Visas (Outside of China)

All foreign nationals visiting China require a visa that must be obtained outside of China from their local Chinese Embassy or consulate. To secure a visa foreign nationals should contact the Chinese embassy or consulate closest to them and inquire about the proper procedures for obtaining visas.

China issues the following visa types

Tourist / Family Visit (L) Visa
Business Visit (F) Visa
Employment/Work (Z) Visa
Study (X) Visa
Transit (G) Visa
Tourist Group Visa
Resident (D) Visa

Chinese visas can vary in duration and the number of visits. Visas can be valid for as little as 30 days, 6 months or a year and can be good for a single entry or multiple entries. Some visas may require you to leave China every 30 days.

ADVICE! Make sure you know what type of visa you have and when it needs to be renewed.

You require the following documentation for a Employment Work Visa (Z) if applied for outside of China:

A passport valid for at least six months before expiration and with at least one blank page left in it.
One completed Visa Application Form (Q1) with one passport photo (black & white or color is acceptable) glued or stapled on it.
A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit, (your company) and a Work Permit for Aliens Emplyment Permit issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry/ Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.
For wives and children, A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit or proof of kinship, e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc, is required for the accompanying family members.
If you were born in China, but want to enter China on a foreign passport you are required to submit your last Chinese passport or last foreign passport with a Chinese visa.
If you are relocating to China with the purpose of taking a position at a multinational or Joint venture company with offices in China you will most likely apply for a Multiple Entry Employment / Work Visa, or Z type visa.

Ideally you should apply for this visa outside of China at least one month in advance of your suggested date of travel. In many cases however prospective employer may ask you to apply for a Business Visia (F) or Tourist Visa (L). This visa will be later converted into a Employment/Work Visa (Z) visa after you have arrived in China.

WARNING! Although the practice of converting a visa is common you must be aware that the company you may be working for may not have the right to hire foreign nationals.

If securing a (Z) visa once in China seems to be taking a long time, or you are asked to leave the country and apply for another tourist (L) or Business (F) visa on a continual basis, it is possible that you could be breaking the law in China. You do so at your own risk.

WARNING! Do not overstay your visa. The fine for staying in China past the valid date is 500 RMB a day.

One of the fastest means of entering China, and securing a visa is to fly to Hong Kong or Maco. Members of Common Wealth Nations, the United States and European Union country nationals can usually obtain a visa for Hong Kong upon arrival at the airport. Upon entering Hong Kong you can apply for a Mainland Chinese visa using any number of Chinese visa services offices. Visa’s are usually issued within 24 hours.

Processing times and fees for Chinese visas of all types vary depending on your country of origin and the embassy or consulate at which you applied. Consult your local Chinese embassy or consulate for exact information regarding fees.

A number of Visa Agents also specialize in handling and solvng expat visa problems. These companies charge a fee and promise to fix your problems.

Note: The following list of companies, all located in Shanghai, is offered for information purposes only.

The author of this article has never used these services nor does he recommend you use these services. If you use these services you do so at your own risk. No fee has been or will be accepted for displaying these services.