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ChinaWork permitsLast checked October 16, 2026

Z (work) visa with Foreigner's Work Permit and work-type residence permit

Foreigners working in China need a Foreigner's Work Permit, obtained by a Chinese employer, along with a Z visa and, for stays over 90 days, a work-type residence permit. Applicants are classed as Category A (high-end talent), B (professional talent) or C (other, under quota). Classification uses criteria including a points system: 85+ for A and 60+ for B.

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1 entry rule for China based on recent travel

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Life in China

Money

3

Currency

Chinese Yuan

CNY

Chinese Yuan

Cost of living

48

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

3–45%

Income tax (national)

VAT 13%

45% applies to annual taxable comprehensive income above CNY 960,000 after a CNY 60,000 basic deduction.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.1

#63 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreign professionals with a job offer from a legally established employer in mainland China.

Eligibility

  • Basic conditions

    You need to be 18 or older, in good health, with no criminal record, and have a defined employer in China and qualified skills.

    • Minimum age: 18
    • The job must be genuinely needed
    Official wording

    You must be at least 18, in good health and have no criminal record. You need a clearly defined employer in China and qualified skills for a job that is genuinely needed.

  • Employer conditions

    The employer must be legally established with real premises, pay taxes and social insurance, and have no serious violations. Pay can't be below the local minimum wage.

  • Category A – high-end talentCategory A

    You must meet talent programme, achievement, encouraged-post or innovation criteria, or score 85+ points.

    Category A thresholds

    Points score
    85+
    Wage route (Tianjin)at least
    7 times local average wage
    • A wage route also exists
    • Shanghai says no age, education or experience limits apply
    Official wording

    This category covers those meeting talent programme, achievement, encouraged-post or innovation criteria, or scoring 85+ points. A wage route also exists (in Tianjin, at least 7 times the local average wage). Shanghai says no age, education or experience limits apply.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementCategory B – professional talent
  • Document checklistWork permit application form (signed and stamped)
  • FeesResidence permit – validity under 1 year

The full requirements are for members

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  • 5 more requirements
  • 11 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 7 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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