According to the latest regulations from the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, China’s work visa categories for foreigners will remain unchanged in 2025: Category A (high-end talent), Category B (professional talent), and Category C (ordinary talent). However, application requirements, approval procedures, and documentation requirements have been modified.

Q: What are the application websites?

https://fwp.safea.gov.cn/lhgzweb/ 

https://wgfw.ga.sz.gov.cn/ 

Q: Should the employment contract be in Chinese or English?

A: The employment contract must be in Chinese and should include:

• Employer and employee details

• Work location, job responsibilities, and salary

• Duration of stay in China and position

• Company stamp and signatures

Q: What documents are required for work permits and residence permits?

A: For a work permit: 

• Passport information

• Original and certified copies of education degrees and no-criminal-record certificates (with translations)

• Medical examination report

• Proof of work experience

• Employment contract

• Work permit application form

• Digital copy of a white-background photo

• Employment justification report

• Additional documents if required

For a residence permit:

• Original passport

• Medical exam report (no more than 6 months old, secured from Shenzhen Port Hospital)

• Digital photo receipt

• Foreigner temporary residence registration form

• Blue-background photo (48×33mm)

• Foreigner visa application form

• Guarantee letter from an employer

• Work permit approval document

• Any other materials requested by the Public Security Bureau

Q: Can foreigners apply for a 3-year or 5-year work visa directly?

A: The visa duration generally matches the period of the employment contract, but the final decision rests with immigration authorities. First-time applicants usually receive a 1-year permit, while high-end talent (Category A) or those with over 3 years of continuous work in China may qualify for longer stays.

Q: After obtaining the work permit notification and entering China, can we modify the job position/salary by submitting a new contract?

A: If the contract changes after entry, the original application must be canceled, and a new work permit notification must be applied for.

Q: After a work permit and a residence permit are integrated, should one still apply for a physical social security card?

A: From a visa processing perspective, foreigners are not required to obtain a physical social security card. The electronic work/residence permit serves as an electronic social security card. Foreigners may apply for a physical social security card if needed.

Q: Can a foreigner with a degree from a non-prestigious overseas university apply for a work permit in China?

A: Yes, as long as the degree is authenticated by the Chinese embassy/consulate and meets work permit requirements.

Q: If a subsidiary transfers a foreign employee to its parent company, is a new work visa required?

A: Yes, a new work visa must be applied for since the parent company has a separate business license.

Q: How to apply for temporary residence registration?

A: Report to the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Some residences provide QR codes for online registration. You can also use online registrations via the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau’s official website (https://msjw.ga.sz.gov.cn/crj/crjmsjw/wsyy/ajax/bgywck/100000415293326  ) or the Shenzhen Foreigner Integrated Management Platform ( https://wgfw.ga.sz.gov.cn/user/wgrfwpt  ). If staying at a hotel, no registration is needed since hotels are connected to the police system.

Q: What if a company’s registration information shows “abnormal?”

A: This occurs if company details (address, contact person, etc.) change or if annual tax certificates are not updated. If this happens, submit a company information update form, which is typically processed within 2-3 days.