China (CN)

Must be valid for the full visa and residence permit process (typically 6 months beyond the permit period). Keep the original safe and carry a colour scan of the ID page, visa sticker, entry stamp and residence permit card.

The Z visa is used to enter China for work; after arrival, it is converted into a Foreigner's Work Permit and a Residence Permit (replacing the Z visa). The residence permit is your primary stay authorisation. It is renewed annually or bi-annually depending on the work permit category.

Issued before entry by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) or local authority. Required for the Z visa application at the Chinese Embassy in your home country and for the subsequent work permit conversion after arrival.

Primary work authorisation document issued by MOHRSS under China's point-based category system (Category A for highly skilled, B for professionals, C for general). Usually handled by the employer or an authorised agent. Keep the card with you at all times.

Police registration (residence registration — 住宿登记) is required within 24 hours of arriving at a private residence. Hotels perform this automatically; private rentals require registration at the local police station (派出所) or via the city's online platform. Failure to register is a legal violation.

Required for work permit issuance, residence permit, bank account opening, social insurance registration and tax filings. Keep Chinese and English bilingual copies where available. Must comply with Chinese Labour Law.

Required for work permit Category B or A applications. China joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 November 2023; foreign degrees from Hague member countries now use apostille (replacing the previous consular legalisation chain). Documents from non-Hague countries still need consular authentication. Certified Chinese translation required.

Required for work permit applications. China is now a Hague Apostille member (since November 2023); foreign police clearances from Hague member countries use apostille; non-Hague countries still require the old consular legalisation chain. Certificate must be recent (typically within 6 months). Certified Chinese translation required.

Required for dependant residence permits, joint bank accounts and some benefits. China is a Hague Apostille member (since November 2023); apostille from Hague member countries. Certified Chinese translation required.

Required for dependant residence permits, school enrolment and healthcare. China is a Hague Apostille member (since November 2023); apostille from Hague member countries. Certified Chinese translation required.

Useful for school admissions and employer health checks. Bring a translated summary of your vaccination history. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries.

Many work permit and residence permit applications require a health check at an official International Travel Healthcare Centre (国际旅行卫生保健中心) in China. Tests typically include blood work, chest X-ray and general health assessment. Must be done at a designated centre after arrival in China.

Required for police residence registration, bank account KYC, school enrolment, utility connections and proof of address. The lease must match the address you register at the police station. Keep a stamped/landlord-signed copy.

Required by banks when converting salary savings to foreign currency or remitting funds abroad. Keep payslips and Individual Income Tax (IIT) declaration records (via the National Tax Administration / SAT — singlewindow.chinatax.gov.cn).