Living
Working Visa & Temporary Resident's Visa
For those working in China, the Z visa is the closest thing to a permanent resident’s visa available.
To apply, you will need to submit a Work Permit for Aliens or, for teachers, a Foreign Expert’s Licence. These are issued by authorities in China, and should be supplied by your employer.
Once in China, you must visit the Exit & Entry Administration of Beijing office (Municipal Public Security Bureau, 2 Andingmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng, 010 8402 0101). Here, you can upgrade to a full Z visa and apply for your resident’s permit. A health certificate must also be supplied.
Resident’s permits are valid for the length of your contract, and should be carried with you. They can be renewed at the Public Security Bureau, as can the working or student visa.
Family members are also eligible for Z visas, provided marriage, birth or adoption certificates are submitted. Dependent parents are also illegible for Z visas. China does not recognise common law couples or homosexual marriages.
To apply, you will need to submit a Work Permit for Aliens or, for teachers, a Foreign Expert’s Licence. These are issued by authorities in China, and should be supplied by your employer.
Once in China, you must visit the Exit & Entry Administration of Beijing office (Municipal Public Security Bureau, 2 Andingmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng, 010 8402 0101). Here, you can upgrade to a full Z visa and apply for your resident’s permit. A health certificate must also be supplied.
Resident’s permits are valid for the length of your contract, and should be carried with you. They can be renewed at the Public Security Bureau, as can the working or student visa.
Family members are also eligible for Z visas, provided marriage, birth or adoption certificates are submitted. Dependent parents are also illegible for Z visas. China does not recognise common law couples or homosexual marriages.
