China is the second-largest economy in the world. Its vast domestic market and the government’s inclination to accelerate growth create a suitable business environment. China’s well-established infrastructure, supply chains, and competitive labour costs pave the way for low-investment and high-earning business opportunities.
Work Visa for China
China has a multi-tiered approach to issuing work permits to ensure that all prospective employees possess the necessary qualifications/skills and can contribute effectively to the country’s economy. Employers and jobseekers must stay compliant with the regulations, as violations may result in penalties or even civil or criminal offences, depending on the severity of the breach.
Getting a Work Permit for China
Let us break down the Chinese visa system for you:
Z Visa
Jobseekers need a Z Visa to enter China, but this is only an initial step in searching for employment and applying for longer-term work and residence permits.
In addition to the usual passport, identity, and age proofs, applicants need one of the following to apply for a Z visa:
Foreigners Employment Permit
If the employee has an employment contract, they must submit the Foreigners Employment Permit issued by the Chinese government to their employer. If the work duration is less than 30 days, a Short-Term Employment for Foreigners is required.
Foreign Experts Working in China
This visa is issued to high-end tale individuals who achieve 85 points on the country’s talent-scoring scale.
Within 24 hours of arrival, third-country nationals must submit a police registration form of residence at the local station. If you intend to work for more than 30 days, you must apply for one of the following longer-term visas:
Category A Visa
This visa is issued to high-end, talented individuals from highly critical sectors, such as oil and petroleum, or sectors crucial to the country’s economic growth. The latter includes scientists, high-tech talents, multinational executives, proven entrepreneurs, and researchers. These individuals usually take government-encouraged jobs that face talent scarcity. It does not have age or qualification restrictions.
Category B Visa
This visa is specific to professionals who meet the current needs of the job market in China. To apply for a Category B Visa, professionals must earn at least 60 points on the scoring system. The visa can be applied for only when accompanied by a confirmed employment document and the employer’s Foreigners Employment Permit. Based on the job role, Category B Visa applicants must meet the eligibility criteria.
Category C Visa
This Category of workers fills specific roles and applies only to those who already have a Category B or A visa in China. They are domestic helpers, interns as,sistants to high-end talent, or seasonal workers. They enter China only for a specific purpose. The visa expires after the purpose is fulfilled.
To sum up, the Category A visa process is much less complicated and entails less bureaucracy than a Category C Visa.
How Long Does the Visa Process in China Take?
The visa process usually takes up to 15 days, and the employer must help the applicant. Employees and their families must apply for Residence Permits after the jobseeker receives a Category A, B, or C Work Permit.
How Access Financial Can Help
China offers a cost-efficient destination to open for businesses. It has a supportive wage system and social and security arrangements, which attract job seekers. Due to regional variations, managing employment and payroll systems can be complex for business owners. For employees, understanding their rights and responsibilities is critical to avoiding penalties. However, navigating the various types of visas can take time and effort. Access Financial provides complete services to employers, recruitment agencies, and contractors to ensure they meet all local and national obligations. Our EOR and Employed solutions support immigration and talent management while fully complying with the country’s labour laws. We also provide tax mitigation services while fully subscribing to corporate and labour laws.
Send us a message or call us directly at +86 21 5269 8801 for all your needs to function in China without any legal hurdles.
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