China Business Visa (also known as M Visa) is eligible for individuals who wish to enter China on a short-term basis for commercial or trade activities. For instance, attending trade fairs, visiting clients and factories, negotiating with clients, and signing contracts.

China Work Visa (also known as Z Visa) is meant for those who want to work for a Chinese company and reside in China for long term. Z Visa holders are allowed to enter China for work purposes. Once they are in China, they shall convert the visa into a Work Permit first. Then to register with the local public security bureau, where the China Residence Permit will be issued to replace the Z Visa thus allowing multiple entries in and out of the country.

1.

Eligibility

M Visa

Applicant:

Foreigners holding a passport with at least 12 months validity and 2 blank pages. Applicants need to submit an Invitation Letter and file an application form online plus providing supporting documents (including passport photos).

Inviting company:

The company or institution in mainland China which the applicant intend to visit, should issue a formal Invitation Letter, detailing: the particulars of the applicant, the purpose of the visit, the city intended to be visited, dates of arrival and departure, the relationship between the applicant and Chinese company or institution, who will support the costs of the applicant’s accommodation in Mainland China, the inviter’s particulars, the signature and chop of the Chinese company or institution.

Z Visa

Applicant (employee):

Foreigners holding a passport with at least 12 months validity and 2 blank pages. The Z Visa is suitable for foreign nationals who wish to work as foreign expert, chief representative or representative of a foreign enterprise, and individuals to be engaged in commercial art performances, offshore petroleum operations and volunteer works (more than 90 days) in China. Applicants may apply for visas which allow multiple entries. The number of entries requested will have a direct effect on the validity period of the visa.

Sponsor (employer):

The sponsor shall provide a valid Work Permit issued by the China State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs. Applicants are categorized into 3 different classes range from A to C (standard profiles usually qualifying as B status) based on their:

• Yearly salary & the taxes they declared in the previous financial years
• Educational background (recognized universities)
• Work experience (managerial posting in fortune 500 Co.)
• Chinese proficiency & skillset

2.

Validity

M Visa

In most cases, Business Visa would be issued for 3 months, while the permitted duration of stay is usually 30 days and can be longer depending on applicants' personal cases. Canada, Argentina, and US citizens can even be granted a 10-year Business Visa.

Z Visa

Work Visa allows a stay duration of 30 days from the date of arrival in China. During this time the employee and employer shall apply for a Work and Residence Permit as of the duration of the employee’s contract at a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 5 years. Generally, the Work Permit can be granted in a single entry and the duration of stay is to be determined by the Residence Permit obtained after entry in China.

Dependents

Z Visa holders can sponsor Dependent Visa (S Visa) for their spouse and children below 18 years old. Dependent Visa holders are not entitled to work in China (and need to apply for a distinct Work Visa).

While M Visa holders cannot sponsor their family dependents.

Documents Checklist

M Visa:

1. Original Passport and a photocopy of biodata page
2. Passport style photos
3. Online filled application form with signatures
4. Invitation letter from China company
5. Business Registration of the China company
6. Invitation letter (PU letter) from duly authorized unit issued by Chinese Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China)
7. Copy of previous China visa(s)

Z Visa:

1. Original Passport and a photocopy of biodata page
2. 2 Passport style photos
3. Online filled application form with signatures
4. Original and copy of Foreigner's Work Permit Notifications Letter

Application Timeline

1 week (standard) - express service available for shorter processing time (additional costs apply).

3.

Extension

M Visa

It is feasible to apply for a Business Visa extension locally at least 7 days before the expiry date.

Z Visa

Renewal of a Work Visa and Residence Permit shall be submitted locally at least 30 days prior of the visa expiry date.

China Residence Permit

Chinese Work Permit Point System

Tier A Talent – 85 Points or more

The benefits:

• Faster visa processing and paperless verification
• Ability to work in any industry
• Longer visa validity

Other ways to qualify for this tier:

• Get employed through China’s regional plans for foreign talent
• Earn over six times the average local salary
• Get a highly valued position in Chinese or foreign enterprise in a large scale, middle-sized, or small-scale industry (senior management, technical heads, chairmen, legal representatives)
• Get employed by one of the top tier hospitals, province level hospitals, or foreign-funded hospitals.
• Do post-doctoral research after graduating from a high-level academic institution (only eligible if you are under 40 years old)
• Be a highly successful entrepreneur (earn over 10 million CNY per year, offer a new service or product that requires a patent and large investments, be in a senior management or technical position of a company in an industry that aligns with China’s regional requirements)
• Get awarded in your field of work
• Prove academic excellence (high position in an academic institution, senior-level contributions to high-ranking national journal)
• Prove overall excellence (prestigious awards, a senior position in government or a renowned international organization, senior role in Fortune 500 company)

Tier B – 60-84 points

If you belong to this tier, the application process is usually slower and more complicated than for individuals in the tier A. Also, you can usually only be eligible for a visa in a certain industry that is in demand in China.

Other ways to qualify for this tier:

• Have a bachelor’s degree or above and two years of experience
• Be certified or have a skill that is urgently needed in the labor market
• Teach a foreign language or hold a bachelor’s degree or above in education
• Earn four times the average local salary

Tier C – Under 60 points

The entry of individuals belonging to this tier is limited to quotas set by the Chinese government. Workers that usually belong to this tier work in China temporarily.

Other ways to qualify for this tier:

• Do short-term work in China (under 90 days)
• Be on an internship/young talent program

4.

Conclusion

For the business to succeed in China, seeking the right talents is always the key. Depending on the type of staffs you need to employ, strategic recruitment is truly time consuming. It is highly recommended to consider immigration constraints and seek professional advice on visa application processes during the hiring process.

Related Topics: United states B1/B2 Visa | Hong Kong Work Visa | Singapore Employment Pass

Should you need any assistance or wish to obtain more information, please also browse our official website at www.kaizenvis.com or contact us through the following means: