1. Basic Eligibility Requirements

1. Aged 18 or above, in good physical condition, with no criminal record.
2. Have a legitimate employer registered in Shanghai, China. The position cannot be filled by local Chinese candidates.
3. Possess the professional knowledge, skills and relevant working experience matching the offered position.
4. Salary meets or exceeds the local minimum wage standard in Shanghai.
5. Passport remains valid for at least 6 months.
6. Classified into 3 categories:

• Class A (High-end Talents): Scientists, senior managers, innovative talents, award winners, investment talents. Enjoy simplified document review and longer permit validity (up to 5 years).
• Class B (Professional Talents): Skilled professionals with bachelor’s degree + 2 years relevant work experience, or special technical qualifications. Normally valid for 1–2 years.
• Class C (Other Foreigners): Short-term, seasonal or low-skill positions subject to local labour quota limits.

2. Required Document Checklist

Documents from Foreign Applicant

1. Valid passport copy (bio page, valid ≥6 months)
2. White-background passport photo (2-inch, taken within 6 months)
3. Certificate of no criminal record, authenticated by Chinese embassy/consulate in applicant’s home country
4. Highest academic diploma or professional qualification certificate with embassy authentication (for overseas documents)
5. Relevant work experience certificate issued by previous employers, stating job title, working period and job duties
6. Health examination certificate issued within the last 6 months, approved by Chinese quarantine authority
7. Resume in English or Chinese

Documents from Employer

1. Business license of the Chinese company
2. Signed bilingual employment contract (Chinese version mandatory), including workplace, job duties, salary, contract term
3. Application form for Foreigner’s Work Permit (filled online, stamped by company seal)
4. Supporting materials if special industry qualification is required
5. Power of attorney if our agency handles the whole application

Note: All overseas official documents must go through notarization and Chinese consular authentication before submission.

3. Full Application Procedure

1. Online application for Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit

The Shanghai employer registers and submits all documents on the official Foreigner Work Service System. After official review, obtain the Work Permit Notification Letter.

2. Apply for Z Visa at Chinese Embassy/Consulate Overseas

The applicant uses the notification letter, passport and other supporting papers to apply for Z work visa to enter China.

3. Accommodation Registration within 24 hours after entry

Once arriving in Shanghai, the foreign applicant must complete temporary accommodation registration at local police station.

4. Submit application for Foreigner’s Work Permit

Within 15 working days after entry, submit original documents to the local authority to apply for the official Foreigner’s Work Permit.

5. Apply for Work-type Residence Permit at Exit-Entry Administration Bureau

With work permit and other materials, apply for residence permit sticker on passport. This step grants legal long-term residence status for working in China.

6. Annual compliance & renewal

The work permit can be renewed before expiry (at least 30 days in advance). Changes of employer, position or passport information require amendment filing.

Important Reminder

If the foreign employee changes employer in China, the old work permit must be cancelled first, and a new application needs to be filed within 3 months. Our team provides full document review, translation and agency service in Shanghai.