Can a foreigner work in China?

A common concern for international companies looking to expand into China's burgeoning market is how to go about hiring foreign staff inside the country. How to secure a work visa (Z visa) for your foreign employee may be one of your most pressing concerns.

Employer and Employee Requirements

China's foreign talent strategy has recently been more aggressive, open, and effective. As a result, much of the application procedure may now be completed online. Companies looking to recruit expats in China should make sure they follow all applicable rules and regulations. Employers, for example, must be legally registered and have the required industry credentials.

The fundamental conditions for foreigners seeking for a work visa in China must also be met. In order to be considered, the candidate must:

If you are above the age of 18 and in excellent health, you may join

Possess the necessary qualifications and work experience to fill the open position;

Have no felony convictions;

Work for a certain company;

Maintain the validity of your passport and any other foreign travel documents that may be necessary.

Hiring Foreign Workers: The Process

Foreigners wishing to work in China must do so in accordance with the Exit and Entry Administration Law of China. An overview of how to apply is provided below:

Apply for a Foreigner's Work Permit Notice online from outside China.

Chinese consulates and embassies may issue a Z-Class visa to foreign nationals.

Apply for a Work Permit and a Visa;

After receiving the visa, board the plane to China.

Registration with the Police on a Temporary Basis

Medical Verification;

Acquiring the Work Permit;

Acquiring the Resident Permit.

Changes in Visa

A new work permit is required for each job change in China for a foreign employee. However, there are two circumstances under which they may be forced to modify their visas:

The same position, but with a different employer

During the application procedure, the employee may remain in China and does not require a new Z or R visa. In addition, the employee's residency permit must be valid throughout the transfer of roles.

A new job and a new employer await you in scenario B.

An employee must leave China and return with a new R or Z Visa whenever their job or company changes. Given that they'll be moving jobs, the employer will have to re-establish their eligibility to work in China at a new position. Exactly what constitutes a "new profession" is still up for debate. The extent of the work transition, on the other hand, suggests it. In the case of an employee transitioning from teaching to consulting, it is obvious that the new role would be quite different. When in doubt, the local Entry/Exit Bureau or Labor Bureau should be consulted, since the local authority will finally decide if a new visa is required or not.

Workers' Permit to Reside in the United States

In order to apply for permanent residency in China, those who have worked continuously in Shanghai for four years with an annual salary (before tax) exceeding RMB 600,000 and have paid annual individual tax exceeding RMB 120,000, and have stayed in mainland China for no less than six months each year during this period, can do so.

All of the aforementioned candidates' foreign spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18 are eligible to apply for permanent residency.