🇨🇳map China [Residency]

Overview

China is vast, fast-changing, and incredibly rewarding for travelers and professionals who plan ahead. Entry rules depend heavily on your nationality and purpose of visit. Many travelers use a standard visa issued by a Chinese embassy or consulate before arrival, while certain nationalities enjoy limited visa-free entry or can use the popular 72/144-hour visa-free transit program through major airports. You’ll need a passport with at least six months’ validity and blank pages, a completed application, and sometimes proof of onward travel and accommodation. Always check your closest Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest updates, because policies and eligible countries for visa-free transit or short visa-free visits do change.

For longer stays or work, China uses a two-step system: an entry visa combined with a residence permit you obtain after arrival. Expect to register your address with local police shortly after you land, which is required even if you’re staying in a hotel (they usually handle it for you). Rules around employment are strict—working on a tourist or business visa is not allowed—and you’ll want to line up your employer sponsorship and documents well before booking flights. Digital nomads should note there is no formal “remote work” visa; you’ll need to match your activities to an appropriate visa category.

Tourist and Short-term Visas

If you’re visiting for leisure, the L (tourist) visa is the standard option. It’s typically issued as single- or multiple-entry, with stays commonly up to 30 days per entry, though consulates can grant longer or shorter durations. You’ll usually submit your itinerary or hotel bookings, a recent passport photo, and sometimes proof of funds or return travel. Processing times vary by location and season, with standard service often around one to two weeks, and expedited options in some consulates for an extra fee. Some nationalities may qualify for limited visa-free entry or the 72/144-hour transit waiver if you’re flying onward to a third country—great for quick city breaks in hubs like Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou.

Short-term business travel typically uses the M (business) visa. It’s designed for meetings, trade shows, and client visits—not hands-on work. You may be asked for an invitation letter from a Chinese company, along with your application form and photo. Extensions for tourist or business visas inside China are sometimes possible through local Exit-Entry Administration bureaus, but approval isn’t guaranteed and you should apply before your current stay expires. To keep stress low, build in time for visa processing and carry printouts of key documents, including your first hotel booking and return or onward ticket.

Work Visas and Permits

Working in China revolves around the Z (work) visa, which you obtain after your employer secures the necessary employment license and a work permit notice for you. Once you enter China on the Z visa, you’ll convert it into a residence permit tied to your employer and location. Employers typically lead the process, but you’ll need to provide authenticated degrees, a clean background check, a medical exam, and a CV that aligns with the role. Senior executives and highly skilled professionals may be eligible for the R visa pathway, which targets high-level talent in priority sectors.

Expect a structured sequence: offer letter, document authentication, work authorization approval, Z visa issuance abroad, then residence permit after arrival. Timelines vary from several weeks to a few months depending on your city and how fast you can gather documents. China classifies foreign workers by categories that reflect skills and experience, and this can influence the ease of approval. If you’re consulting or teaching, be sure your permit matches your actual duties; mismatches can lead to compliance issues.

Long-term Residence

After you arrive on the correct entry visa, you’ll apply for a residence permit if you’re working, studying, or joining family. This permit functions like your long-stay visa inside China, allowing multiple entries for the validity period. Family members of foreign employees typically use S-category visas and then obtain residence permits after arrival, while dependents of Chinese citizens or permanent residents may use Q-category routes. Students use the X visa, converting to a student residence permit through their university once on the ground.

Permanent residence (commonly called a “green card”) exists but is selective, often tied to exceptional talent, long-term contributions, high-level positions, or substantial investments that meet local criteria. Some cities run pilot programs to attract talent, offering clearer pathways for applicants with in-demand skills. For investors and entrepreneurs, options are usually anchored in job creation, tax contributions, or operating within designated innovation zones. China does not run a classic retirement visa program, so retirees typically rely on other categories (like family ties) if they wish to stay long term.

Application Process

Start by confirming your visa type and checking the latest requirements on your local Chinese embassy or consulate website. Book an appointment if required—some posts use online visa centers—and complete the application form with a recent passport photo. Gather supporting documents such as invitations, hotel confirmations, flight details, degree certificates, background checks, and medical exam reports if applicable. Many professional documents (degrees, police certificates) must be authenticated by your home authorities and then legalized for use in China, which can take several weeks—plan accordingly.

Submit your application in person if required, pay the fee, and keep your receipt for pickup or courier return. If you’re moving for work, confirm with your employer which steps happen before and after entry, and carry copies of your work permit notice and employment contract when you travel. On arrival, register your address within the local deadline (often within 24 hours in cities) and schedule your medical exam if not already completed. Then visit the local Exit-Entry Administration bureau with your employer or school to apply for your residence permit—bring your passport, photos, registration slip, and all supporting letters.

Costs and Fees

Visa fees vary by nationality, number of entries, and whether you use standard or expedited service. Some countries have reciprocal fee schedules or use a flat-rate model for multiple-entry visas. If you apply through a visa center, expect a separate service fee on top of the government fee. For work or study cases, budget for document authentication and notarization in your home country, plus legalization, which can add noticeable cost and time.

Medical exams are often required for work and study residence permits; if you didn’t complete one before arrival, you’ll typically do it at an approved clinic in China for a set fee. Health insurance is strongly recommended, and some employers provide local coverage as part of your package. If you’re relocating with family, multiply these costs for each dependent and confirm whether your employer covers dependents’ fees and permit costs. Keep digital and printed copies of all receipts; they’re useful for reimbursements and renewals.

After Arrival

Your first administrative step is address registration with the local police. Hotels usually do this automatically, but if you’re in a private residence or serviced apartment, you and your landlord may need to visit the station or complete an online process in cities that offer it. Next, complete or confirm your medical exam and apply for your residence permit at the Exit-Entry Administration. Your employer or school will guide you and provide necessary letters.

Once your permit is issued, you can proceed with practical setup: tax number registration is typically handled through your employer’s HR or payroll provider, and contributions to social insurance may be mandatory depending on the city and your employment terms. Opening a bank account is straightforward with your passport and residence permit; some banks may ask for proof of address or a local phone number. Mobile payment apps are ubiquitous, so setting up local banking and a SIM card early makes daily life much easier.

Common Issues and Tips

The most common hiccups come from timing and document prep: background checks and degree authentications take longer than people expect, and missing stamps or inconsistent names can stall applications. Make sure your job title and duties match what your work authorization specifies—changing roles or cities can require new approvals. If your visa is expiring while you wait for a residence permit appointment, go to the Exit-Entry bureau early; they can often issue a receipt or temporary stay document. Keep all registration slips and receipts until your new permit is in hand.

If your application is refused, ask for the reason in writing and correct the gaps—often it’s incomplete paperwork or a document that needs proper legalization. Using a reputable employer-designated immigration agent can save time on local procedures, especially in cities with busy bureaus. Policies evolve, including which nationalities qualify for short-term visa-free entries or transit exemptions, so always confirm with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before you book. For official help inside China, the local Exit-Entry Administration bureaus are your primary resource; universities and HR departments are also good partners for navigating renewals smoothly.

Li Wei
Li Wei is a financial services professional and cross-cultural consultant originally from Hong Kong, with over 12 years of experience in international banking and Southeast Asian business development. Having worked for major financial institutions including HSBC and Standard Chartered, Li Wei has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of international professionals to Hong Kong, Singapore, and other key Southeast Asian markets.