Work · 01
Work authorisation
Work permit, Z visa and the labour contract are connected controls, not one document. Residence is a later layer.
First job Separate work authorisation from the labour contract and from residence.
Start here
Key considerations
- Who is the employing entity in China?
- Is a work permit already issued, in process, or missing?
- Is the person already in China on another visa?
Decision map
Keep the question bounded.
- Name the employerThe China entity that will sponsor the permit.
- Separate the filesNotification / work permit versus Z visa versus labour contract.
- Do not skip residenceEntry is not the same as lawful stay.
Quick answers
Need the short version? Start with one narrow question.
These explainers answer one question. They do not replace this topic route or a deep guide.
Curated resources
Open the asset that matches this job.
China immigration status control room
National map for visas, work permits, residence layers, change calendar and exit risk.
China work visa (Z visa)
Requirements and process for the work-entry visa, distinct from the work permit.
Work permit document checklist
Employer and individual documents commonly needed for a work-permit file.
Employment & labour hub
Keep the labour contract and workforce file on the employment hub; immigration is a connected control.
Helpful to prepare
Facts that make the next conversation clearer.
These items are orientation aids, not a legal requirement list.
- Employing entity and proposed role
- Current visa category if already in China
- Whether an employment overlay also needs the labour hub
Local context
Add the city when the bureau practice changes.
Exit-entry processing and local file practice vary after the national status question is identified.
Open city and province guidesCounsel hand-off
Need immigration counsel?
This hub organises status questions. It does not grant permits, decide overstay outcomes or replace the employing entity’s filings.
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