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Moving to China: visas, permits and documents

Coming to China to work, join family, or settle — not just to visit? That's a different set of rules from a tourist trip, and several of them changed in the last two years. This section walks through the visa, the permit and the documents for each path, in plain English, checked against official Chinese sources and dated.

Verified June 27, 20265 official sources ↓

Compiled from official sources by Henry · independent · based in China

What recently changed

  • China joined the Hague Apostille Convention — in force with the US since November 7, 2023. Foreign public documents for use in mainland China now need a single apostille, not the old three-step consular legalization. us.china-embassy.gov.cn
  • From December 1, 2024, the Foreigner's Work Permit is integrated with the social security card. After you arrive you no longer collect a separate plastic work-permit card. mohrss.gov.cn
  • From October 1, 2025 (State Council Decree 814), a residence permit valid one year or more requires a health certificate, valid six months from issuance. mps.gov.cn

Verified June 27, 2026.

Start with your path

Open the one that fits why you're coming. Each is a step-by-step walkthrough with official sources — information only, never an offer to apply or handle anything for you.

Common questions

What visa do I need to move to China?

It depends on why you're moving. To work, you need a Z visa (your employer files a Work Permit Notification first). To join a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with Chinese permanent residence, you need a Q visa; to join a foreigner working or studying in China, an S visa. To study, an X visa. The long-stay versions lead to a residence permit you apply for within 30 days of entry.

Do I need to apostille my documents to move to China?

Usually, for documents like your university degree, a criminal background check, or a marriage or birth certificate. Since November 7, 2023, China is in the Apostille Convention, so a US document needs a single US apostille — not consular legalization — plus a certified Chinese translation. Confirm the exact list with your employer or the receiving authority.

What changed recently for foreigners moving to China?

Three things: China joined the Apostille Convention (documents need an apostille, not legalization, since November 7, 2023); the work permit is now carried on the social security card (since December 1, 2024, no separate plastic card); and a residence permit valid one year or more now needs a health certificate (since October 1, 2025).

Where is this information from?

Each page in this section is dated and checked against official sources — the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassy notices, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the National Immigration Administration, and State Council decrees. Links are on each page and in the sources section below.

Official sources

Every policy on this page was checked against these official pages. Always confirm with the source before booking.

Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Visa, permit and document rules are legal procedures and change without notice — always confirm the current process and your own situation with the official sources above, the Chinese embassy or consulate, your employer, and the local exit-entry administration before you act. Ready Set China is an independent information site — not a law firm, visa or document agency, or government body — and does not apply for visas or permits, or handle documents on your behalf.