AJ
I had a wonderful experience working with VisaHQ for my Canada visa application, specifically thanks to Brigete Gavino. She moved incredibly fast and provided clear, step…
2026-07-02
China work visa
From Dream to Reality: China Work Visas Simplified
1M+ travelers served since 2003 OISC Level 1 & 2 authorised Fee credited toward your visa case
How it works
Your six-step journey to a China work visa
Navigate the China work visa process with confidence through our comprehensive, guided approach.
- Pre-Qualification Eligibility assessment & official report 1. Work Visa Pre-QualificationVisaHQ's first step is a thorough pre-qualification assessment to determine your eligibility for a China work visa. Our platform then generates a customized document detailing your qualifications, which you can attach to your resume when applying for jobs. This document shows potential employers that you have already taken important steps toward obtaining a visa, making you a more attractive candidate.
- Free Consultation 1-on-1 with immigration specialist 2. Free Consultation with an Immigration SpecialistVisaHQ offers a free consultation with a dedicated immigration specialist. During this session, you can discuss your unique circumstances, clarify any questions about China visa requirements, and gain a solid understanding of the overall application process. This personalized advice helps you make informed decisions and feel confident about your path forward.
- Application Prep Forms, documents & translations 3. Expert-Led Application & Document PreparationVisaHQ helps you navigate China’s rigorous documentation standards with ease. Our team assists in compiling all necessary documents—including your employment contract, passport, academic degree (with authentication), police clearance certificate, and professional experience verification. We handle authentication and legalization through your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy, as well as certified translations where required. With VisaHQ, every document is accurate, complete, and ready for submission.
- Case Submission Filed with immigration authority 4. Employer Coordination & Government SubmissionYour Chinese employer plays a crucial role in obtaining your Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, issued by the Chinese government. VisaHQ works directly with your sponsor to ensure their part of the application is filed correctly with the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) or the appropriate provincial authority. We align your timeline with your employer’s, monitor progress, and ensure your Notification Letter is issued promptly and without delays.
- Approval Official notification received 5. Visa Approval & Work Permit AuthorizationOnce your Notification Letter is approved, VisaHQ helps you apply for the Z visa at the nearest Chinese consulate. We review your full application package, assist with scheduling your appointment, and ensure you are fully prepared for submission. With VisaHQ managing the process, you’ll avoid common mistakes and move confidently toward visa issuance.
- Consulate Visit Finalize at nearest consulate 6. Arrival Support & Residency CompletionAfter arriving in China, VisaHQ continues to support you through the final steps. We guide you through the medical exam, police registration, and Work Permit card issuance, and help you convert your Z visa into a Residence Permit, which officially authorizes your long-term stay and employment. Our local knowledge ensures nothing is overlooked, and your transition into life and work in China is smooth and compliant.
Takes just a few minutes · fully credited toward your visa case
EXCELLENT
Anonymous
Michlle Rovan supported me as I was renewing my passport. She was very helpful in guiding me through the process and was quick to respond to any questions I had along the…
2026-06-30
Claudile
Mara Radeline Bathan was the agent responsible for my visa application to Columbia. She has showed proactivity and was very efficient. Very thankful for the good service…
2026-06-30
Harvey
Very impressed with your professionalism and guidance when additional documents were required with the subsequent follow up ensuring a successful completion
2026-06-27
Catherine H
I want to really thank Mr. Omar Nabil in the Egypt office for assisting with my visa for India. He went over and beyond in making sure my case was handled swiftly, and th…
2026-06-25
محمد
Very good and good
2026-06-25
Yana
Michelle was fantastic to work with. She handled my passport renewal from start to finish and made the entire process incredibly easy. She was always quick to respond, an…
2026-06-24
Thierry G
I was assisted by Mrs. Mara Bathan, she was very helpful to assist me and find solutions to obtain my Visa to Colombia. Many thanks Mara for the great job. All the best
2026-06-22
Yi Y
Michelle made the impossible happen! I can't thank Michelle enough for her incredible support! I needed a Schengen visa on an extremely tight timeline and genuinely thoug…
2026-06-19
GB
I suddently had the urge to visit my friend in Ghana, forgetting about the ridiculous Visa process! VisaGQ, namely Jaymar Del Rosario & Olia Orlova were professional, hel…
2026-06-18
Atif Q
The service very good you all give us proper visa and update us time to time This side made my career
2026-06-17
Anonymous
Highly recommend Michelle Rovan for visa consultation! She was thorough, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process, including helpful phone calls around my…
2026-06-16
Anonymous
Michelle Rovan was an excellent partner to me, helping me navigate all hoops to jump through, and all curve balls with timing for my business trip. I so appreciate he att…
2026-06-14
Lui T
I had an excellent experience with VisaHQ, and I’d especially like to recognize Brigete Gravino for her outstanding support throughout my US visa application process. Fro…
2026-06-12
Amer
Really really very good service Thank for all teem
2026-06-10
Anonymous
Amazing service and had support throughout the whole process . Special thanks to Ghelyn for helping us throughout and getting the visa within 1 month of starting . Very h…
2026-06-08
Tom
Avigail worked with me to shepherd my visa application to China through and got it approved in two weeks and two days, including weekends and a holiday (13 working days t…
2026-06-04
Ali
Good morning Wow very nice service U have Given all information Thank you so much
2026-05-16
Anonymous
VisaHQ was very helpful and responsive in assisting me with my business visa application process. Highly recommended.
