CHINA
This profile has been created as an introductory guide to the common corporate immigration procedures for China. The intent is to provide a general outline of immigration processes only, since rules and requirements in every country are constantly changing and each case must be assessed on its own merits. For in depth advice relating to your specific queries, and details of other visas not listed here, please contact us.
Which Immigration Category?
The most common visa category for temporary employment in China is the ‘Z’ Visa, which enables employers to sponsor approved skilled migrants to work in China on temporary assignments which are longer than 4 months in duration.
Business visitors can be granted an ‘F’ Visa, which is for a foreign national seeking to enter China for three months or less for permitted business activities.
A) Overview of Z Visa Applications
1. Employment Licence
An application must be made to the Labour Bureau in the province where the assignee will be working, for an alien employment licence.
2. Z Visa Invitation Letter
When the assignee has successfully received their alien employment licence, a visa invitation letter must be requested.
3. Z Visa Application
Once the invitation letter has been received, Newland Chase will apply for a Z Visa on behalf of the applicant at the Chinese consulate in their current country of residence. Various documents must be submitted, which include:
a) Original Passport
b) Completed Visa Application Form
c) Passport Photo
d) Employment Licence
e) Invitation Letter
Processing time is 4 days.
4. Medical Appointment
Upon arrival in China the applicant must attend a medical appointment at their local Quarantine Bureau.
Processing time is 4 days.
5. Work Permit (or Alien Employment Permit)
Newland Chase will arrange for the assignee’s Work Permit application to be submitted to their Local Labour Bureau. Work cannot be commenced until the applicant has received their Permit.
The permit should be ready in three working days after submission, however regional times can vary.
6. Residence Permit
Once the assignee has received their Medical Report and Work Permit, they must apply for a Residence Permit. To collect the Residence Permit they will need to attend the Shanghai Entry Exit Inspection Bureau with all family members over 18 years old. Children under 18 do not need to attend as parents can apply for residence permit on their behalf.
Processing time is 5 days after submission.
What is the duration of a Z Visa?
This visa is generally issued for 12 months initially, and renewals are possible.
Dependants
In respect of family members of a foreign national who is granted ‘Z’ Visa, Dependants may be granted a Tourist and Family Visit Visa (‘L’ visa) to allow them entry to China. The application for this visa will be submitted at the Chinese Consulate in their current country of residence.
Once in China, Residence Permits should be sought for all Dependants. For more details on whether your dependents can qualify for an L Visa, please contact us.
B) Overview of Business ‘F’ Visa Applications
Permitted Business Activities include:
1) Business meetings / seminars
2) Sales calls providing the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of China
What is the duration of a Business ‘F’ Visa?
Business visas can be granted up to a maximum of 3 months.
Non-compliance
Non-compliance with Chinese immigration rules could incur penalties such as fines, deportation or even imprisonment. It is therefore of the utmost importance that your company is always up-to-date on the latest immigration requirements, and Newland Chase can take care of all your compliance needs. For details, please contact us.
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