Legally Live and Work in China With Full Employment Authorization
Planning to work in China? Whether you’re relocating for a corporate position, teaching job, or executive post, the Z Visa is the official Chinese work visa that allows legal employment in Mainland China.
At Borderless Lawyers, we offer complete legal guidance on the China Z Visa process—from employer documentation and work permits to residence permits and compliance—so your move is strategic, seamless, and fully legal.
✅ What Is the China Z Visa?
The Z Visa is the only visa that allows foreign nationals to work legally in China. It is issued to individuals who have secured formal employment with a registered Chinese entity and have obtained official authorization from China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security or Foreign Experts Bureau.
🛂 This visa is a pre-entry step. Once you arrive in China, you must convert your Z Visa into a residence permit within 30 days to remain legally employed.
👨💼 Who Is It For?
✅ Foreign employees with a full-time job offer
✅ Teachers, engineers, IT professionals, and executives
✅ Intra-company transferees and senior managers
✅ Foreign experts and professionals in short supply
✅ Startup founders setting up operations in China (with proper approval)
🔍 Requirements for Z Visa Eligibility
To qualify for the Z Visa, you generally need:
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A job offer from a registered Chinese employer
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Work Permit Notice issued by a relevant government authority
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Bachelor’s degree or higher (for most roles)
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At least 2 years of relevant work experience
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Clean criminal record (certified and legalized)
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Good health and completed medical exam
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Valid passport and recent passport-sized photo
📝 Teaching positions typically require a TEFL certificate and native English fluency.
📄 Required Documents
From the applicant:
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Passport (valid for at least 6 months + 2 blank pages)
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Completed Visa Application Form (Form V.2013)
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Recent passport-sized photo
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Certified criminal background check
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Degree certificate and resume
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Medical exam report (where required)
From the employer:
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Valid Work Permit Notice or Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit
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Invitation letter from the employing entity
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Business license or registration certificate
🛠 How We Help
1️⃣ Z Visa Strategy & Employer Coordination
We help you and your employer understand legal obligations, document requirements, and timelines.
2️⃣ Work Permit & Legalization Support
We assist with getting your work permit approved, and ensure all diplomas, police clearances, and documents are notarized and legalized in your home country.
3️⃣ Consulate Filing & Entry Visa
We prepare and submit your Z Visa application at the nearest Chinese consulate or Visa Application Center (CVASC).
4️⃣ Residence Permit Conversion in China
Once you arrive, we assist with residence permit registration, local police registration, and onboarding compliance.
⚠️ Important Notes
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The Z Visa is single-entry and must be converted to a residence permit within 30 days of arrival in China
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Unauthorized employment is illegal under any other visa (M, F, L)
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Employers must be licensed to sponsor foreign staff
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Spouses and children can apply for S1/S2 dependent visas
📍 Duration & Validity
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Z Visa validity: Typically 30 days (pre-entry)
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After arrival: Residence Permit issued for 1–2 years, renewable
🌐 Why Work in China?
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Rapidly expanding industries and foreign investment
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Global companies with offices in Tier 1 and 2 cities
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Competitive expat packages and housing allowances
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Opportunities in education, engineering, tech, and finance
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Access to Asia-Pacific markets and international experience
📞 Make Your China Employment Move—With Legal Clarity
At Borderless Lawyers, we help professionals, HR departments, and multinational companies manage the entire work visa lifecycle—so employment in China is not just possible, but seamless and compliant.
Let us handle the legal side, while you focus on your next career step.