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China Legal Guides · National framework

China Work Permit Document Checklist for Employers & Expats

Use this checklist before you book medicals or visa appointments. Local windows add forms; this is the spine that prevents most avoidable delays.

44lawyer profiles listed
Updated16 Aug 2026
AudienceForeign businesses & individuals
Author China Legal Portal Editorial · Reviewer Zongying Lu · Last reviewed · 2 min read · Editorial policy · AI content policy · Disclaimer · Not legal advice — confirm current rules with counsel and authorities

At a glance

Visa & Immigration: typical process stages

Four high-level stages — details and local variations are in the guide below.

  1. PathClassify activity & route
  2. AuthorizeWork permit / entry visa
  3. ResidePSB residence + register
  4. MaintainChanges, renewals, exit
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General information only. Work authorisation, residence, permanent residence, and exit-entry enforcement turn on nationality, employer registration, local practice, and immigration history. This is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Confirm requirements with the competent authority and qualified counsel before you travel, start work, or change status.

Expat status & work authorisation cluster: Hub · Class A vs B · M-visa risks · Permit timeline · Five-Star Card · Overstay · Change employer · Job loss visa timeline · Police registration (24h) · Primary sources · Checklist

Candidate identity & background

  • ☐ Passport (validity buffer; blank pages)
  • ☐ Digital photo to local specification
  • ☐ Up-to-date CV matching job description chronology
  • ☐ Highest degree diploma + transcripts as required
  • ☐ Authentication / Apostille / legalization chain accepted by the window
  • ☐ Chinese translations from an accepted translator where required
  • ☐ Criminal record check from required jurisdictions, within validity window
  • ☐ Medical examination at approved facility when required
  • ☐ Application forms signed consistently with passport name order

Employer / sponsorship

  • ☐ Business licence and organisation codes as required
  • ☐ Online work-permit account access and operator authorisation
  • ☐ Job description, title, salary, work location
  • ☐ Employment contract or offer in required bilingual format
  • ☐ Invitation / notification supporting letters
  • ☐ Industry licences if the role is regulated

After entry

  • ☐ Temporary residence registration at actual address
  • ☐ Work Permit completion steps post-entry
  • ☐ Residence permit appointment documents
  • ☐ Dependants’ parallel packs if applicable

Red-flag extras

  • ☐ Name variations list (married names, Chinese characters, middle names)
  • ☐ Prior China visa refusals / overstay explanations if any
  • ☐ Secondment letters if payroll and host entity differ

Return to the hub for decision order, or open M-visa risks if the person is already working on the wrong status.

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Sources & trust

How to use this guide

Primary sources cited on this page: ? Passport (validity buffer; blank pages); ? Digital photo to local specification; ? Up-to-date CV matching job description chronology; ? Highest degree diploma + transcripts as required; ? Authentication / Apostille / legalization chain accepted by the window; ? Chinese translations from an accepted translator where required; ? Criminal record check from required jurisdictions, within validity window; ? Medical examination at approved facility when required; ? Application forms signed consistently with passport name order; ? Business licence and organisation codes as required; ? Online work-permit account access and operator authorisation; ? Job description, title, salary, work location.

Editorial, AI and verification policies

This page is general information for orientation. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship.

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What to prepare before contacting counsel

Send a focused first package so counsel can check conflicts, understand scope, and identify urgent deadlines.

  • A concise timeline and the result you want to achieve.
  • Names of all parties and affiliates for a conflict check.
  • Key contracts, notices, correspondence, filings, or decisions.
  • Known deadlines, preferred language, location, and budget constraints.
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