1. What is Foreigner's Work Permit in China? Who needs to apply for it?

The Foreigner's Work Permit in China represents the legal document for foreigners to work within the territory of China. According to Article 41 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, foreigners working in China shall obtain a work permit and a work-type residence permit in accordance with regulations. No entity or individual may employ foreigners who have not obtained a work permit and a work-type residence permit. Since December 1, 2024, work permit information has been integrated into the social security card, realizing the integration of the certificate into the card.

2. When applying for work permits, what qualifications should employers and applicants possess?

For employers:
(1) The employer shall be incorporated according to laws and have no record of serious violation of laws and dishonesty.
(2) The jobs for foreigners should be those temporarily in shortage of appropriate domestic candidates and not in violations of relevant national regulations.
(3) The wages and salaries paid for foreigners shall not be lower than the minimum local wage standard.
(4) Where laws and regulations require pre-registration approval of industrial authorities, the approval shall be obtained.

For applicants:
(1) The applicants shall be aged 18 and above, be in good health, have no criminal records, and possess the professional skills or knowledge required for the job.
(2) The work engaged in shall meet the needs of China's economic and social development.
(3) If laws and regulations provide otherwise for foreigners working in China, those provisions shall prevail.
In addition, foreigners are classified by level into Category A (high-end talents), Category B (professional talents), and Category C (other foreign personnel). Different categories have differentiated requirements in terms of age, educational background, work experience, and other aspects.

3. What is the process for applying for a Foreigner's Work Permit? How long does it take?

The main procedures for an overseas application are as follows:
Online Application: Log in to the "Service System for Foreigners Working in China" (https://fwp.safea.gov.cn/lhgzweb/) to fill out an application online.

Preliminary Examination: The receiving authority will conduct a preliminary review of the materials submitted online within five working days from the date of submission (the day of submission is not included in this period). If the materials are incomplete or do not meet the required standards, the authority will notify the applicant online of all supplementary materials required at one time. If the materials are complete and meet the requirements, the authority will notify the applicant online or make an appointment for on-site document submission.

Acceptance: The receiving authority will decide whether to accept the application after examination. If the application falls within the jurisdiction of this administrative organ, and the materials are complete and meet the requirements, it shall be accepted on the spot. The receiving authority will issue an Acceptance Receipt for the Foreigner's Work Permit bearing the special seal of the administrative organ and the date of issuance. If the materials are incomplete or do not conform to the statutory form, the applicant will be informed on the spot of the required corrections, and a one-time notification will be issued; the application will be accepted after the corrections are made. If the matter does not fall within the jurisdiction of this administrative organ, the authority shall state the reasons and legal basis for non-acceptance, issue a Notice of Non-Acceptance affixed with the special seal for administrative licensing, and deliver it to the applicant or the employer within five days from the date of receipt of the paper materials.

Examination: After passing the examination, a Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit will be generated online. The applicant shall submit the materials on-site for verification within 15 days after entry into China. The decision-making authority shall conduct a review and make a decision within 10 working days (the day of material submission for verification is not included in this period). For on-site material verification, the applicant must provide the originals of the following: employment contract or appointment certificate, work qualification certificate, certificate of no criminal record, certificate of physical examination, highest degree certificate, passport, and visa.

Decision: If the application meets the required conditions and standards, the decision-making authority will make a decision to grant the administrative license. For those applying for long-term work in China, they shall go to the decision-making authority to obtain and sign the Letter of Decision on Work Permit within 10 days from the date the decision is made. If the conditions and standards are not met, a written decision of non-approval will be issued, specifying the reasons. The applicant or the employer will also be informed of their right to apply for administrative reconsideration or file an administrative lawsuit in accordance with the law.

Obtaining the Social Security Card: After the application is approved, the employer shall consult the local human resources and social security department for specific handling procedures.

4. What documents are required to apply for a Foreigner's Work Permit?

The main documents for an overseas application include:
(1) Basic Documents: Application Form for Foreigner's Work Permit in China, employment contract or appointment certificate, applicant's passport (valid for no less than 6 months), entry visa, and a bareheaded full-face photo taken within six months, etc.
(2) Qualification Documents: work qualification certificate, highest academic degree (or diploma) certificate along with its authentication, and professional qualification certificate(s), etc.
(3) Certificate of No Criminal Record: Issued by the police, court, or other relevant authorities in the applicant's country of nationality or country of habitual residence, and authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate in that country.
(4) Certificate of Physical Examination: Issued by a Chinese inspection and quarantine institution or an overseas health and medical institution recognized by it, with an issuance date within the last 6 months.
(5) Other Documents.

Chinese source: xiangtan.gov.cn