwan residents may present their "Taibaozheng".
11. How is a residence permit obtained?
The PRC Public Security Bureau is the authority in-charge. Expatriates may obtain residence permits valid for one to five years and these permits may be renewed for an unspecified number of times.
12. What kind information is required for the residence permit?
The required information includes:
Expatriate and the family
· Passport (original and copy)
· Passport-size photos
· Medical report (original)
· Temporary residence permit (original)
· Work Permit (original)
· Marriage certificate for spouse (copy)
· Birth certificate for child or adoption certificate (copy)
PRC Employer
· Approval certificate (copy)
· Business licence (copy)
· Unified Code certificate (copy)
· Application form
13. Can an expatriate open a Chinese bank account?
Expatriates can open local bank accounts after their work permits have been issued.
14. Can an expatriate hold a Chinese drivers licence?
China does not have reciprocity with any country. Expatriates need to take driving tests and obtain Chinese licences.
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