Employment
For approved employment in China, normally followed by a work permit and a work-type residence permit.
CHINA VISAS & WORK PERMITS FOR EUROPEANS
Visiting is easy.
Working needs a plan.
Many EU citizens can now make short business trips to China without a visa. Living and working there is a different matter. We help European founders and employees choose the right route, prepare documents such as apostilled criminal record certificates and degrees, and move through each application stage.
See visa packages ↗English and German-speaking advisers · Clear pricing · Step-by-step guidance
01 / WHICH VISA DO I NEED?
China's visa categories at a glance.
The main purpose of your stay determines the category. Here is a brief guide to mainland China's ordinary visas. Our packages focus on the two most European founders need: employment, and accompanying family.
Short trip first? You may not need a visa.
Under China's unilateral visa-free policy, citizens of most EU member states can currently enter for business meetings, trade fairs, tourism and family visits for up to 30 days. It is useful for scouting suppliers before you register, but it does not permit work. The policy runs for fixed periods and has been extended several times, so check the current list and end date before you travel.
Diplomatic, courtesy and service visas are separate categories. Visa-free entry and transit depend on nationality, itinerary and current policy. Hong Kong and Macao have their own entry rules.
Sources: China Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa categories · National Immigration Administration · NIA: K visa
02 / OUR VISA PACKAGES
Two routes. One team to guide you.
We begin by checking your eligibility and circumstances, then confirm the documents and scope. Owning a Chinese company does not, in itself, give you the right to work there.
WORK IN CHINA
Z Visa & Work Permit
For EU nationals and other foreigners taking up eligible employment with a qualifying employer in China, including founders employed by their own company.
€1,020approx. per person · invoiced as RMB8,500
Target: a 1-year work and residence permit, subject to approval.
What we do
- Guide you through the work permit notification, Z visa and post-arrival permit stages.
- Prepare a document checklist and a clear timeline.
- Keep you informed in English or German throughout.
What European applicants usually need
- A genuine, eligible position and a qualifying employer in China.
- Passport, photograph and signed application forms.
- Employment contract, plus your degree certificate and evidence of work experience, apostilled in the issuing country.
- A national criminal record certificate, such as a German Führungszeugnis or French extrait de casier judiciaire, apostilled and translated, plus health evidence where required.
Eligibility depends on the work permit category and local rules, and some cities allow exemptions or alternative criteria. The Z visa is only the entry step; it is not a 1-year work permit in itself.
Medical examination excluded. Consular fees, sworn translations, apostilles and other third-party costs are listed in your quotation.
Check my work visa eligibility ↗BRING YOUR FAMILY
S Visa for Family Members
For relatives joining or visiting a foreigner who lives in China for work, study or another qualifying purpose.
€480approx. per person · invoiced as RMB4,000
S1 for longer stays · S2 for shorter visits
How it works
- S1: for stays of more than 180 days; a residence permit is applied for after arrival.
- S2: for stays of up to 180 days, with the permitted stay shown on the visa.
- Help with relationship evidence and the invitation letter.
What European families usually need
- Passport, photograph and application forms.
- An invitation letter and copies of the sponsor's passport and Chinese residence permit.
- Marriage or birth certificates, apostilled in the issuing country and translated into Chinese.
- For S1: spouse, parents, parents-in-law or children under 18. S2 covers a wider range of relatives.
These visas also cover certain private matters, but this package focuses on family applications. Approval and length of stay depend on the case and the sponsor's status. Family visas do not give the right to work.
No right to work. We confirm whether S1 or S2 is suitable, the residence permit steps and any third-party charges before you engage us.
Plan my family's visas ↗Euro amounts are approximate at RMB8.3 = €1; we quote and invoice in RMB. Approvals, number of entries and length of stay are decided by the authorities. We confirm final scope and any applicable service taxes before payment.
03 / THE PROCESS
What happens, and when.
This is the usual sequence for a first application made from Europe. Renewals, changes of employer and applications made inside China may follow different steps.
Z visa, step by step
- Assess the role and the applicant. Confirm the employer is eligible and which work permit category applies.
- Prepare and apply. Gather employer and applicant documents, including your apostilled degree and criminal record certificate, and apply for the work permit notification in China.
- Apply for the Z visa in Europe. Submit your application through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre or consular post responsible for your place of residence, using the approved notification.
- Arrive and register. Register your accommodation, complete any required medical check and finalise the work permit promptly.
- Obtain your residence permit. Apply for the work-type residence permit, normally within 30 days of arrival. Do not begin work until you hold the required authorisation.
S visa, step by step
- Choose S1 or S2. Review the relationship, purpose, planned stay and the sponsor's status in China.
- Prepare family documents. Gather apostilled civil status documents, the invitation and sponsor documents, plus translations where needed.
- Submit the visa application. Apply through the visa centre responsible for your place of residence, attending in person or providing additional evidence if asked.
- Arrive and register. Check the visa's entries and stay conditions and register your address locally.
- Complete the correct next step. S1 holders apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival. S2 holders stay within the permitted period and arrange any eligible extension before it expires.
Plan around the whole timeline.
Criminal record certificates, apostilles, sworn translations, visa centre appointments and separate permit decisions all affect your schedule. We provide an estimated timeline after reviewing your case. Start renewals early, and tell us about any change of employer, address or family circumstances.
Official guidance: NIA: residence permits · Shenzhen: work permit documents and procedure · HCCH: apostille authorities by country · S1 residence permit deadline
More visa questions? Read our FAQs ↗CLIENT STORIES
Real moves. Shared with permission.
We are gathering verified feedback from our visa and work permit clients for this section.
Approved client stories will appear here. Contact our team to discuss your own situation.
START WITH YOUR SITUATION
Work, family, or both?
Tell us your nationality, the city you are considering, your employment plans and who will accompany you.
YOUR NEXT STEP IN CHINA
More support for your business.
01
Company Registration
Register your WFOE and open a bank account.
View packages ↗02Accounting & Tax Filing
Monthly plans from about €180.
Explore accounting ↗03Virtual & Serviced Offices
Premises that meet visa and registration requirements.
View office options ↗04Marketing in China
Build your presence on Chinese platforms.
Explore marketing ↗Visa information reviewed 29 October 2026. Requirements depend on where you apply, your nationality and your circumstances. Always confirm the latest checklist with the responsible authority.