Your goal
You are seeking temporary residence by employer application for the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit followed by the work visa, permit and residence formalities.
International immigration
China Foreigner's Work Permit
Explore China Foreigner's Work Permit and plan your next move with clarity. We will help you understand the route, organise the information you need and prepare for what comes next.
At a glance
Key details for your planning
- Outcome
- Temporary residence
- Who qualifies
- For applicants planning to qualify by employer application for the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work…
- Family
- A spouse or child uses a separate dependant or family residence process and does not automatically receive…
- Application path
- 5 main stages
Could this route suit you?
See whether this route fits your plans
For applicants planning to qualify by employer application for the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit followed by the work visa, permit and residence formalities who can…
Your qualifying basis
The recognised options are employer application for the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit followed by the work visa, permit and residence formalities.
Your ongoing plan
Work only under the approved employer, role and location
What this route can offer
The status you are working towards
The permission authorises work for the approved employer and role. It is temporary and does not confer permanent residence or unrestricted employment.
A work permit is not permanent residence and does not determine Chinese tax residence. Entry and re-entry depend on valid immigration documents.
Planning for your family
Include your family in the plan
A spouse or child uses a separate dependant or family residence process and does not automatically receive work permission.
What you will need
Prepare with confidence
Who can qualify
- A foreign national employed for a qualifying role in mainland China requires employer-led work authorisation and must meet the applicable qualification, health, character and document requirements.
Qualifying basis
- Employer application for the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit followed by the work visa, permit and residence formalities
Documents and checks
- Prepare qualification, experience, criminal-record and health evidence
- Keep the permit and residence document valid
Your next steps
A clear plan from the start
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Confirm the employer
Confirm the employer and position qualify
-
Prepare qualification, experience, criminal-record and health evidence
Prepare qualification, experience, criminal-record and health evidence
-
The employer applies for the work-permit notification
The employer applies for the work-permit notification
-
Apply for the appropriate entry visa where required
Apply for the appropriate entry visa where required
-
Complete the work permit
Complete the work permit and residence formalities after arrival
Keeping your position on track
What to plan for after approval
Work only under the approved employer
Work only under the approved employer, role and location
Keep the permit
Keep the permit and residence document valid
Report employer or personal-status changes through the required
Report employer or personal-status changes through the required channel
How Prism 7 can help
Clear advice. Practical preparation.
Prism 7 gives you a clearer route forward — from understanding the options that suit your plans to organising documents and coordinating the next steps. We keep you informed about what is needed, what is happening and what to prepare next.
Understand your options
We start with your plans, priorities and the route options that could be relevant.
Prepare with confidence
We help you organise the documents and information needed for the route you choose.
Keep moving forward
We keep the next steps clear, so you know what to prepare and when to act.
Explore your other options
Related routes to consider
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China Business Visa
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Canada
Canada Intra-Company Transfer
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United States
US L-1A Intra-Company Transfer
Temporary residence route with 2 qualifying options: transferring to an established US office or transferring to open a qualifying new US office.
View programmeYour questions answered
Frequently asked questions
The permission authorises work for the approved employer and role. It is temporary and does not confer permanent residence or unrestricted employment.
A spouse or child uses a separate dependant or family residence process and does not automatically receive work permission.
Local authority and consular stages vary.
Work only under the approved employer, role and location. Keep the permit and residence document valid. Report employer or personal-status changes through the required channel.
A work permit is not permanent residence and does not determine Chinese tax residence. Entry and re-entry depend on valid immigration documents.
Let us talk about your plans
Start with what you want to achieve
Tell us what you want to achieve, who is involved and when you hope to make the move. We will help you understand the options and the next practical step.