Work
For approved employment in China. Normally paired with a work permit and a work-type residence permit.
CHINA VISAS & WORK PERMITS FOR AMERICANS
Move to China.
With the right paperwork.
Planning to run your China business on the ground, or relocate with your family? We help US citizens choose the right visa, gather US documents like FBI background checks and apostilled degrees, and get through each application stage.
See visa packages ↗English-speaking advisers · Clear pricing · Step-by-step guidance
01 / WHICH VISA DO I NEED?
China visa types, explained simply.
The main purpose of your trip decides the visa category. Here's a quick guide to mainland China's ordinary visas. Our packages focus on the two most US founders need: work, and family.
Just visiting first?
Many Americans scout suppliers on an M business visa before forming a company. US passport holders may also qualify for China's visa-free transit (up to 240 hours) when flying on to a third country. Neither lets you work in China, and policies change, so check the current rules before you book.
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 · Chinese Visa Application Service Center: category guide · National Immigration Administration: K visa
02 / OUR VISA PACKAGES
Two visas. One team on your side.
We start by checking your eligibility and circumstances, then confirm the documents and scope. Owning a Chinese company does not, on its own, give you the right to work there.
WORK IN CHINA
Z Visa & Work Permit
For US citizens and other foreigners taking an eligible job with a qualifying employer in China, including founders employed by their own company.
$1,200approx. per person · billed as RMB8,500
Aim: a 1-year work and residence permit, subject to approval.
What we do
- Guide you through the work permit notice, Z visa and post-arrival permit stages.
- Prepare a document checklist and a clear timeline.
- Keep you updated in English throughout.
What US applicants usually need
- A real, eligible job and a qualifying employer in China.
- US passport, photo and signed application forms.
- Employment contract, plus your degree and proof of work experience, apostilled by the issuing state.
- A criminal record check, typically an FBI Identity History Summary apostilled by the US Department of State (some cities accept a state-level check), plus health evidence and translations 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 isn't a 1-year work permit by itself.
Medical exam not included. Consular fees, translations, apostilles and other third-party costs are listed in your quote.
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 reason.
$560approx. per person · billed as RMB4,000
S1 for long stays · S2 for shorter visits
How it works
- S1: for stays longer than 180 days; you apply for a residence permit after arrival.
- S2: for stays of up to 180 days, with the allowed stay printed on the visa.
- Help with relationship evidence and the invitation letter.
What US families usually need
- Passport, photo and application forms.
- An invitation letter plus copies of the sponsor's passport and Chinese residence permit.
- Marriage or birth certificates, apostilled by the issuing US state.
- For S1: spouse, parents, parents-in-law or children under 18. S2 covers a wider range of relatives.
These visas also cover certain private affairs, but this package focuses on family applications. Approval and length of stay depend on the case and the sponsor's status. Family visas don't give work rights.
No right to work. We confirm whether S1 or S2 fits, the residence permit steps and any third-party charges before you engage us.
Plan my family's visas ↗USD amounts are approximate at RMB7.1 = US$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-time application from the United States. Renewals, job changes and applications made inside China can follow different steps.
Z visa, step by step
- Check the role and the applicant. Confirm the employer qualifies and which work permit category applies.
- Prepare and apply. Gather employer and applicant documents, including your apostilled degree and background check, and apply for the work permit notice in China.
- Apply for the Z visa in the US. Submit your application through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center that covers your state, using the approved notice.
- Arrive and register. Register your accommodation, complete any required medical check and finalize the work permit promptly.
- Get your residence permit. Apply for the work-type residence permit, normally within 30 days of arrival. Don't start work until you have the required authorization.
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 marriage or birth certificates, the invitation and sponsor documents, plus translations if needed.
- Submit the visa application. Apply through the visa center that covers your state, attending in person or providing extra evidence if asked.
- Arrive and register. Check the visa's entries and stay conditions and register your address locally.
- Take the right 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 runs out.
Plan around the whole timeline.
FBI background checks, state apostilles, visa center appointments and separate permit decisions all affect your schedule. We give you an estimated timeline after reviewing your case. Start renewals early, and tell us about any change in employer, address or family situation.
Official guidance: NIA: residence permits · Shenzhen: work permit documents and procedure · FBI: Identity History Summary checks · US Department of State: authentications · S1 residence permit deadline
More visa questions? Read our FAQs ↗CLIENT STORIES
Real moves. Shared with permission.
We're gathering verified feedback from our visa and work permit clients for this section.
Approved client stories will appear here. Contact our team to talk through your own situation.
START WITH YOUR SITUATION
Work, family, or both?
Tell us your citizenship, the city you're targeting, your job plans and who's coming with you.
YOUR NEXT STEP IN CHINA
More support for your business.
01
Company Formation
Form your WFOE and open a bank account.
See packages ↗02Accounting & Tax
Monthly plans from about $210.
Explore accounting ↗03Virtual & Serviced Offices
Premises that meet visa and registration requirements.
See office options ↗04Marketing in China
Build your presence on Chinese platforms.
Explore marketing ↗Visa information reviewed October 29, 2026. Requirements depend on where you apply, your citizenship and your circumstances. Always confirm the latest checklist with the responsible authority.