Companies are required to provide work permits (Z visas) to all their foreign employees. Be wary of employers who delay in providing Z visas – they are simply saving tax money by not claiming you as an employee. If need be, tell your company you’ll pay for all related fees if you do not stay longer than three months. Z visa applications are processed through the Shanghai Labour Bureau on 258 Wusong Lu in Hongkou (www.12333.gov.cn), and you’ll need to accompany the HR person or visa agent to the office. In order to obtain a work permit, you need two copies of the application form (completed in Chinese), a copy of the business licence, a CV in Chinese, an employment certificate in Chinese, a Chinese version of your stamped contract, your health certificate, your passport and a photocopy of your passport, and two passport photos. Despite being illegal, living and working on an F visa is still tolerated, but beware – the government is starting to crack down on the practice.