The Global Expat Hub
ChinaChina rates 32/100 for visa and bureaucracy friction (weak). Pick your route, then follow the steps.
Visa types
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Z work visa via an employer with a work permit, then a residence permitZ work visa via an employer with a work permit, then a residence permit🌅
R Talent visaR Talent visa for high-level professionals with fast-track residence💼
X1/X2 student visas; 30-day visa-free entryX1/X2 student visas; 30-day visa-free entry for many nationalities, no long-stay or retirement visaHow to apply, step by step
- Choose the route and confirm eligibilityMatch income, savings, employer or family ties to a visa above. Check whether income must be shown in local currency and over how many months.Where: immigration authority website · this page
- Gather and legalise documentsPassport valid 18+ months, bank statements, police certificate, medical, proof of health insurance. Apostille and certified translation into Mandarin Chinese.Where: home-country notary and apostille office
- Book the appointmentMost residence visas are filed at the China consulate nearest you; some allow in-country filing after arrival. Slots book weeks ahead.Where: China consulate or embassy
- Submit, pay the fee and give biometricsBring originals plus copies. Expect a decision in one to four months; employer permits are fastest, passive-income routes slowest.Where: consulate · online portal
- Enter and registerCollect your residence card, register your address and tax number within the first weeks in Beijing or Shanghai.Where: local immigration office · town hall
Renewal and residency. Check whether your first permit converts to permanent residency and after how long, and how many days abroad are allowed. Rules change often: verify on the immigration authority's own site before filing.
Immigration-law partners are listed on Tax & legal help.
Official & reference sources
Starter content generated from the country data model. Replace with sourced, dated copy before launch. Last reviewed: not yet.