2026-05-08
Liza
A huge thank you to Michelle, who helped me through the application process which I started way later than I should have. I am one of the people who find administrative w…
2026-05-08
Mr&Mrs K
Jenny, I can't believe you made the impossible happen. Your dedication and professionalism are evident in all your efforts. We appreciate your attention to detail as you…
2026-05-08
Farhan S
Nice talk with supprt team
2026-05-03
Anonymous
Charlene Dadson Visa HQ helped me one two occasion and there services was amazing. Their communication and professionalism is 10/10 Very considerate and they guide you th…
2026-05-01
Lloyd K
I was assisted by Iryna with my Cote D'Ivoire visa application. She was very helpful and guided me expertly throughout the entire process until VISA approval. She was alw…
2026-05-01
Anonymous
Michelle provided excellent support during my Schengen visa.
2026-04-28
Dimitri
High Quality service made by Mrs. Iryna Opanasiuk, she respond quick, precise and got my request done in a timely manner. Ver efficient and target oriented. Thank you!!
2026-04-24
Michelle
Blessy was incredibly patient and helpful in answering my questions on how to complete my visa application for China. The online application is a bit buggy, with some par…
2026-04-24
DannyLamar
I have been using VisaHQ for 18 years and each time the visa service has been fast and accurate. I would not say they are "cheap" but, for the value I received, the cost…
2026-04-13
Lito G
Both Angel Virgilio Pantaleon Jr. & May Ann Valeriano provided us with an outstanding customer services, they both exceeded my expectations. Their customer service demean…
2026-04-10
Anonymous
Michelle helped to ensure that I got my passport before I left for my trip. She saw that I had marked the wrong processing time online and emailed me to verify. She then…
2026-04-09
End-to-End Immigration Support
From strategy to submission—your application, expertly managed.
Our full-service immigration plan offers structured, consultant-guided support for every step of your journey. From the initial strategy session to delivering a complete, signature-ready application, VisaHQ ensures every detail is covered with care and precision.
Our full-service immigration plan offers structured, consultant-guided support for every step of your journey. From the initial strategy session to delivering a complete, signature-ready application, VisaHQ ensures every detail is covered with care and precision.
What’s Included:
- Pre-qualification report in PDF format for all work visa types you may be eligible for. You may attach this report to your resume when applying for jobs.
- Kickoff consultation with a dedicated Immigration Consultant
- Signature-ready application package, fully reviewed by our Immigration Department
- Certified document translation, if needed
- Comprehensive review of all supporting materials
- Application walkthrough and submission prep with your Consultant
- All required immigration forms completed on your behalf
- Packet printing and secure shipping to the appropriate authority
- Real-time support via online chat throughout your process
- Guidance and support from our Immigration Department if additional evidence is requested by authorities
Money credited toward your China visa case if you proceed
Benefits of the Pre-Qualification Document
- Attach pre-qualification document to your CV / Resume: Boost your application by providing employers with immediate clarity on your visa eligibility, improving your chances of standing out from the competition.
- Pre-qualification report in PDF format for all work visa types you may be eligible for. You may attach this report to your resume when applying for jobs.
- Family Visa Options: Discover which visa pathways are available for your family members, ensuring they can accompany you if necessary.
- Credited Assessment Fee: If you later decide to apply for your work visa through VisaHQ, the fee you paid for the assessment will be credited towards your case.
- Employer Confidence: Provide assurance to potential employers by answering their key questions about your visa process upfront.
