Page 48 - Doing Business in China

MANPOWER

HIRING EXPATRIATE STAFF IN CHINA

For expatriate staff to legally work in China, the company is required to apply for work permits and residence
permits on their behalf� The expatriate staff is required to acquire an employment pass before commencing any
labour contracts in China�

The general requirements for an expatriate employee working in China are as follows:

▪ Is older than 18 years of age;
▪ Has good health status;

▪ Has no criminal record;
▪ Has relevant working experience (at least two years);

▪ Has relevant educational background; and
▪ Has relevant qualifications

Categorised based on the expatriate staff’s qualification and experience, the work permits are classified as
Class A, Class B or Class C� Criteria for classification includes annual salary level, education, work experience,
age, Mandarin proficiency and other aspects� Class A is for expert talent, while Class B is for standard expatriate
professionals required by various industries in China� Class C is for temporary staff or non-professionals, whose
approved headcount is strictly controlled�

The whole process, from setting up of company accounts to application of the foreign employee’s residence
permit, usually takes about two months, as shown below:

System Account Setup
Company Online Foreigner’s Work Send Out Z-Visa Application Health Check Foreigner’s Work Residence Permit
Permit Notification
Permit Application
Invitation Letter
Application

Online system Online system application Counter application Get the e-version
account application and e-documents documents submission of Foreigner’s Work
submission Permit Notification
(Possible) Counter Review
material review e-documents online

However, the detailed application requirements and timelines may differ according to the local requirements of
each city’s authorities�

Foreign nationals can also enter China for temporary business purposes with the visas below�

F VISA
The F Visa, also known as the business visa, was used previously by foreign nationals coming into China business
but not employed by a Chinese entity� However, new regulations have limited the scope of this type of visa to
non-commercial purposes only, such as cultural exchanges, visits and inspections� Therefore, it may no longer be
suitable for businesses except within its limited range of permitted activities�

Doing Business in China 2023 | 47