## Z Visa Overview
### What is Z Visa?
– Official work visa for China
– Required for legal employment
– Single entry only
– Must convert to residence permit
### Who Needs Z Visa?
– All foreign employees
– Including part-time workers
– Interns (with exceptions)
– Business representatives
## Application Requirements
### Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|———-|———|
| Passport | Valid 6+ months, blank pages |
| Visa Application Form | Completed online |
| Photo | Recent, white background |
| Work Permit Notice | From employer |
| Health Certificate | Authorized hospital |
| Criminal Background Check | From home country |
### Additional Documents
– Employment contract
– Qualification certificates
– Resume/CV
– Reference letters
– Company documents
## Application Process
### Step-by-Step
1. **Receive Job Offer**: Get employment contract
2. **Work Permit Application**: Employer applies in China
3. **Receive Permit Notice**: Foreigner Work Permit Notice
4. **Apply for Z Visa**: At Chinese embassy/consulate
5. **Enter China**: Within visa validity
6. **Convert to Residence Permit**: Within 30 days
### Processing Time
| Stage | Duration |
|——-|———-|
| Work Permit Notice | 2-4 weeks |
| Z Visa | 1-2 weeks |
| Residence Permit | 2-4 weeks |
| **Total** | **5-10 weeks** |
## Work Permit Process
### Employer Responsibilities
1. Online registration
2. Submit documents
3. Wait for approval
4. Receive permit notice
5. Send to employee
### Employee Documents
– Passport scan
– Degree certificate (notarized)
– Work experience proof
– Health examination
– Criminal record check
– Professional certificates
## After Arrival
### Residence Permit Conversion
| Step | Timeline |
|——|———-|
| Enter China | Within 90 days |
| Medical check | Within 1 week |
| Police registration | Within 24 hours |
| Residence permit | Within 30 days |
### Required Documents
– Passport with Z visa
– Work Permit card
– Health examination report
– Registration form
– Employment contract
– Photo
## Visa Validity
### Z Visa
– Valid: 90 days single entry
– Purpose: Entry only
– Must convert to residence permit
### Residence Permit
– Valid: 1-2 years
– Multiple entries
– Can work legally
– Must renew before expiration
## Family Visas
### S1 Visa (Spouse/Children)
– For family members
– Valid 30 days
– Convert to residence permit
– Cannot work
### S2 Visa (Short-term Family Visit)
– Up to 180 days
– No conversion needed
– Cannot work
– Multiple entries possible
## Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|——-|———-|
| Permit delayed | Follow up with employer |
| Document issues | Get proper authentication |
| Medical problems | Some conditions disqualify |
| Previous violations | May affect approval |
| Employer changes | New permit required |
## Tips for Success
1. **Start Early**: Process takes 2-3 months
2. **Verify Documents**: Ensure all authenticated
3. **Choose Licensed Employer**: Must be authorized
4. **Keep Copies**: Maintain document backups
5. **Track Expiration**: Set renewal reminders
6. **Follow Regulations**: Maintain legal status
Z Visa is mandatory for legal employment in China.