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Human Resources and Payroll in China 2016-2017 (5th Edition) -
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Renewal of Employment Permit, Residence Permit and Z-Visa
Renewing an employment permit/residence permit/Z-Visa is not as difficult or time-consuming as
making the initial application. The most important point is that the company is organized enough
internally to knowwhen each foreign employee’s visa will expire. Overstaying a visa in China can be
costly and create problems, both for the company and the employee. Note that processes elsewhere
in the country may be slightly different. Generally, there are two basic steps involved:
Step 1: Renewal of the alien employment permit at the Labor Bureau
The following documents need to be arranged:
• Labor contract of the employee.
• Copy of the company’s business license.
• Passport of the employee.
• Registration form for renewal.
The process for renewal takes around one week. Note that it will likely take longer during the Chinese
holiday periods in February and October.
Step 2: Renewal of residence permit / Z-Visa
The following documents need to be arranged:
• Original of the company’s business license.
• Passport.
• Passport-size photo.
• Alien employment permit.
• Application form.
This process for renewal should take about one week. We would recommend that visa applications
and renewals be coordinated by a reliable agent, unless your organization is already structured to
effectively manage the visa.
Note: Starting from July 1, 2015, employees from Taiwan/HK/Macau can enter mainland China visa-free. They
only need to apply for the work permit for working and living in mainland China. They are also not required to
apply for residence permits.