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Immigration & Work Permits

China Visas for WFOE Employees

Full immigration support for foreign employees of your China WFOE. We manage the Foreigner's Work Permit (外国人工作许可证) application, Z-visa coordination, residence permit, and ongoing renewals - ensuring zero lapses in legal work authorisation.

China's Points-Based System

Work Permit Categories (A/B/C)

China uses a three-tier work permit system administered by MOHRSS (人力资源和社会保障部) and NISA (国家移民管理局). All foreign nationals working in China must hold a valid Foreigner's Work Permit (外国人工作许可证).

Type A - High-End Talent Top talent

Nobel laureates, national award recipients, or points score ≥ 85. Fast-tracked approval, extended permit duration.

Type B - Professional Employees Most common

University degree + 2 yrs relevant experience + salary ≥ local average × 1. Most WFOE foreign hires qualify here.

Type C - Other Employees Quota-based

Quota-based; seasonal, short-term, or unskilled roles. Limited availability. Employer must prove local talent unavailability.

Type B Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree or above · Minimum 2 years relevant work experience · Salary at or above local average wage · Age under 60 (under 65 for senior professionals) · Clean criminal record from home country and China

Step by Step

The Work Permit Process

1

Eligibility Check

We assess your employee's qualifications, overseas experience, salary, and age against MOHRSS criteria for Type A/B/C categorisation.

2

Work Permit Notification Letter

Apply to MOHRSS (人力资源和社会保障部) for the Foreigner's Work Permit Notification Letter (外国人来华工作许可通知). Required before entering China.

3

Z-Visa Application

Employee applies for a Z-Visa at the Chinese embassy/consulate in their home country using the MOHRSS notification letter.

4

Entry & Health Certificate

After entering China on the Z-Visa, employee obtains the required health certificate (体检报告) from a designated hospital within 30 days.

5

Work Permit Issuance

Submit the full application to MOHRSS for the Foreigner's Work Permit (外国人工作许可证). Issued within 5–15 working days.

6

Residence Permit

Apply to the local Public Security Bureau (PSB 公安局出入境) for the work-type Residence Permit (居留许可) within 30 days of Z-Visa entry.

Documents Required

Typical Document Checklist

Valid passport (≥ 6 months validity, blank pages)
Highest academic degree certificate (notarised + apostille)
Work experience certificate (≥ 2 years for Type B)
Criminal background check (home country + China)
Health certificate from a MOHRSS-designated hospital
Employment contract with the WFOE (stamped with company chop)
WFOE business license copy
Two passport-sized photographs (white background)
Additional Services

More Immigration Support

Permit Renewal Management

We track expiry dates proactively and start renewals 60 days in advance - ensuring uninterrupted legal work status.

Family Dependent Permits

Residence permits for spouses and children accompanying WFOE employees. S-Visa coordination and PSB registration.

Document Legalisation

Apostille, notarisation, and Chinese embassy legalisation for overseas academic and employment documents.

Cross-City Transfers

If your employee moves cities, we manage the permit transfer between the relevant MOHRSS and PSB offices.

Typical Timeline: 6–10 Weeks

MOHRSS notification letter~10 business days
Z-Visa at embassy abroad4–10 business days
Work permit after entry5–15 business days
Residence permit (PSB)5–15 business days

Get Started with China Visas for WFOE Employees

Free consultation · No-obligation quote within 24 hours