Work visas for moving to China

China's standard work visa, tied to a work permit under the tiered A/B/C talent classification system.

Processing time

4-8 weeks end to end

Validity

Entry visa 30 days; residence permit 1 year+, renewable

Government fees

Visa fee varies by nationality (approx USD $140 for US citizens); permit fees paid by employer

Requirements

• Job offer from a licensed Chinese employer
• Work permit notification letter (employer applies first)
• Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience (Tier B), or Tier A talent criteria
• Clean criminal record certificate

Documents you will need

• Work permit notification letter: Issued online before the visa application
• Authenticated degree certificate: Apostilled/legalized
• Criminal record check: Authenticated, from country of residence
• Medical examination form: For the residence permit stage

Worth knowing

• Within 30 days of arrival you must convert the Z visa into a residence permit
• Tier A (high-level talent) applicants skip several requirements and get faster processing
• Document legalization is the slowest step; start early

Path to residency: Chinese permanent residence is rare and discretionary

For commercial and trade activities: meetings, negotiations, site visits. Does not permit employment.

Processing time

4-10 business days

Validity

30-120 days per stay; up to 10-year multiple entry for some nationalities

Government fees

Varies by nationality (approx USD $140 for US citizens)

Requirements

• Invitation letter from a Chinese company or trade partner
• No employment or local salary in China

Documents you will need

• Invitation letter: From the Chinese counterpart
• Valid passport: 6+ months validity

Worth knowing

• Working on an M visa is illegal and enforced; use the Z visa for employment

For internationally recognized high-level talent meeting China's Tier A criteria, with long multi-entry validity.

Processing time

2-4 weeks

Validity

5-10 years, multiple entry

Government fees

Visa fees often waived for R visa applicants

Requirements

• Qualify as Tier A talent (points, salary 6x+ local average, awards, or senior roles)
• Confirmation letter for high-level foreign talent

Documents you will need

• High-level talent confirmation letter: Applied for by the inviting entity
• Evidence of qualifications: Awards, publications, salary records

Worth knowing

• Fast-tracked processing and simpler paperwork than the Z visa
• Still requires a work permit for actual employment

Path to residency: Strongest available case for Chinese permanent residence