Working legally: the work permit

✅ Updated May 2026

To work in China you need a Z visa plus a Foreigner's Work Permit and a residence permit — working on a tourist or business visa is illegal and risks fines, detention, and deportation. The employer first applies for a work-permit notification; you use it to get the Z visa abroad, then convert it to the work permit and residence permit after you arrive. Requirements usually include a relevant degree, work experience, a clean criminal record (often authenticated or apostilled), and a health check. Most steps are employer-driven, but prepare and authenticate your documents early.