Visa Applications Made Easy
Get your business or work visa now.
Start Your Journey Here
We continuously monitor the evolving visa regulatory landscape and application requirements to ensure a seamless, efficient, and compliant visa application process for clients/individuals worldwide. There are more than ten types of visas serving different purposes for staying in China.
Most of our clients stay in China under work (Z visa), dependent (S visa), business visitor (F or M visa), or tourist (L visa) status. Wilto has comprehensive knowledge and good relationships with the relevant governmental offices to make sure you can get your work visa successfully.
We provide professional support to foreign nationals, as well as residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, for work permit and residence permit applications, visa amendments, and visa extension services.
All foreigners must obtain a Work Permit and a Resident Permit to be able to work in China.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to China?
In general, the answer is YES. Holders of ordinary passports are required to obtain a visa prior to entering China. However, certain travelers may be exempt under China's visa exemption policies:
- 24 / 72 / 144 hours Visa-Free transit schemes
- Hainan Island 30-day Visa-Free access
- Tour groups meeting under certain requirements
- APEC Business Travel Card with Visa-Free entry holders
- Nationals from countries under mutual visa-exemption agreements with China, such as Singapore, Brunei and Japan
- Holder of a Chinese Temporary Residence Permit
Working in China without a valid work visa or work permit is illegal. Do not take the risk by working as a domestic helper or employing someone if you do not have a valid work visa — to avoid being fined and getting a bad record on your profile.
Access & Stay in China
Before applying for a China visa, it is needed to understand the purpose and define the right visa category. Requirements differ by visa type and category — contact us to get the right and up-to-date checklist.
- Work (Z)
- Business (M)
- Noncommercial Visit (F)
- Talent Visa (R)
- Journalist (J-1, J-2)
- Family Reunion (Q)
- Private Visit (S)
- Resident (D)
- Private Visit (S)
- Stay Visa
- Humanitarian Visa
Documents Preparation
- Passport original & copy
- Education certificate
- Non-criminal record
- Recent photo
- Application form
Processing Lead Time
Subject to the type of visa; on average, the processing time is around 7–20 working days.
Is it needed to have an invitation letter before applying for a China work visa? It depends on the applicant's nationality. Applicants of certain nationalities are required to provide one, and you may verify the specific requirements with us. A PU letter is for commercial and trade activities, while a TE letter is for exchanges, visits and inspections.
What Is a Work (Z) Visa?
An employment visa, or Z visa, is issued to foreigners who are going to China for a job offer of more than 6 months, as well as for accompanying family members including spouses, parents, and children under 18 years old.
A work visa issued by overseas Chinese consulates is normally single-entry and only valid for a stay duration of 30 days from the arrival date in China. If you wish to stay longer and need multiple entries for working in China, you need to apply for a residence permit and obtain a work permit card within 30 days after entry.
Application Conditions in Shenzhen
- Above 18 years old, in good health
- Have the necessary professional skills and corresponding work experience for the role
- No criminal record
- Holding a valid passport or other international travel document that can replace the passport
- The post to be engaged in shall be one with special needs where suitable candidates are not available in China, and shall not violate relevant Chinese regulations
The foreigners who do not apply for the residence permit and overstay after entry will be fined according to rules and regulations.
Classification of Work (Z) Visa
Work permits for foreign employees are categorized into three classes in accordance with the applicable classification and management framework.
Capable of getting a 3–5 year work permit and residence permit.
Scope coverage for scientists, science and technology leading talents, international entrepreneurs, special talents, and other foreign high-end talents urgently needed in China's economic and social development, including:
- Senior management or technical posts in central enterprises, or the global/regional headquarters of Fortune Global 500 enterprises and national high-tech enterprises
- Former senior managers or key R&D members of Fortune Global 500 headquarters or regional branches
- Foreign talents with salary income 6× or higher than the local average annual income (in Shenzhen, around RMB 540,000/year or RMB 45,000/month, adjusted each July)
- Senior managers/technical staff at medium-sized businesses, or board chairmen, legal representatives, general managers, or chief technical specialists at small foreign-invested businesses in government-encouraged industries
- Graded 85 points or more on the official Score Table
Capable of getting a 1–3 year work permit and residence permit.
- Foreign professionals with a bachelor's degree or above and 2+ years of related work experience
- Skilled talents with qualification certificates and annual salary 4× or higher than the local average (in Shenzhen, over RMB 30,000/month, adjusted each July)
- Professionals graded 60 points or more on the Score Table
Can I apply for a China work visa without a bachelor's degree? Don't worry — contact us and we will provide guidance and relevant solutions.
Capable of getting a 1 year work permit and residence permit.
- Foreign employees in line with relevant regulations on the employment of foreigners in China
- Foreigners engaged in temporary or short-term posts (no longer than 90 days)
- Foreigners under quota system management, including interns under intergovernmental agreements, foreign students, foreign graduates from overseas institutions, and those engaged in long-range fishing and other special fields
What Is the Procedure to Apply for a China Work Visa?
In principle, you can go to a Chinese embassy, consulate, or other diplomatic mission in person for the application. You might be required to submit supporting documents on a case-by-case basis, including medical forms and a criminal history check requiring notarization and authentication. Let us help you compile the relevant documents and run the process effectively — without back-and-forth or potential rejection due to incomplete or incorrect submissions.
How to Get a Work Visa for an Applicant Outside of China
Basic document preparation: Alien Employment License / Foreign Expert confirmation notice, Z visa notification letter / Invitation letter, and a medical examination record.
→ Get a work visa from the overseas Chinese embassy or visa office in Hong Kong.
Create Account
Register at the foreigners' service management system in China.
Submission of Documents
Documentation cross-check and online submission.
Letter Application
Apply for the "Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China."
Work Visa Application
Work ("Z") visa application at the Chinese embassy in your home country, or at the Shenzhen port / Hong Kong.
Accommodation Registration
Accommodation registration at the place of residence within 24 hours after entry.
Physical Examination
Physical examination at Huanggang port hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen.
Work Permit Application
Apply for the "Foreigner Work Permit."
Employment & Residence Permit
Apply at the Entry and Exit Bureau of Shenzhen Public Security Bureau.
⚡ Get ready your residence permit and work permit card — 30 Days (*Day = Working day)
*Processing times are average estimates — actual duration depends on the complexity of each case.
Contact us to get the latest checklist of the documents needed for your work visa application.
List of Visa Services
- Apply for the first time for the "Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China"
- Handle Foreigner's Work Permit and Residence Permit
- Handle the extension of Foreigner's Work Permit and Resident Permit
- Re-issue Foreigner's Work Permit if lost
- Change information on Foreigner's Work and Resident Permit
- Handle cancellation and relocation of the Foreigner's Work Permit and Resident Permit
- Handle the annual inspection of the Foreigner's Work Permit and Resident Permit
Additional Support
- Assist with document translation of diplomas, non-criminal records, certifications, reference letters, etc.
- Assist with opening an account in the Foreign Employment System
- Assist in drafting the Reasons for Employment Report
- Accompany foreigners to the designated port hospital for physical examination
Need Help With Your Visa?
Contact us today to get our professional feedback and advice to resolve your doubts.
Contact us