Applying for a visa can be a pretty daunting task at the best of times and that is why we are here. From tourist visas (L) through to business visas (F) and working visas (Z) we will help you to process all your documents and guide you through what you need to do and when. Since our creation, we have dealt with thousands of issues and use this expertise to make sure that your application process runs as smoothly as possible.

Tourist (L) Visa is issued to any foreigner who wishes to enter China for holiday, sightseeing or visiting family members or friends and other personal affairs. The person entering China with this visa is not allowed to engage in any activities, directly or indirectly, resulting in any form of financial benefits. To apply for tourist (L) visa, applicants are required to submit a passport with at least six months of remaining validity and 3 passport size photos.

Business (F) Visa is issued to any foreigner who wishes to enter China to conduct business related activities including but not limited to setting up of business entities, technological or cultural exchanges, short-term advance studies or internship for a period of no more than six months. The person entering China with this visa is allowed to engage in business activities that result in financial benefits BUT is not allowed to work for a salary. To apply for business (F) visa, applicants are required to submit a passport with at least six months of remaining validity, 3 passport size photos and a Visa notification form from any authorized Chinese Authorities or an invitation letter from the a Chinese host company.

A Working (Z) Visa is required for any foreigner wanting to work in China for an agreed remuneration. Z visas are only issued if the employer meets certain requirements and is accredited to employ foreigners. The applicant must also meet the requirements as a “foreign expert” with an officially stamped letter from the Foreigners Expert Bureau. Holders of such a visa can ONLY work for the company sponsoring the visa. If caught working for any other company in any form, the holder of this visa may face having the visa revoked and risks being deported. Applicants who wish to apply for this visa are required to first verify if their company meets certain requirements. After verifying that both the company and the applicant is eligible, applicant is to submit a passport with at least one year of remaining validity, 3 passport size photos and a Visa notification form from any authorized Chinese Authorities or an invitation letter from the a Chinese host company.

A Resident Permit / Resident (D) Visa is issued to any foreigner who wishes to reside in China permanently. Holders of this permit (in the form of an identity card) are allowed to leave and return to China without any additional visas as long as the permit is valid. In short, this permit gives the holder a legal right to live in China. Typically good for one year, it is possible to secure a permit that is valid for 10 years after a few renewals. Each application of the resident permit is different, long and complicated. To ensure that all the documents are properly prepared and submitted, please contact our consultants for more information.