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5.2 Z-Visa
The Z-visa is usually referred to as a working visa. It is used by foreigners who are actually employed by
a company that has been incorporated in China (either domestic or foreign invested). An employee
that possesses a Z-visa may subsequently apply for a residence permit. The residence permit allows
the foreigner an unlimited number of trips into and out of China during the term, which is usually
for one year.
Applying for a Z-visa will allow the holder more flexibility and also virtually eliminate the risk of not
being able to extend the visa (assuming the employer’s China entity remains in compliance with
relevant laws). On the other hand, the application procedure is more time-consuming and expensive.
It is not necessary for employees on occasional, relatively short-term business trips to go through
the process to obtain a Z-visa. Once the parent company has established a foreign-invested entity
in China, this entity is capable of issuing the invitation letter which an employee requires to apply
for an F-visa.
Employees working at companies in China should arrive in China on a Z-visa. In this section we will
explain the general process for obtaining a Z-visa. Please note that the precise procedures will vary
from city to city inside China, and possibly from embassy to embassy outside China.
Applying for a Z-Visa
• Foreign Expert Certificate issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts of the PRC.
• Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries
(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.
• An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government
authorities for cultural affairs.
• Invitation Letter to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations issued by National Offshore Oil
Corporation.
Medical Check-up
Medical check-ups are required for foreigners who want to work in China. The check-up mainly
focuses on mental illness and epidemic diseases such as leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases and open
tuberculosis.
The medical check certificate should be issued by a public medical institution, the whole process
of which takes about five working days. This certificate is valid six months from the date of issue.
Certificates issued by a private medical institution need to be notarized by the host country. If the
public security bureau cannot ascertain whether the certificate is valid or not, then the foreigner
might be required to have a health check in an authorized medical institution in China.