Short answer: To legally work in China as a foreign national you must be 18 years old or older and obtain a Work Permit plus a Z work visa that is converted into a work-type residence permit after arrival. Hiring under 16 is prohibited by labor law. Most first-time permits are issued roughly within the 18–60 (men) / 18–55 (women) age ranges, with limited expert exemptions. If you are under 25 or don’t meet the qualifications yet, a cultural au pair program or Mandarin study route is a legal alternative to build skills before a job offer.
This content-rich guide explains the minimum age, visa requirements, documents, visa application form tips, processing times, renewals, and how different nonimmigrant visas (tourist, visitor, business, student) compare to the Z visa. It also answers common questions about immigration services, embassies and consulates, biometric submission, and permanent residence.
Minimum age & legal framework
For Chinese citizens, employment under 16 is illegal. For foreign nationals, you must be 18+ and meet the qualifications to receive a Foreigner’s Work Permit and sign a labor contract. Local bureaus also consider standard retirement thresholds when issuing or renewing permits; high-level experts may be granted case-by-case exemptions.
Eligibility & supporting documents (Work visa / Z)
- Passport / travel document valid 6+ months with blank pages.
- Job offer and signed employment contract from a China-registered company.
- Foreigner’s Work Permit Notice (issued before applying for a visa).
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) plus typically 2+ years’ experience in the field (some talent categories are exempt).
- Non-criminal record and degree authentication from your home country; translations if required.
- Medical check following city standards.
- Completed visa application form with recent photo and any extra supporting documents requested by the embassy or consulate.
Submit your visa application at a Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center in your home country. After entry on the Z visa, you must finalize issuance of the work-type residence permit within 30 days so you can legally reside and work.
Application process & processing times
- Employer qualification: The sponsor registers in the online work-permit system.
- Permit-application: Employer uploads your authenticated supporting documents to obtain the Work Permit Notice.
- Apply for a visa: Book at the embassy/consulate, submit the application form, photo, passport, and Notice. Some centers capture biometric data.
- Departure & entry: Travel to China with your Z visa; complete police registration and medical if needed.
- Residence permit issuance: Convert the Z to a work-type residence permit (defines validity and length of stay). Later, renew it before expiry.
Processing times vary: authentication (1–3+ weeks), permit notice (1–3+ weeks), consular visa (3–10 business days), residence-permit issuance (1–3+ weeks). Plan extra time around holidays.
What counts as “work” in China?
Any income-generating activity in China—full-time employment, part-time roles, paid internships, on-site services, or freelancing—requires authorization. Tourist visa (L), visitor visa, and most business visas (M) are nonimmigrant visas that do not permit employment. University students can only work if their residency label includes an internship/part-time remark approved by immigration.
Visa types you’ll hear about (and what they mean)
- Z visa (work visa): For employment; leads to a work-type residence permit. This is the route for people who are 18+ with a job offer.
- Student visa (X1/X2): Allows study; work only if specifically authorized by the university + immigration.
- Tourist visa (L) / Visitor visa: For tourism or visiting family/friends; strictly no employment.
- Business visa (M): For short-term business visits, meetings, fairs; still not for employment.
- Working holiday:
Some countries have bilateral working holiday programs with each other; China does not commonly issue a working-holiday route for most nationalities. If you see the term, treat it as a general comparison rather than a China-specific option.
Age-based scenarios
- Under 18: You cannot work in China. Focus on language prep and future visa applications.
- 18–20: Usually too early for a Z visa without a degree. Consider au pair (cultural exchange) or Mandarin courses.
- 21–24: If you have a bachelor’s + experience, you may qualify; otherwise bridge with study/au pair.
- 25–35: Prime window for work permits if your profile matches employer needs.
- 55–60+: Approvals and renewals can be harder unless you are a highly skilled expert.
Residence permit vs. permanent residence
The residence permit (work-type) is temporary and tied to your employer and city. China’s version of permanent residence is available to select categories (senior talent, long-term contributors, investors). It is not an “immigrant visa” like in the U.S., but rather a long-term status. For family cases (e.g., spouse reunification) different residence types apply; employment is still restricted without separate authorization.
Applying for a visa: forms, submitting, and services
When you apply for a visa, complete the online visa application form, print and submit it with your supporting documents and passport at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Many applicants use professional immigration services to review paperwork and book appointments. Check processing times before you travel to China and keep copies of all travel documents for your records.
Not eligible yet? Choose the right legal path
- Goal = immersion + low cost: Start with Au Pair in China (cultural exchange, housing, stipend, classes).
- Goal = study first: Apply for a student visa and build Mandarin + experience, then convert to work later.
- Goal = employment ASAP: Secure a job offer, complete the permit-application, and apply for the Z visa at your embassy/consulate.
FAQ: work visa & age in China
- Can I work on a tourist, visitor, or business visa? No. These are nonimmigrant categories that do not allow employment.
- Do I need biometrics? Many centers collect biometric fingerprints/photos during submission.
- How long is the visa valid? Your Z visa is for entry; the residence permit sets your stay (often 1 year initially). You can renew before expiry with a valid contract.
- What about asylum or visa-waiver? China does not have a visa-waiver program for employment; asylum is unrelated to work authorization.
- Which authority handles decisions? Outside China: the Chinese embassy/consulate. Inside China: the Exit-Entry Administration (public security) handles issuance of the residence permit.
Final thoughts
To work in China you must be 18+, secure a job offer, and complete the Z work visa process through the correct consular channel, followed by a residence permit after arrival. If you’re not yet eligible, choose a legal stepping-stone: au pair or student visa. Regulations evolve, so always verify details with the Chinese mission that serves your nationality before applying.