Hiring Foreigners in China: Work Visas, Permits and Employer Requirements

Hiring Foreigners in China: Work Visas, Permits, and Employer Requirements

You’ve set up a company in China.

Now you want to work there — or send someone from your team.

Can your Chinese company sponsor a visa?

Yes. But it’s not automatic.

You need the right structure — and the right profile.

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Step 1 — Your company must qualify

To hire a foreigner legally, your Chinese entity must sponsor:

• A Work Permit

• A Z Visa

• And a Residence Permit

That means your company must:

✅ Have a real office

✅ Run active operations

✅ Employ local staff

✅ Clearly explain why a foreigner is needed for this job

If your company is just a name on paper —

The application will probably be rejected.

In many cities, immigration officers visit your office to verify your setup.

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Step 2 — You must qualify too

Even if you’re the founder, director, or investor —

China doesn’t have “founder visas”.

You’ll need:

• A clean criminal record

• Good health (no infectious diseases)

And — enough points.

China uses a points-based system to approve work permits.

You need at least 60 points.

They consider:

• Education level

• Work experience (minimum 2 years)

• Age

• Chinese language skills

• Annual salary

• Whether your company operates in a priority sector

• Other criteria

The more points — the easier the approval.

Most cities also require a minimum salary for foreign employees. If the salary is too low — the visa may be denied.

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Step 3 — Application process

Here’s how it normally works:

1. Your company applies for a Work Permit Notice

2. You get a Z visa at the Chinese consulate in your country

3. You enter China and convert it into a Residence Permit within 30 days

This permit allows you to live and work in China.

In some cases, Z visas can’t be issued abroad.

Or you may need to go to China urgently.

Then you can:

• Apply for a business visa

• Enter China

• Switch to a work permit from inside the country

This is possible — but only in certain cities.

So always consult a local visa agent before you fly in.

Your first visa is usually valid for 6 to 12 months.

It’s renewable — if your company stays compliant.

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What about your family?

Once you get your residence permit —

Your spouse and children can apply for dependent visas.

They can live in China.

But they can’t work — unless they apply for their own permit.

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How many foreigners can your company sponsor?

There’s no formal limit.

But in practice, most local bureaus follow this rule:

1 foreigner per 3 Chinese staff

So:

• Your first hire is usually fine

• Additional hires require a bigger team

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Final tips

✅ Yes — your own Chinese company can sponsor you

✅ But only if the company is real, and you meet visa criteria

✅ Start early — the full process can take 2–3 months

✅ Work with a local agent — they’ll help you earn enough points

✅ Check the rules in your city — they may vary

✅ And don’t try shortcuts — China can and will verify your setup

In the next article, we’ll answer the key question:

Do you even need a Chinese company?

We’ll look at real examples — what works, what doesn’t, and what’s better done from abroad.

Need help hiring or relocating staff to China?

Talk to our team — we’ll guide you through it.

Part 10/14: Paying Dividends from China: Rules, Withholding Tax and Currency Control

Part 12/14: Do You Really Need a Chinese Company? Cases That Work — and Those That Don’t”