Z Visa (Work Visa)
Category: Migration · Processing time: 2-4 months (work permit notification + Z Visa + residence permit) / —
Recently verified
Apply through official authority
National Immigration Administration (NIA)
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-29.
Visa type
Migration
Processing time
2-4 months (work permit notification + Z Visa + residence permit) / —
Fees
MinIncomePoints: Category B: bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience. Salary typically CNY 200,000+/year (EUR 25,700+). Category A: CNY 600,000+/year (EUR 77,000+)
Validity
The Z Visa is typically valid for 90 days upon entry, after which a residence permit must be obtained.
Stay duration
The residence permit can allow stays of up to 5 years, depending on the employment contract.
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
Save this visa to My Plan
Overview
Z Visa (Work Visa) immigration pathway. Path to permanent residence: —. Path to citizenship: —. Income / points requirement: Category B: bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience. Salar
- Leads to permanent residency: No
- Requires job offer: Yes
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Not specified
- Financial requirement: Category B: bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience. Salary typically CNY 200,000+/year. Category A: CNY 600,000+/year.
Estimated Costs
- - MinIncomePoints: Category B: bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience. Salary typically CNY 200,000+/year (EUR 25,700+). Category A: CNY 600,000+/year (EUR 77,000+)
- - MinSavings: —
- - PathToPr: —
- - PathToCitizenship: —
Required Documents
- - Valid passport
- - Completed visa application form
- - Recent passport-sized photos
- - Work permit notification
- - Employment contract
- - Health certificate
Application Steps
- Obtain a job offer from a Chinese employer.
- Receive a work permit notification from the employer.
- Apply for the Z Visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
- Enter China with the Z Visa.
- Apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: National Immigration Administration (NIA) →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Browse foreign embassies in China (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
Track your Z Visa (Work Visa) preparation
Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan.
Get visa checklist updates
Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Z Visa (Work Visa) in China.
Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Citizenship timeline: —
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in China depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission auto
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In China, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in China for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for China, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter China, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border chec
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for China through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa processi
Scammers advertise fake apartments in China, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Z Visa (Work Visa). It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete application or missing documents.
- - Failure to meet financial requirements.
- - Ineligibility due to lack of relevant experience or qualifications.
Application Tips
- - Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
- - Check the specific requirements of the Chinese embassy or consulate where you apply.
- - Start the process early to account for processing times.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- National Immigration Administration (NIA)
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Last verified 2026-05-29.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This visa is designed for applicants matching Migration pathway criteria.
Typical processing time is 2-4 months (work permit notification + Z Visa + residence permit) / —, subject to documentation quality and application volume.
Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.