As China further expands its opening-up, a growing number of foreigners choose to work in China and participate in its economic and social development. To help you complete entry preparations efficiently and in compliance with regulations, this guide integrates the latest 2026 work entry policies, focusing on three core aspects: work permit application, Z visa processing, and the foreign talent green channel. It breaks down practical steps and clarifies policy details to ensure a smooth work trip to China.
I. Application Process and Requirements for Foreigner’s Work Permit in China
The Foreigner’s Work Permit is a core prerequisite for foreigners to work legally in China. Employers must submit applications uniformly through the “Foreigners Working in China Permit Management Service System”. It is categorized into two types based on the work duration: long-term permits for stays exceeding 90 days, and short-term permits for stays of 90 days or less, with slight differences in application requirements and materials.
Basic application requirements must be met by both the employer and the applicant. Employers shall be legally established with no serious illegal or untrustworthy records; the position to be filled must be a special role where suitable domestic candidates are temporarily unavailable; the salary offered shall not be lower than the local minimum wage standard; and industries requiring pre-approval must obtain prior approval from the competent industry authority. Applicants shall be over 18 years old, in good health, with no criminal record, possess professional skills or knowledge matching the position, and engage in work that meets China’s economic and social development needs, falling into the category of urgently needed professionals in China.
For materials, long-term work permits (over 90 days) require submission of the “Application Form for Foreigner’s Work Permit in China”, a copy of the applicant’s passport, a notarized and authenticated no-criminal-record certificate, academic degree and work experience certificates, and the employer’s qualification documents. Short-term work permits (90 days or less) require an additional “Certificate for Foreigners Working Short-Term in China”, and the short-term work duration cannot be extended. In-country applications apply to nine scenarios, including foreign high-end talents and internal mobility personnel of enterprise groups, with corresponding supplementary materials required. The approval process usually takes 5-7 working days, and the permit’s validity period is consistent with the term of the labor contract.
II. Full Process and Material Specifications for Z Visa Application
The Z visa is exclusively for foreigners working in China and can only be applied for after obtaining the work permit. The entire process is completed via the online China Visa Application System (English URL: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/), consisting of four steps: online form filling, document review, offline submission, and visa collection.
Core application materials include: an original passport with a remaining validity of over 6 months and at least 4 blank visa pages, plus a copy of the data page; one fully completed “People’s Republic of China Visa Application Form” with one recent color passport photo (front-facing, bare-headed, light background); proof of legal stay or residence (for applicants applying outside their country of nationality); and work permit-related documents, such as the “Notice of Foreigner’s Work Permit in China” issued by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs or the “Foreigner Employment Permit Certificate” issued by the human resources and social security department. For short-term work, the “Certificate for Foreigners Working Short-Term in China” is also required.
Individuals who previously held Chinese nationality and later acquired foreign nationality must provide the original Chinese passport and a copy of its data page for the first application. If there is a name discrepancy, an official name change document must be supplemented. After passing the online review, applicants need to submit the original materials to the designated China Visa Application Service Center and may entrust others to handle the application on their behalf (except when an interview is required by the consulate). The review process usually takes 4-5 working days, and it is recommended to submit the application one month before the intended entry date. Except for those with a 30-day stay period marked with “work duration shall not exceed the period stated in the work certificate”, Z visa holders must apply for a work-related residence permit at the local public security entry-exit administration (county-level or above) within 30 days of entry.
III. Foreign Talent Green Channel Policy and Scope of Application
To attract global high-end talents, China’s National Immigration Administration has launched five measures to facilitate foreigners coming to China, establishing a green channel for foreign talents. Focused on simplifying procedures and improving efficiency, this channel provides multiple conveniences for eligible foreign talents to enter China and start working quickly.
The green channel mainly applies to foreign high-end talents (Category A), including top talents in science and technology, education, culture, health and other fields, internationally renowned experts, and senior executives of multinational corporations. Specific conveniences include: expedited processing of work permit and visa applications, with the approval time shortened to within 3 working days; simplified materials, allowing a guarantee letter from the employer to replace some supporting documents; high-end talents entering with other valid visas or residence permits can apply for work permits directly in China without leaving the country to apply for a visa; one-stop processing of residence permit extensions and changes, eliminating the need for multiple trips to entry-exit institutions.
In addition, foreign talents working in free trade zones, comprehensive innovation and reform pilot zones, and regional headquarters of multinational corporations in China can enjoy additional regional preferential policies. For example, internal mobility personnel of enterprise groups do not need to resubmit qualification certificates, and the process for changing work permits is streamlined. Eligible applicants can apply for green channel services through their employers to local science and technology bureaus and entry-exit administration institutions, submitting relevant talent identification materials and work certificates. Upon approval, they can enjoy the corresponding conveniences.
Before coming to China for work, it is recommended that employers and applicants confirm policy applicability in advance, prepare all required materials, and strictly abide by the regulations on work permits and visas. China continues to optimize the business environment for foreign talents and improve convenient policies, hoping every foreign worker in China can smoothly start their career journey and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
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