Article 41 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China stipulates that foreigners working in China shall obtain work permits and work-related residence permits in accordance with regulations. No unit or individual may employ foreigners who have not obtained work permits and work-related residence permits. Note: Only those who hold a work-related residence permit or work visa can be considered legally employed. Those who obtain other visas (Q family visit visa, L tourist visa, M trade visa, study residence permit visa, private affairs residence permit) to work are all considered illegal employment and will be severely punished by the state, so be sure to confirm the type of visa you have obtained before participating in work.

Service Target:

Class A Foreign High-end Talents

Foreign high-end talents refer to scientists, scientific and technological leaders, international entrepreneurs, special talents, etc. who meet the “high-end, high-tech, scarce” and market demand orientation, and the needs of China’s economic and social development, as well as talents who meet the points-based foreign high-end talent standards. Foreign high-end talents are not restricted by age, education and work experience. For details, see the Classification Standards for Foreigners Working in China (Trial).

Category B Foreign Professionals

Foreign professional talents refer to talents that meet the guidance catalog and job requirements for foreigners working in China, are urgently needed for economic and social development, have a bachelor’s degree or above and 2 years or more of relevant work experience, and are not older than 60 years old; for those who are really in need, meet the standards of innovative and entrepreneurial talents, professional and skilled talents, outstanding foreign graduates, foreign professional talents that meet the points-based scoring standards, and implement intergovernmental agreements or protocols, the restrictions on age, education or work experience can be appropriately relaxed. For details, see the Classification Standards for Foreigners Working in China (Trial). If the state has regulations on specialized personnel and government project personnel, follow them

Category C Other Foreigners

Other foreigners refer to other foreigners who meet the needs of the domestic labor market and meet the provisions of national policies.

Required documents:

01. Foreigner’s passport

Hold a passport or other international travel documents

02. Work experience certificate

Certificate or recommendation letter issued by the applicant’s former work unit

03. Education certificate

Certified highest degree (education) certificate or relevant approval documents, professional qualification certificate

04. No criminal record certificate

Certified no criminal record certificate issued by the applicant’s country of nationality or country (region) of long-term residence

05. Employment contract

Employment contract signed between foreigners and domestic enterprises

06. Enterprise information

Business license or registration certificate of employer or relevant institution

07. Enterprise tax certificate

Employer or relevant institution’s tax certificate for the previous year

08. Other application documents

Health certificate of the foreigner to be employed, temporary residence registration in China, recent photo, passport or other international travel documents; and other documents required by laws and regulations.

Application conditions:

01. Aged 18 or above, in good health

02. Possess the necessary professional skills or appropriate knowledge level for the job

03. No criminal record

04. Have a confirmed employer in the country

05. Note: (Foreign high-end talents are not subject to age and work experience restrictions)