Foreign-worker compliance in China is a stack of related but distinct statuses: entry visa, work authorization/permit and residence permission.
Their expiry dates and sponsoring entity/details must stay aligned. A valid residence permit does not necessarily cure an expired or mismatched work authorization, and an HR change can trigger action before the next ordinary renewal.
5 questions before you choose the route.
This page identifies the right question and evidence. It does not determine the legal outcome on a reader’s facts.
Check each document and expiry date
Identify the relevant facts, documents and operating role before choosing the route.
Decision factorCheck sponsor/employer
Identify the relevant facts, documents and operating role before choosing the route.
Decision factorCheck work location/title
Identify the relevant facts, documents and operating role before choosing the route.
Decision factorCheck passport expiry
Identify the relevant facts, documents and operating role before choosing the route.
Decision factorCheck pending travel/change
Identify the relevant facts, documents and operating role before choosing the route.
Decision factorWorking rule: Map the regulated role before marketing or launch in China.
The signal ledger.
These facts move the question beyond a label and into a product, money-flow and control analysis.
Bring a compact evidence docket—not a pitch deck.
Give a compliance team or counsel the operating facts that reveal the perimeter.
Primary authorities
Reviewed sources support orientation, not a fact-specific assessment.
Sources last checked: