China Work visa (Z)
The Z visa is the entry visa for foreigners taking up employment in China. It is valid for a single entry of 30 days, within which the holder must convert it into a residence permit for work.
Key facts
- Code
- Z
- Purpose
- Employment in China
- Stay per entry
- 30 days after entry to apply for the work-type residence permit
- Entries
- Single
- Validity
- Typically 3 months
Who needs it
Anyone employed by an entity in mainland China, regardless of nationality — the visa-free scheme does not cover work.
Documents
- Passport, COVA form and photo
- Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit issued through the employer
- Employment contract and, where required, degree certificates and a criminal record check, authenticated or apostilled
- Medical examination report (also needed for the residence permit)
The general procedure is on the application page; the full document checklist is on the documents page.
Good to know
- Applications start with the employer, who applies for the work permit notification in China.
- Family members apply for the S1 visa.
Sources
- Visa categories and application requirements — Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) (retrieved 6 September 2026)
- Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners — visa categories (Article 6) — National Immigration Administration (retrieved 6 September 2026)
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