China work visa (Z visa) application, requirements, price, and processing time

China work visa (China z visa)

China is home to millions of foreign nationals who live and work in the country. The government of China is still accepting foreign workers in selected industries, but to qualify to work in the country, you must obtain a China work visa. 

Foreign citizens are not allowed to work in China unless they obtain this document, so to help you out, we review the Chinese visa, as it is popularly called, and the application requirements.

China Work Visa

A work visa is a special kind of visa issued to foreigners who handle paid jobs in the country or engage in any art-related venture that earns them income. The visa may only be valid for 30 days, but it allows the holder to remain in the country while their employer helps them apply for a temporary resident permit to cover the duration of their contract.

The Z visa has opened access to many foreign nationals who now legally live and work in China. However, this visa is not given freely to just anyone. You need to qualify for the Z visa by submitting the required documents with your visa application form.

A work visa Is a special kind of visa issued to foreigners who handle paid jobs in the country or engage in any art-related venture that earns them income. The visa may only be valid for 30 days, but it allows the holder to remain in the country while their employer helps them apply for a temporary resident permit to cover the duration of their contract.

What You Need To Apply For A China Work Visa

Passport

The applicant needs a valid passport to apply for a work visa. The passport must be valid for at least six months. The information page of the passport must be printed out and attached to the application form. Furthermore, the passport must have nothing less than 2 blank pages for immigration officers to insert their visa stamps.

Frayed, torn, or altered passports will not be accepted.

Photograph

The Chinese embassy will require a photo that meets their strict requirements. All photos must be recent and not taken later than 6 months to the day. They must be taken on a white background with the applicant's face, top shoulder, and physical characteristics clearly visible. Your mouth must be closed, and jewelry, headgear, or any religious covering is not permitted. Also, applicants must not wear a white shirt.

Photo must be printed on quality paper without staples or tapes. It must also be 48mm long and 33mm wide.

Invitation Letter

The invitation letter sent to them by the employer or host must be attached to the work visa application for the Chinese authorities to review. The letter must contain the following details.

• The date of planned arrival and duration of stay

• The name of the applicant as it appears on their passport

• The letter must specially request a China Z visa

Proof of Residency

The applicant must provide a document to prove their current residency. A driver's license, utility bill, or any government issued ID card will do. The card must

• Show the applicant's name as it appears on their passport

• Show their current address as shown on their visa application form

Note: Only water, electric, or gas bills are acceptable utility bills to prove residency. Cable bills will not be accepted by the Chinese government.

PU Letter

A PU letter is also required to show the consulate in your location.

Application Form

You cannot apply for a China Work Visa without an application form. visa applications forms must be properly filled with accurate details. It must be

• Completed online

• Show the name of the applicant as written in their passport

• Include answers for all fields

• Printed on a single side

• Enclosed in other documents required

Special Requirements For PRC Nationals Born Outside Mainland China

Chinese citizens born in Chinese territories outside the mainland, like Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, who wish to visit and work in China must do the following.

• They must write their names in Chinese characters on their application form

• They must provide a copy of their recent China visa along with the passport attached to the visa

• Those who have never obtained a visa must submit the original copy of their Chinese Passport, Green card copy, and their certificate of Naturalization

• Adopted applicants must provide signed copies of their adoption papers displaying the full name of their adoptive parents, certificate of the name change, photographs with parents, and a copy of their naturalization certificate and original birth certificate

Chinese Labor Ministry Document

Applicants must provide a Work Permit For Aliens document issued by the labor ministry for Foreigners.

Proof of Vaccine

Applicants must show a COVID-19 vaccination card. The card must show their vaccination status.

Besides the above-mentioned documents, the Chinese embassy or consulate may request extra documents for a China work visa application.