Article
12 min read
How to Get a China Work Visa and Work Permit in 2025 (Complete Guide)
Immigration
Author
Ellie Merryweather
Last Update
July 30, 2025
Table of Contents
How easy is it to get a work permit or visa in China?
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in China?
China visa and work‑permit eligibility requirements for candidates
China visa and work‑permit sponsorship criteria for employers
China work permit application process
What is the cost of work visa and work permit in China?
Why Choose Deel Immigration for Hiring in China?
Hire Employees in China Faster with Deel Immigration
Key takeaways
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Businesses expanding into China need reliable, efficient solutions for navigating the country’s strict work visa and permit requirements to hire top talent quickly.
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Complex sponsorship rules, shifting regional regulations, and extensive documentation demands make China’s immigration process slow and prone to costly delays or refusals.
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Deel streamlines hiring in China with expert-led sponsorship, automated document management, and real-time application tracking for fast, compliant work visa approvals.
Accessing China’s market remains a strategic advantage for global businesses in 2025. The country’s rapid innovation, vast consumer base, and world-class talent pool make it a magnet for international expansion and hiring. Tapping into China’s skilled workforce through a valid China work visa and work permit can supercharge your company’s growth and global reach.
However, the China work visa and work permit process is notoriously complex. Sponsorship demands, ever-shifting regulations, and regional compliance hurdles can trip up even experienced global teams. Missing a step risks costly delays, application refusals, or even triggering penalties.
These challenges don’t just slow down hiring—they can sideline market launches, stall product development, and leave your business exposed to compliance risks. That’s where Deel Immigration makes the difference: Deel automates document checks, coordinates employer sponsorship, and handles high-stakes compliance—giving you clarity, speed, and peace of mind. With Deel as your partner, you turn China’s immigration maze into an open door for business momentum and team growth.
How easy is it to get a work permit or visa in China?
China’s Z Visa is the primary visa category for foreign employees in 2025. Obtaining a work visa in China involves multiple steps but is generally straightforward for qualified applicants with clear documentation.
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Preference for skilled workers | Skilled professionals with relevant qualifications and experience in high-demand industries, such as education, technology, and engineering, are more likely to succeed. |
| Varying immigration regulations across cities | Regulations may vary across cities and provinces, with major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen having more streamlined procedures for skilled workers but higher competition. |
| Extensive documentation requirements | The work permit process requires extensive documentation, including a job offer, proof of qualifications, medical certificates, criminal background checks, and a valid visa. |
Deel gives us the peace of mind of knowing that in these visa situations, the employee will get the support they need.
—Leanne Schofield,
Head of People at Form3
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in China?
China offers several work permit categories, including:
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High-End Foreign Talent (Category A) Work Permit: For top-tier professionals with global expertise, bachelor’s degree or higher, salary above CNY 10,000, and recognized awards/publications; valid up to 5 years, multiple-entry.
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Foreign Professionals (Category B) Work Permit: For skilled professionals in shortage sectors, a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience, salary above CNY 5,000; valid 1 year, renewable.
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Dependent Visa (S Visa): For spouses and minor children of foreign professionals; requires proof of relationship and principal’s eligibility; duration matches the main work permit.
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Business Visa (M Visa): For short-term commercial activities; requires an invitation letter and travel documents; valid 30–90 days, single or multiple entries.
See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List
Deel helps me get things done quicker, easier and more cost effectively. We can offer unparalleled worker mobility and flexibility which our team values.
—Emma Leipold,
Senior Global Mobility and Total Rewards Partner at ZipCo
Deel Immigration
China visa and work‑permit eligibility requirements for candidates
Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and meet minimum salary thresholds above CNY 5,000 per month. Eligibility hinges on meeting document and qualification standards set by Chinese authorities.
