A Z visa is China’s work visa — the visa category that allows a foreign national to work legally in China. It is issued after the Chinese employer obtains a Foreigner’s Work Permit Notice, and it must be converted into a work-type residence permit within 30 days of entering China.
Z Visa vs Work Permit vs Residence Permit
These three documents are often confused, but they are distinct steps: the work permit is the approval to work, issued by the local bureau; the Z visa is the entry document issued by a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad; and the residence permit is the long-term stay document issued inside China after arrival. You need all three — in that order. For the full sequence, see our 2026 China work visa guide.
What Employers Need to Know
Before an employee applies for a Z visa, the company must secure the work permit notice — which requires a licensed employer, a valid business scope, and a candidate who meets the points-based criteria for the intended category (A, B or C). See our Z visa and work permit application guide for documents and timelines, or contact our work visa and permit service. Browse the full China business glossary for more terms.
Disclaimer: This glossary entry is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
