Are you considering a new job opportunity in China? Whether you’re pursuing a teaching career, joining a corporate company, or exploring entrepreneurial ventures, China offers a wealth of opportunities for international professionals. However, to work legally and stay in the country, obtaining the correct work visa is crucial.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of getting a China work visa, offering insights into eligibility, required documents, and the visa application steps.
It includes all you need for a clear understanding of the visa application process, the necessary paperwork, and how to navigate the official channels − ensuring you’re well-prepared to start your work in China.
Eligibility Requirements for a China Work Visa
Before you can apply for a work visa for China, ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the Chinese authorities.
General Eligibility
To be eligible for a China work visa, UK citizens must meet the following basic work visa requirements:
- Age and health: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and in good overall health. Usually, you’ll need to do a basic health check at a hospital in the UK.
- Criminal record: A clean criminal background is needed for approval.
- Skills and work experience: You should have the necessary professional skills and relevant work experience required for the role you’re applying for.
- Job offer: A confirmed job offer from a company in China is mandatory. This is usually in the form of an employment contract.
- Documents needed: Your passport, educational certificates, pre-arrival medical checks, clean criminal record certificate, and other documents must be presented as part of your application.
Note: Often, China requires the applicant to provide supporting documents, including those that confirm your professional qualifications and any prior work experience relevant to the role.
Types of Work Visas for China
China offers various work visas based on the nature of your employment. Each visa has specific criteria, so you need to apply for the correct one based on your situation. They are:
Z Visa (Work Visa)
The Z visa is the most common, primary visa for individuals employed by a company in China or those engaged in commercial ventures. To qualify for this work visa in China, you must have a confirmed job offer from a Chinese employer.
R Visa (High-Level Talent)
The R visa is designed for highly skilled professionals or those with specialised skills. It’s typically granted to those with advanced qualifications or a specific skillset that’s in demand in China in sectors experiencing a shortage of local talent, like tech or engineering. This refers to Tier A talents under China’s tiered work permit classification system (see the work permit classification section below).
M Visa (Business Visa)
The M visa is a business visa meant for those involved in trade, commercial, or business-related activities. However, it doesn’t allow for formal employment and can’t be used to work for a Chinese employer. It’s for frequent business visitors who spend less than six months in a year in the country.
Work Permit Classification in China
Once you’ve decided which visa to apply for, it’s important to understand how China classifies foreign workers. The unified work permit system categorises foreign workers into three tiers based on qualifications, experience, and skills.
Tier A: These are highly qualified professionals with advanced skills, typically those with academic degrees or exceptional talents.
Tier B: Skilled professionals who meet the labour market needs, such as mid-level professionals or people in sectors with skill shortages.
Tier C: Generally, foreign workers spending less than 90 days in China, or those with less specialised skills or in sectors that don’t require advanced qualifications. Some specific sectors may still require a minimum level of education, such as a university degree.
Each tier has specific requirements and impacts your chances of obtaining a work permit. For example, Tier A applicants usually need to score 85+ points through a points-based system, while Tier B applicants need to score between 60-85 points. Tier C have below 60 points.
The 7-Step Application Process for a China Work Visa
The process of obtaining a work visa for China involves several steps. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:
Step 1: Collect the Required Documents
Before you start your application, you’ll need the following:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months.
- Criminal background check: Issued within the last six months.
- Medical certificate: Issued by a UK hospital recognised by the Chinese embassy.
- Educational qualifications: Your original university degree/s and any relevant certifications like a TEFL/TESOL certificate for teaching jobs.
- Visa application form (original and a copy)
- Passport-sized photo: Standard passport photo for official documentation.
Step 2: Obtain a Foreigner’s Work Permit Notification
Once your documents are ready, your Chinese employer must apply for a Foreigner’s Work Permit Notification from the local labour bureau. This is an official document that confirms your eligibility to work in China. Note: This step may take around 3-4 weeks.
Step 3: Apply for the China Work Visa
After receiving the Foreigner’s Work Permit Notification, you can apply for the China work visa (typically the Z visa). Submit all required documents, including any that need notarising and apostilling, to the Chinese embassy or consulate or via a visa centre.
Step 4: Travel to China
Once your visa is approved, you can enter China. You will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 30 days, giving you time to finalise your residency and work permits.
Step 5: Temporary Police Registration
Upon arrival in China, you must register with the local police. In some places, this must be done within 24 hours. This is a crucial step to ensure your legal stay in the country.
Step 6: Apply for a Residence Permit
After police registration, apply for a Chinese residence permit from immigration within 30 days. This permit, required to stay in China for work, is usually valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
Step 7: Apply for a Work Permit
Finally, you can apply for a work permit within the country. This is the official document that legally allows you to work in China. You’ll need your passport and Z Visa; the original documents and copies of your medical certificate, qualifications and work experience certificate, criminal record check, and your employment contract.
Note: Employers play a crucial role in helping employees in China obtain China work permits. They are responsible for submitting the necessary paperwork and assisting foreigners working in China throughout the process.
Visa Processing Time and Work Visa Categories
Processing times for the China work visa application can vary. Typically, acceptance of the application takes about 5-10 working days. However, some visas may take longer based on the volume of applications or specific circumstances. You’ll need to choose from various specific visa types, such as short-term, long-term, single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on your work arrangements.
Getting Your Documents Authenticated and Apostilled
When applying for a China work visa, certain documents need to be authenticated. Authentication is carried out through notarisation and/or obtaining an apostille.
The most common documents needing authentication are:
- Degree certificates
- TEFL certificates
- Criminal police checks
Degree Certificates
- A degree certificate will need to be notarised and apostilled. The notary will notarise a copy and verify its authenticity with the issuing university.
TEFL Certificates
- A TEFL certificate will also need to be notarised and apostilled. This involves verifying the authenticity of the certificate with the issuing provider, who must be a UK registered company.
Criminal Police Check
- A criminal police check can be issued either by the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) or the ACRO Criminal Records Office. A DBS issued certificate will need to be notarised and apostilled. An ACRO issued certificate only needs to be apostilled as it is signed by a government official.
Notarisation
- Notarisation will be carried out by a notary public authorised to practise through the Faculty Office in the UK. The notary will affix a notarial certificate to the document they are notarising, and apply their signature and seal.
Apostille
- An apostille is an international certification recognised in China.
- In the UK, an apostille is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). They will affix a piece of paper to the reverse of the notarial certificate, or directly to the ACRO police certificate, confirming the signature of the notary public or official who signed the ACRO certificate.
- An apostille will have a code displayed on it allowing a third party to verify its authenticity online.
At Notary.co.uk, we notarise and apostille many types of documents and can provide different types of certification to meet your needs.
Special Considerations for Teaching Jobs in China
Many foreign workers in China are teachers, there to meet the need for English language learning. If you’re applying for a teaching job, there are additional requirements. You’ll need a globally recognised 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate, and it must be authenticated and apostilled before submitting your visa application. To teach at an international school, you’ll need more specialised teaching qualifications, such as a teaching licence issued in your home country.
Conclusion
Obtaining a work visa for China is a detailed process that requires careful preparation of your documents, including the necessary notarisation and authentication.
At Notary.co.uk, we specialise in helping UK citizens navigate the document authentication process for China, ensuring all your paperwork is properly notarised and apostilled. Our experienced team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Ready to start your work visa application for China? Contact us today on 020 7630 1777 or email us at info@notary.co.uk for expert assistance with your documentation.