| Visa Type | Target Industries | Target Candidate | Candidate Requirements | Job Offer Requirements | Employer Sponsorship Requirements | Validity | Processing Time | Can Employee Start Working Before Visa? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-End Foreign Talents (Category A) Work Permit | High demand, innovative industries or industries critical to China's economic and technological growth (e.g. AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, energy). | Highly skilled and exceptional talents contributing to strategic industries critical to China's economic, technological, and social development. | Basic: Good health, no criminal record Points: At least 85 on China's immigration points system. Age: 18+, no upper limit. Minimum education or qualification: Higher education recommended for scoring. Minimum work experience: Relevant experience increases points. Past income: Higher income increases points. | Job title: None. Job description: None. Employment duration: At least 6 months. Minimum salary: CNY 400,000–600,000 annually (varies by city and position). | Employer sponsorship required (details vary by location and role). | Up to 1 year, limited to contract term. | 2–8 months (can be reduced by 2 months if applied in-country with a Business (M) Visa). | No |
| Foreign Professionals (Category B) Work Permit | High demand, innovative industries or industries critical to China's economic and technological growth (e.g. AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, energy). | Mid-level professionals with specific skills or expertise needed in high-demand industries. | Basic: Good health, no criminal record. Points: 60–84 on China's immigration points system. Age: 18–60 years.- Minimum education or qualification: University degree. Minimum work experience: At least 2 years in a relevant field. Past income: None required. | Job title: None. Job description: None. Employment duration: At least 6 months. Minimum salary: CNY 400,000–600,000 annually (varies by city and position). | Employer sponsorship required (details vary by location and role). | Up to 1 year, limited to contract term. | 2–8 months (can be reduced by 2 months if applied in-country with a Business (M) Visa). | No |
| S Visa (Dependent Visa) | N/A | Dependents of work permit holders. | Basic: Legally married opposite-sex spouse, children under 18 (biological, adopted, stepchildren, children with disabilities), parents (dependency assessed case-by-case) Note: Same-sex spouses and non-married partners not recognized. Age: As per dependent type. Minimum education or qualification: None. Minimum work experience: None. Past income: None. | Job title: N/A. Job description: N/A. Employment duration: N/A. Minimum salary: N/A. | N/A | Same validity as main visa. | Same as main visa application. | N/A |
For a fast, expert assessment of eligibility—with a clear breakdown of costs—Deel offers a 48-hour visa and work permit evaluation.
See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes
Because Deel makes the immigration process extremely straightforward, myself and the rest of the TalentQL team are able to focus on the core aspects of our operations, without expending too much time or resources. You simply upload everything to the dashboard, and Deel’s team takes it from there.
—Adewale Yusuf,
Co-founder at TalentQL and CEO of AltSchool Africa
China visa and work‑permit sponsorship criteria for employers
Employers in China must be legally registered entities with a valid business license and usually a minimum registered capital to sponsor foreign workers. They need to comply with local employment laws, prove genuine demand through labor market tests or quotas, and maintain proper payroll and tax filings to retain sponsorship privileges.
Employing an Employer of Record (EOR) can simplify sponsorship by taking on all employer obligations in China. The EOR registers on your behalf, handles recruitment compliance, submits and manages permit applications, oversees payroll, social contributions, and ensures ongoing regulatory adherence.
Deel Immigration acts as a G2 leader in Employer of Record services, maintaining wholly owned entities in 150+ countries and sponsoring employees with over 200 permit types spanning 40 countries. Clients benefit from rapid case processing, expert local teams, and high-volume capacity to support global workforce expansion.
See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets
Deel's immigration experts guide us through critical decisions, especially in complex countries like the United States, always ensuring legal compliance in each applicable state.
—David Holguín,
Benefits and Mobility Manager at FEMSA
Global HR Solutions
China work permit application process
Follow this five-step roadmap to secure a Chinese work permit.
Step one: Submit application
Submit the work permit application through the employer who is a legally registered Chinese entity. The employer initiates the online submission to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security while you confirm personal details and upload initial documents. Deel automates form filling and document verification to cut errors.
Step two: Submit necessary documents
Provide necessary documents including valid passport, degree certificates, and proof of professional qualifications. You gather and certify originals; the employer compiles them into the official dossier. Deel’s in-app secure upload ensures all files meet format and validity requirements.
Tip: Use Deel’s mobile scan feature for high-quality document images.
Step three: Labor market tests and quota checks
Undergo labor market tests or quota checks if required by the local authorities. The employer must demonstrate that no local candidate could fill the role, submitting recruitment records if triggered. Deel tracks local quota status and alerts you to any additional paperwork needed.
Tip: Start market test documentation early in competitive sectors.
Step four: Wait for processing and receive decision
Wait for government processing which typically takes between 4 and 8 weeks. Authorities review your dossier, conduct any follow-up queries, and issue work permit approval letters. Deel’s real-time application tracking notifies you of status changes.
Tip: Schedule follow-up reminders in your Deel dashboard at the 3-week mark.
Step five: Finalize
Receive approval, obtain the work permit and Z Visa, then complete entry and registration formalities upon arrival. After visa stamping at a Chinese consulate, you enter China and register at the local Public Security Bureau within 30 days. Deel coordinates medical exams and PSB registrations on your behalf.
I was still in China and Deel took care of everything. I sent in my documents and made the payment, and everything was done.
—Michael Li,
General Manager at AMB Digital Agency
Platform Tour
What is the cost of work visa and work permit in China?
