Z Visa - Work Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 4 business days (Category A may receive expedited processing)
- Fee
- $30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185; additional fees for work permit and residence permit after arrival)
- Validity
- Single entry: 3 months; must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to nationals of all countries who have secured employment in China
-
Employment
Must have a valid job offer from a Chinese employer. Category A: high-level talent (senior executives, scientists, salary >600k RMB/year). Category B: professional personnel (bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience, or salary >4x local average). Category C: other qualifying workers in specific zones or conditions.
Required status: Confirmed employment offer from Chinese employer
-
Health
Must pass a medical examination in China after arrival
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
-
Degree attestation
Attesting authority: Chinese Embassy authentication or apostille from home country; Must be apostilled: Yes
-
Health exam
Panel physician required: Local designated hospital in China; Validity months: 12
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
-
Work permit notification
Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.
Issuing authority: As required by issuing authority; Permit number: Work Permit Notification Letter number
-
Criminal record certificate
Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.
Issuing authority: Issuing authority; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Chinese employer submits online application for Work Permit Notification Letter through the local Human Resources and Social Security Bureau portal. Includes company documents, employment contract, and applicant credentials.
-
Online application
After receiving the Work Permit Notification Letter, complete the COVA form selecting Z visa category.
-
Document submission
Submit passport, COVA form, photo, Work Permit Notification Letter, and supporting documents at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.
-
Fee payment
Pay applicable visa fee.
-
Processing wait
Standard: 4 business days. Category A applicants may receive expedited processing.
-
Visa collection
Collect passport with Z visa. Upon arrival: (1) Register with police within 24 hours, (2) Complete medical examination at designated hospital, (3) Obtain Foreigner's Work Permit Card, (4) Apply for Residence Permit at PSB within 30 days.