VisaHQ vs. Immigration Lawyer
| VisaHQ | Immigration Lawyer |
|---|---|
| 35+ countries with work visa programs are available for pre-qualification | An Immigration attorney would normally specialize in 1 country |
| Compare your chances of getting all available work visa types to multiple countries and select the easiest path | Immigration attorney would only assist with 1 possible country |
| Up to 70 different visa types, scenarios, and special programs for each country are analyzed for possible matches | Immigration lawyers would usually specialize in 2-3 most profitable and streamlined schemes they choose to focus on |
| VisaHQ will present you with a clear path forward, list of specific requirements, filing fees, and processing times | Immigration lawyers would normally avoid the full transparency and bring you along one step at a time after you commit to the process |
| VisaHQ is fully transparent with all filing fees and service fees upfront | An immigration lawyer would normally charge by the hour and would add various fees along the way |
| 24/7 Support available via chat, phone, or email, regardless of what country you live in | Very few immigration lawyers provide continuing on demand support. Getting in touch may be challenging |
Same-day kickoff call with your Immigration Consultant included
Why Choose VisaHQ's Pre-Qualification?
Including this assessment with your resume when applying for international jobs greatly boosts your employability. It shows employers you are proactive and well-informed, easing concerns about the challenges of hiring a foreign candidate. Additionally, it helps employers plan ahead for both costs and timelines.
Visa Types We Support
Tourism & Business
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
Work & Immigration
- Work visa pre-qualification
- Immigration pre-qualification
- Dependant visa for skilled workers
- Family visa
- Work visa
Country guide
About working in China
Practical context for the move — quick facts, common questions from South Africa and other applicants, and how China compares to other major Asian work destinations.
China at a glance
Region East AsiaWorld's second-largest economy
Capital BeijingShanghai is the largest job market
Currency Chinese yuan (CNY ¥)Also known as renminbi (RMB)
Official language Mandarin (官话)Cantonese in southern regions
Time zone CSTUTC+8 nationwide, no DST
Top expat hubs Beijing · ShanghaiShenzhen · Guangzhou
Climate DiverseContinental north · subtropical south
Travel access Limited visa-freeBilateral arrangements with select countries
Frequently asked questions about the China work visa
What type of work permit do I need to work in China as a South African citizen?
As a South African citizen, you typically need to apply for a Z visa, which is a work visa that allows you to work legally in China. You will need to obtain a work permit from your employer in China before you can apply for the visa.
What documents are required to apply for a work permit for China?
To apply for a work permit in China, you generally need a completed application form, a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photo, your employment contract, a health check report, and proof of qualifications (such as diplomas or degrees) relevant to the job.
How long does it take to process a work permit for China?
The processing time for a work permit can vary, but it typically takes between 7 to 15 business days once all the required documents are submitted. It’s advisable to plan ahead to accommodate any potential delays.
Can I apply for a work permit without a job offer?
No, you must have a job offer from a Chinese employer to apply for a work permit. The employer will need to begin the application process on your behalf.
Are there any language requirements for obtaining a work permit in China?
While there are no strict language requirements for obtaining a work permit, being proficient in Mandarin can significantly enhance your chances of securing a job and adapting to life in China.
What are the steps to obtain a work permit for China?
First, secure a job offer from a Chinese employer. They will apply for the work permit on your behalf. Once you receive the work permit, you can apply for the Z visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in South Africa. After arriving in China, you will need to apply for a residence permit.
Do I need a medical examination for a work permit in China?
Yes, a medical examination is typically required as part of the work permit application process. The examination must be conducted at an approved medical facility.
Can I extend my work permit or change employers while in China?
Yes, you can apply for an extension of your work permit or change employers, but you will need to go through the application process again with your new employer. Ensure that there is no lapse between permits.
What happens if my work permit application is denied?
If your application is denied, you will be notified by the Chinese authorities. You may appeal the decision, but it’s often more effective to address the reasons for denial and reapply with the correct documentation.
Is my family allowed to accompany me when I move to China for work?
Yes, immediate family members can accompany you. They will need to apply for family visas, which are usually M or S visas, depending on the specifics of your work permit and situation.
Considering other destinations alongside China?
Ready for China? Pre-qualify for $99
Official PDF eligibility report plus a free 1-on-1 call with your immigration consultant.
The $99 fee is credited toward your China work visa case if you proceed with VisaHQ.
Average kickoff within 24 hours · 4.4★ from 4,173 verified reviews