A Chinese Visa Checklist
This is something every Expat MUST do in order to work in China legally.
To work full-time in mainland China, you will need a Z-visa. You will need to apply for this at your nearest Chinese visa centre. You should take:
- Your passport along with a copy
- Passport photos
- Completed visa application form
- Original authenticated criminal background check
- Authenticated copy of college or university degree certificate
- Health Record Examination within the last three months (please confirm this before you leave your home country, as rules are different for each country of origin)
- Documents provided by your employer in China
Be sure to check in advance if any other documents are required. Bear in mind that getting a Z-visa can be a lengthy process. Authentication is required for your criminal background check and undergraduate degree certificate (a minimum requirement for working in China). This involves sending documents to the foreign office and the Chinese consulate and/or Embassy in your home country. This part of the process can be particularly long.
Please BEWARE of Employers/Agents that want you to arrive in China without a work visa. Working on anything other than a Z-visa is illegal and you will bear the consequences if you are caught. They will disappear into the NIGHT if/when you have a problem.
*Ignite would never place you with a school that asks you to do that!
5 Things to Check Regarding Your Visa: Chinese Visa Checklist (travelvisapro.com)
Moving to China Guide: A Complete Checklist – China Youth International Co., Ltd. (cyicd-hr.com)
Chinese Work (Z) Visa Application Requirements – Chinese Visa Service Center (chinaentryvisa.com)
China Work Visa Health Check Screening | China Expat Health
A Chinese Visa Checklist – Kieron Nolan – Ignite Recruitment China