The basics
A China employment case normally involves several connected but different concepts: an entry visa used for coming to China, the employer-sponsored work authorization process, and a work-type residence permit for lawful stay after entry.
The exact sequence, documents and local review practice can vary by city, employer, role and applicant background.
To apply for a Chinese working visa and employment residence permit, you should have an employer or have your own company as the very first step.
Is it right for you?
This service is for China employers hiring foreign employees, foreign managers joining a China entity, and companies that need the work permit, working visa, and residence permit steps coordinated with onboarding.
If you are hiring a foreign employee or relocating a key manager, talk with Hongda before making employment promises. The right setup depends on the employer, role, and document trail.
Service process
Hongda will guide and help you throughout your materials gathering and application procedures. When you have all the documents prepared, Hongda will apply for your work permit and residence permit through online and offline application processes. This whole process includes:
Can Hongda guarantee approval? No. Approval depends on the authority review, employer eligibility, applicant background and document consistency. Hongda helps prepare and coordinate the case, but does not promise a result.
How it works
Quick answer: a typical case runs in six steps, from materials to the employment residence permit. Select a step for detail.
Stage 1 of 6
Preparation of materials.
Stage 2 of 6
Apply for the foreigner’s work permit notification letter.
Stage 3 of 6
Apply for a Z-type visa from the Chinese embassy or consulates in your country with the foreigner’s work permit notification letter.
Stage 4 of 6
Enter China with the Z-type visa.
Stage 5 of 6
Apply for the work permit card.
Stage 6 of 6
Apply for the employment residence permit.
The typical process includes: preparation of materials; the foreigner’s work permit notification letter; a Z-type visa; entry into China; the work permit card; and the employment residence permit.
Documents
Applying for the work permit and employment visa for foreign staff requires mutual contributions from both the employer and employee.
The employer usually needs to prepare company-side materials and coordinate the role, contract and onboarding record. The applicant usually needs personal identity, qualification and background documents.
Local authorities may ask for different supporting evidence based on the case.
Planning
For employers, the safer planning sequence is to confirm the hiring entity, job role, company documentation, candidate background and local filing route before making a start-date promise.
For newly established WFOEs, this should be coordinated with WFOE registration in China, payroll setup and China bookkeeping support so onboarding records stay consistent.
Employer changes, renewals and cancellation steps should be checked before the transition starts, because the employer record and work authorization are connected.
According to the latest policies, all foreigners working in China need to purchase social insurance.
Sources
Last reviewed: July 2026. This page summarizes practical service planning and is not a substitute for authority-specific legal advice.
Why Hongda
Coordinate immigration with company setup, payroll and accounting, with one China-based service team.
Serving foreign companies in China since 2007, with client relationships that go back to 2008.
Company setup, banking, tax, payroll and work permits coordinated by one team.
English-language project management with a China-based team in seven locations.
We confirm the scope before work begins and say which decisions rest with authorities or banks.
Client voices
Travis Perkins
David Finch BA ACMA CMIIA CAMA
Director of Group Business Risk & Assurance, Travis Perkins PLC
With Hongda since 2008
Travis Perkins PLC (a leading builders merchant in the UK) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2008 for accounting and professional services. Throughout this time, we have found the team at Hongda to be very helpful and professional in their dealings with us. We look forward to working with the company in the future.
Sound United
Jack Peng
Vice President, Asia Pacific, Sound United
With Hongda since 2013
Sound United (a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer audio products in the US) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2013. Moving one’s operations to China is not a small task, but Hongda’s expert services helped us set up a company and deal with tax issues so we could get on with growing our business in no time at all, and that’s why we continue to use them today.
Tulip Pacific Ltd.
Erik de Waard
Director, Tulip Pacific Ltd.
With Hongda since 2012
Tulip Pacific Ltd. (Business planning and interim financial management services) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2012. Hongda has helped us set up legal entities in China/HK and takes care of our annual company audits. They are the most efficient business service provider I have worked with to-date, and their professional advice has helped me better advise my own clients and provide greater value to my overall business.
Your team
Meet the three chief consultants at Hongda, including founder Angel Ho and co-founder Bobby Lee.
Chief Consultant, CEO
Founder of Hongda in 2007. Holds Chinese Tax Agent, IPA (Australia) and IFA (UK) certificates. Provides one-stop services covering market access, company establishment, financial settlement, financial and tax consultation, and human resources management.
Chief Consultant
Co-founder of Hongda. Many years of corporate legal consultancy and involvement in managing client enterprises. Familiar with tax, personnel and project management work across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Excellent English communication skills.
Chief Consultant
24 years in enterprise management, business development, and financial and tax compliance. Has provided financial and tax advisory services for hundreds of companies. In-depth learning and practical experience in IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and International Taxation.
According to the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the P.R.C, all foreigners must apply for working visa before entering China, and apply for work permit and employment residence permit before starting working in China.
The shareholders are considered the investors of the company. If you will not engage in any job position nor work in China, you will not have to apply for work permit.
The typical process includes the following steps: preparation of materials; apply for the foreigner’s work permit notification letter; apply for a Z-type visa from the Chinese embassy or consulates in your country with the notification letter; enter China with the Z-type visa; apply for the work permit card; and apply for the employment residence permit.
The general documents and materials include: labor contract with your employer; non-criminal record from your home country; diploma of your highest degree; physical examination report; employment confirmation letter from your previous employers; application form; copy of passport; photo; and documents about accompanying family members (if any).
No. Approval depends on the authority review, employer eligibility, applicant background and document consistency. Hongda helps prepare and coordinate the case, but does not promise a result.
Do not treat a short-stay entry purpose as a substitute for employment authorization. If the person will work for a China entity, check the work authorization route first.
Yes. Your previous employer first cancels your work permit and residence permit with the local authority. You then apply, with the documents from your previous employer, for the stay document the exit-entry authority issues in this situation; its validity is set by that authority. During that stay, your new employer applies for your new work permit and residence permit. Make sure your new employer is ready before your current permit is cancelled.
Yes. According to the latest policies, all foreigners working in China need to purchase social insurance.
Contact our team
Share your plans, structure and timing. We confirm the scope with you before any work starts.
