China work visa (Z visa) and work permit
To work in mainland China you need a Z visa, and a Z visa needs a Foreigner's Work Permit Notification — which your China-based employer applies for before you apply for the visa. After you enter on the Z visa, you apply for a work-type residence permit within 30 days. Two recent changes catch people out: since December 1, 2024 the work permit is carried on your social security card (no separate plastic card), and since October 1, 2025 a residence permit valid one year or more needs a health certificate. As of June 2026.
Compiled from official sources by Henry · independent · based in China
Common mistake → the current rule
What many sites still say: Many guides still say that after you arrive you go and collect a plastic “Foreigner's Work Permit” card, and don't mention any health check for the residence permit.
The current rule: Since December 1, 2024 the Foreigner's Work Permit is integrated with the social security card — after entry you no longer process a separate physical work permit card; the work-permit information is loaded onto your (physical and electronic) social security card. And since October 1, 2025, a residence permit valid one year or more requires a health certificate.
Source: mohrss.gov.cn · verified June 27, 2026
How to get a China work visa, step by step
A plain-English walkthrough of the official general process for the Z (work) visa. This is information, not legal advice — we don't apply, collect documents, or handle anything for you.
Your China employer applies for the Work Permit Notification
A Chinese work visa starts with a job. Your employer in China (or an authorized agency) registers in the official Service System for Foreigners Working in China, submits the work-permit application, and once it is approved prints your Foreigner's Work Permit Notification. You can't start this step yourself — it is done by the employing unit before you apply for the visa.
- Time:
- A work permit for employment of more than 90 days is typically decided in about 20 working days, per provincial guidance. As of June 2026.
Source: stic.sz.gov.cn · mohrss.gov.cn
Apply for the Z visa with the Work Permit Notification
Take the Work Permit Notification to the Chinese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over where you live, with your passport (valid 6+ months, with at least two blank visa pages), the completed online visa application (COVA) form and a photo. The Z visa is “issued to those who intend to work in China.”
- Cost:
- Visa fees are set per nationality on a reciprocal basis; check the official fee schedule for your passport. As of June 2026.
- Time:
- Regular processing is about 4 business days from submission at the US embassy; express is faster for an extra fee. Times vary by mission. As of June 2026.
Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn
Enter China, then apply for your residence permit within 30 days
A Z visa is for entry, not for the whole stay. Within 30 days of entering China you must apply for a work-type residence permit at the public security exit-entry administration where you will live, using the Work Permit Notification or your electronic social security card. This is set by the Exit and Entry Administration Law, not a guideline.
- Time:
- Within 30 days of the date of entry. As of June 2026.
Source: nia.gov.cn · mohrss.gov.cn
Provide a health certificate if your residence permit is valid one year or more
Since October 1, 2025 (State Council Decree 814), a foreigner applying for a residence permit valid for one year or more must submit a health certificate. The certificate is valid for six months from the date it is issued, so time it close to your application. Work residence permits are commonly issued for a year or more, so plan for this.
- Time:
- Health certificate valid 6 months from issuance. As of June 2026.
Source: mps.gov.cn
Your work permit now lives on your social security card
Since December 1, 2024, the Foreigner's Work Permit is integrated with the social security card. After entry you no longer collect a separate physical work permit card; the work-permit information is loaded onto your social security card. Download the electronic social security card app to access it, your work-permit details and a QR code. If you already hold a physical work permit card, it stays valid until your next renewal or change.
Source: mohrss.gov.cn
Documents you'll need to authenticate
The work-permit application usually needs your degree, a criminal background check and (for teachers) a TEFL certificate authenticated for use in China. Since November 7, 2023 that means a US apostille, not consular legalization — here's the process for each.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get a work visa (Z visa) for China?
You need a job with an employer in China first. The employer applies for your Foreigner's Work Permit Notification in the official online system; you then take that Notification to a Chinese embassy or consulate to apply for the Z visa; and within 30 days of entering China you apply for a work-type residence permit. As of June 2026 — confirm the current requirements with the official sources and your employer.
Can I get a China work visa without a job offer?
No. A Z visa requires a Foreigner's Work Permit Notification, which only a China-based employer (or an authorized agency) can apply for through the official Service System for Foreigners Working in China. There is no self-sponsored China work visa.
Is there still a physical Foreigner's Work Permit card?
Since December 1, 2024 the work permit is integrated with the social security card, and after entry you no longer process a separate physical work permit card — the work-permit information is carried on your social security card (physical and electronic). If you were already issued a physical work permit card, it stays valid until your next renewal or change.
Do I need a health check for a China work residence permit?
Since October 1, 2025, a foreigner applying for a residence permit valid for one year or more must submit a health certificate, valid for six months from issuance. Work residence permits are commonly a year or more, so this usually applies. Confirm the exact requirement with the exit-entry administration handling your permit.
How long does it take to get a China work visa?
Plan for two stages: the work permit, decided in roughly 20 working days for employment over 90 days, then the Z visa itself, about 4 business days at the US embassy. Times vary by province and mission, so start early. As of June 2026.
What is the difference between a Z visa, a work permit and a residence permit?
The Z visa gets you into China to start work. The work permit (now carried on your social security card) is the authorization to be employed. The work-type residence permit, applied for within 30 days of entry, is what lets you stay and re-enter for the period of your job. You need all three.
Where is this information from?
This page was verified on June 27, 2026 against official sources: the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security notice on work-permit / social-security-card integration, the Chinese Embassy in the US visa requirements, the Exit and Entry Administration Law (National Immigration Administration), Shenzhen STIC's official work-permit process, and State Council Decree 814. Links are in the sources section.
Official sources
Every policy on this page was checked against these official pages. Always confirm with the source before booking.
- https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/notice/202509/t20250920_11712385.htm
- https://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/fdzdgknr/zcfg/gfxwj/rcrs/202412/t20241205_531664.html
- https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741547/c1013311/content.html
- https://stic.sz.gov.cn/xxgk/ywzsk/wgrlhxk/content/post_10396694.html
- https://www.mps.gov.cn/n6557563/c10172930/content.html
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Work-visa rules are a legal procedure and change without notice — always confirm the current process and your own situation with the official sources above, your employer in China, the Chinese embassy or consulate, and the local exit-entry administration before you act. Ready Set China is an independent information site — not a law firm, visa agency, or government body — and does not apply for visas, permits, or handle documents on your behalf.