China Visa Services
Every major visa path for foreign nationals — work, business, family, residence, and permanent residence — prepared and filed by a team that deals with Chinese authorities every day. Below: who each visa is for, the exact steps, timelines, and required documents.
Work Visa (Z) & Work Permit
For foreign professionals hired by a China-based employer, and intracompany transferees. The Z visa is the entry visa; the work permit card and residence permit are obtained after arrival.
Who it's for
Applicants generally must be 18+, in good health, hold a relevant degree and work experience, have no criminal record, and have a legally registered Chinese employer.
Step-by-step process
Employer files work permit application
Employer registers on the “Foreigners Working in China” system and submits the application with your credentials.
~5–10 working days reviewWork Permit Notice issued
The applicant receives the Notification of Work Permit (《外国人工作许可通知》) — the document needed for the embassy.
Same cycleApply for Z visa at embassy
Submit the notice, passport, photo, and health/criminal docs at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
~4–10 working daysEnter China & get work permit card
Within 15 days of entry, apply for the physical Work Permit card.
within 15 days of entryApply for Residence Permit
At the PSB exit-entry office; this is what legally lets you live and work long-term.
within 30 days · ~7–15 working daysRequired documents (typical)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | 6+ months validity, blank pages |
| Passport photo | Recent, white background |
| Employment contract | Signed with the China employer |
| Degree certificate | Notarized / apostilled + translated |
| Work experience proof | 2+ years relevant, employer letter |
| No-criminal-record certificate | Apostilled + translated |
| Health check | Usually after arrival in China |
Business Visa (M)
For commercial and trade activities: meetings, negotiations, site visits, trade fairs, and signing contracts. Not for employment.
Step-by-step process
Chinese inviting entity issues invitation
A registered Chinese company prepares the invitation letter (applicant details, purpose, dates, expenses, entity info + official seal).
Pre-submissionComplete COVA form & submit
Fill the online visa form and submit at the Chinese embassy/consulate covering your location.
~4–7 working daysVisa issued
Granted as single, double, or multiple entry depending on need and reciprocity.
Collected after processingRequired documents (typical)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | 6+ months validity |
| Visa application form + photo | Recent, white background |
| Invitation letter | From the Chinese trade partner / fair |
| Commercial activity proof | Trade documents or fair invite |
| Prior Chinese visa copies | If applying on a renewed passport |
Family & Private Affairs (Q1/Q2, S1/S2)
Q1/Q2 — family reunion with a Chinese citizen or permanent resident (Q1 for long-term residency, Q2 for short visits). S1/S2 — spouses, parents, and children under 18 of foreigners working or studying in China.
Prepare relationship proof
Marriage / birth certificates, notarized and apostilled where required.
1–3 weeksInvitation from family in China
Letter with host details, relationship, and stay arrangements.
Pre-submissionEmbassy application & entry
Submit at the Chinese mission; enter on the issued visa.
~4–10 working daysResidence permit (Q1/S1)
For stays over 180 days, apply at PSB exit-entry after arrival.
within 30 daysResidence Permit
The card that legally permits a foreigner to reside in China for the duration of work, study, or family stay. Required whenever the intended stay exceeds 180 days on a Z, X, or Q1/S1 basis.
Gather supporting basis
Work permit card, admission letter, or family documents.
Biometrics & application
File at the local PSB exit-entry office with photo and fingerprints.
~7–15 working daysCollect permit
Permit validity matches the underlying status (commonly 1–5 years).
Permanent Residence (“China Green Card”)
For qualified foreign investors, high-level talents, and those with family ties to Chinese citizens/PR holders. A longer, evidence-heavy route — we assess eligibility and assemble the dossier.
Eligibility assessment
Confirm you meet an investor, talent, or family-reunion category.
Document package
Investment proof, tax records, employment history, or family docs — notarized/apostilled.
several weeksSubmission & review
File with the provincial exit-entry authority; national-level review follows.
monthsWhich visa do I need?
| Purpose | Visa | Can work? | Typical stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hired by a China company | Z + Residence Permit | Yes | 1–5 yrs |
| Meetings / trade / fairs | M | No | 30–90 days |
| Family reunion (long-term) | Q1 + Residence | No* | 1–5 yrs |
| Short family visit | Q2 / S2 | No | ≤180 days |
| Spouse/parent of worker | S1 + Residence | No* | matched to host |
*Family permit holders may apply for a work permit separately if they later take employment.
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