Costs for visas and work permits in China depend on permit class, applicant nationality, processing speed, and number of dependents. Government filing fees vary by city and permit type, while service fees cover translation, notarization, and local handling charges.
| Visa Type | Government Fees | Documentation Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-End Foreign Talents (Category A) Work Permit | USD 200–500 on average, including:• Medical check: CNY 500–600• Visa application: CNY 600–2,000 (varies based on requested entries)• Residence permit fee: CNY 400–1,500 | USD 250 + expenses + applicable government fees | VAT of 6–10% applies to government fees. Costs vary case by case. |
| Foreign Professionals (Category B) Work Permit | USD 200–500 on average, including:• Medical check: CNY 500–600• Visa application: CNY 600–2,000 (varies based on requested entries)• Residence permit fee: CNY 400–1,500 | USD 250 + expenses + applicable government fees | VAT of 6–10% applies to government fees. Costs vary case by case. |
| S Visa (Dependent Visa) | USD 200–500 on average, including:• Medical check: CNY 500–600• Visa application: CNY 600–2,000• Residence permit fee: CNY 400–1,500 | USD 250 + expenses + applicable government fees | VAT of 6–10% applies to government fees. Costs vary case by case. |
Why Choose Deel Immigration for Hiring in China?
Deel Immigration stands out as the premier solution for navigating China’s complex visa landscape, ensuring your hires comply fully with local sponsorship and documentation requirements. With Deel, employers and candidates alike benefit from streamlined processes and expert guidance tailored to China’s unique regulations.
- End-to-end immigration management that handles every step of the China work visa process
- Fast, free visa assessments to quickly determine candidate eligibility and costs
- Personalized expert support from local specialists familiar with Chinese labor market tests and quotas
- Real-time application tracking to monitor visa status and receive timely updates
- Automated renewal reminders to maintain continuous employee stay and compliance
With these advantages, Deel Immigration simplifies hiring in China and keeps your global workforce moving forward smoothly.
Hire Employees in China Faster with Deel Immigration
Speed up your hiring in China by partnering with Deel Immigration. Our end-to-end immigration management takes the heavy lifting off your shoulders—from document collection and form submission to government liaison and final approvals. With Deel, you avoid common pitfalls that cause delays and ensure compliance from day one.
Book a free consultation today to get a fast, no-obligation visa eligibility assessment and a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your hiring needs. Our personalized expert support will guide you through China’s stringent sponsorship requirements and labor market tests, unlocking faster approvals and smoother onboarding.
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FAQs
What are the application fees for work visas in China?
Consular visa fees for a Z Work Visa generally range from USD 30 to USD 140, depending on the applicant’s nationality and the Chinese embassy or consulate handling the application. Additional costs apply for the mandatory Work Permit Notification, residence permit issuance, and local administrative processing fees, which vary by city and employer.
Can dependents accompany foreign workers on visas?
Yes, spouses and minor children may apply for S Visas, which are typically valid for the same duration as the primary work permit. Deel supports dependent visa applications and coordinates related documentation.
Does China offer a remote-work or digital-nomad visa?
No, China does not currently provide a digital-nomad visa option. Foreign employees must obtain a Z Visa or other applicable work permit to legally work in China.
Are there restrictions or conditions on Chinese work visas?
Yes, work permits require employer sponsorship by a registered Chinese entity, minimum salary thresholds, and may be subject to local labor market tests and quotas.
Can an employee change employers while on a Chinese work visa?
Changing employers requires a new work permit application sponsored by the new employer and approval from local authorities. Deel manages this complex process to ensure compliance.
What happens if a visa application is denied?
Denials may require appeal or reapplication with corrected documentation. Deel’s expert team assists in addressing issues to improve approval chances.
How do work visas impact tax and social security obligations?
Foreign employees on work permits are generally subject to Chinese tax and social security laws. Deel offers payroll and compliance solutions to manage these obligations seamlessly.
Are there travel restrictions while on a Chinese work permit?
Employees must maintain valid permits and notify authorities of travel plans. Overstaying permits can lead to fines or deportation.
What are the pathways to permanent residency in China?
High-level talent and long-term foreign workers may apply for permanent residency after meeting specific criteria. Deel provides guidance on eligibility and application procedures.
What are employer immigration compliance responsibilities in China?
Employers must maintain valid business licenses, meet sponsorship requirements, comply with labor laws, and manage permit renewals. Deel acts as Employer of Record to handle these duties.
Are language proficiency or health insurance required?
While not always mandatory, some permits may require basic Chinese language skills or medical clearances. Health insurance is typically recommended and often arranged through employers.
How does Deel support China immigration processes?
Deel offers end-to-end visa and permit application management, real-time tracking, expert local support, automated reminders, and relocation discounts to facilitate smooth foreign employee onboarding in China.
Ellie Merryweather is a content marketing manager with a decade of experience in tech, leadership, startups, and the creative industries. A long-time remote worker, she's passionate about WFH productivity hacks and fostering company culture across globally distributed teams. She also writes and speaks on the ethical implementation of AI, advocating for transparency, fairness, and human oversight in emerging technologies to ensure innovation benefits both businesses and society.
