China Work Visa Application for Foreign Employees
Apply for China Work Visa with Asomerit
According to the 'Exit and Entry Administration Law' of the PRC, all foreigners need to apply for and obtain China work visa and employment residence permit in advance.
Let Asomerit's experienced consultants navigate the application process while you focus on your career move.
Asomerit's China Work Visa Services
To successfully apply for a work visa, which is also called Z-type visa (Z visa), applicants need to fulfill the following basic requirements:
1. Age: Be at least 18 years old;
2. Health: Be in good health;
3. Criminal history: Have no criminal record, verified by official documentation;
4. Skills and experiences:
- Academic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher + 2 years of relevant working experience;
- Skill-based Qualification: Hold internationally recognized professional certifications OR
occupation in designated shortage fields (e.g., Senior Worker) - Exceptional Talent: Meets the Criteria for Confirming Foreign High-Level Talents
(e.g., Nobel laureates, executives of multinational corporations)
China Work Visa Requirements (Z-Visa) Checklist 2025
Applying for a China work visa requires efforts from both the Chinese employer and the foreign employee.
Asomerit simplifies the complex process into clear, well-organized steps, providing detailed introduction for your application. Carefully follow our guidance and start the application with confidence!
Step 1: Document Preparation
In general cases, the following documents need to be collected before the application in advance. While the paperwork seems to be complex, Asomerit will guide you on where to obtain them and how to process them. If you want to know more, feel free to contact Asomerit!
- Copy of passport bio-data page;
- Signed labor contract with Chinese employer;
- Physical examination report within 6 months;
- Certificate of previous work experience;
- Highest-degree diploma and its authentication;
- Non-criminal record certificate and its authentication;
Step 2: Obtain the Notification Letter
After gathering all the documents, Asomerit will help you obtain the 'Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit' (also called 'Notification Letter') in China and forward it to you. The notification letter is required to apply for the Z visa at the local Chinese embassy/consulate to for entry.
Step 3: Enter China
Now you can book the flight and travel to China once you receive your Z visa from the local Chinese embassy or consulate. The Z visa ONLY grants a 30-day temporary stay upon entry into China. Asomerit will assist in optimizing all procedures before this 30-day period expires.Step 4: Apply for a Residence Permit
The last step is obtaining a residence permit from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). It functions as a multi-entry visa for re-entering China during its validity period, similar to re-entry visas issued by other countries.
You may wonder: can I bring my family members if I am about to start my career in China? The answer is: YES.
Who can I bring to China?
The family member(s) you can bring to China includes:
- Your spouse;
- Your children under 18 years old;
- Your partners;
- The partners of your spouse;
How to Bring Family Members with You
To bring you family members, you need to provide extra documents during the work visa application stage, including:
- Passport of your family members;
- Relationship certificates with authentication (for example, marriage certificate for spouse, or birth certificate for children)
- Physical examination report of family members over 18 years old;
Customized Application Strategy
Every applicant’s background is unique. Asomerit designs personalized visa solutions tailored to your own background, maximizing approval chances.
Accelerated Processing
Don't have to wait for too long to receive your work visa. We will accelerate the whole process and not waste any of your time.
100% Transparent Pricing
Worried about the hidden 'translation fees' or 'processing fees'? Asomerit's pricing is transparent and contains no surprise charges.
Bilingual Support
No need to be confused by the translated guidance from Chinese. We provide a detailed introduction in English for a better understanding.
Asomerit's China Work Visa Plans
New Work Visa Application
For foreigners who need to apply from the very beginning with a Chinese employer.
- Free Initial Consultation
- Document Preparation Guidance
- Translation from English to Chinese
- Optimized Timeline Arrangement
- Physical Examination Reservation
- Residence Permit Demo Interview
From $1500/person
Family Reunion Visa Application
Secure your family members' visa and bring them with you when applying for China work visa.
- Free Consultation
- Document Preparation Guidance
- Translation from English to Chinese
- Joint Timeline Arrangement
- Physical Examination Reservation
- Residence Permit Application Assistance
From $500/person
Visa Information Modification
Transfer your visa to a new employer, or change the work visa information if needed.
- Free Consultation
- Transfer Visa to New Employer
- Change Visa Information when Needed
- Visa Cancellation
- Passport Lost or Stolen
- Family Visa Alteration
From $500
Frequently Asked Questions
You have Questions, and Asomerit has Answers. If we don't cover all your confusions, just let us know!
Document Legalization: Apostille for China Work Visa
Since China's accession to the Hague Apostille Convention, document certification can be handled in the following two ways:
- Hague Convention Countries: Apply for an Apostille (attachment of the Apostille page).
- Non-Hague Convention Countries (e.g., Vietnam/Philippines): Require local notarization + authentication by the Chinese embassy/consulate.
Please note: The validity period for certification is 6 months from the date of issue.
For the work visa application process, the employment contract must include the following content:
- Place of work
- Job description / Scope of work
- Remuneration / Salary
- Commencement date of work in China
- Job position / Title
- Signature/Seal page (with signatures and company chop)
Yes. Due to the integration of the Chinese work permit system with the social security system, contributing to social insurance may become a mandatory requirement for work permit renewal. Therefore, Asomerit strongly recommends enrolling in social insurance as required by Chinese law.
Yes. If you will only be engaged in short-term work in China for a period not exceeding 90 days, you need to apply for a Short-Term Work Permit. The documentation requirements for this permit are simplified. You can contact Asomerit for further guidance.
If you will perform the same job function in a similar position with your new employer: You only need to transfer your work permit to the new employer. The specific process is:
- Original employer cancels the work permit.
- Apply for a short-term stay visa.
- New employer receives the work permit (transfer-in).
- Apply for a new residence permit.
If you will undertake different job responsibilities with your new employer: You will need to start the work permit application process from the beginning (apply for a new Work Notification Letter and Work Permit).
What Our Clients Say
Founder & CTO (Nebula LLC)
James Hamilton
My company was successfully incorporated in Shenzhen in just 5 days and my China work visa was also approved much faster than expected. Asomerit's efficiency was impressive, and their professional attitude gave me complete peace of mind.
Owner (Gusto Restaurant)
Diego Martinez
We needed to secure a Food Operation License in Beijing and get a Work Visa for our head chef from Mexico City. Asomerit Consulting handled everything to open my Mexican restaurant. They helped review all my documents and navigated the chef's visa application flawlessly. We opened on time with our full team.
Owner (Bennett Marketing)
Chloe Bennett
Setting up in Yiwu was the right move for our supply chain, but selling to Ireland meant dealing with complex cross-border tax rules. Asomerit didn't just register the company; they guided us through the entire financial process—from setting up the corporate bank account to managing our invoices. Thanks to their expert advice on export tax rebates, we successfully claimed our VAT refunds, which added a solid 13% to our bottom line.
Let Business Merit be Awesome
Don't let the administrative complexity slow you down. Leverage Asomerit Consulting expertise for a fully-guided, compliant, and hassle-free expansion.
