Foreign Chinese working visas in China are generally renewable, but not unlimited.
A work visa consists of two parts: a foreigner’s work permit and a work-related residence permit.
The validity period of the foreigner’s work permit is up to 5 years for foreign high-end talents (Class A), 2 years for foreign professional talents (Class B), and 1 year for other foreign personnel (Class C), and shall not exceed the validity period of the employer’s business license, registration certificate, or government approval, labor contract or appointment letter, and the validity period of the applicant’s passport or international travel document that can replace the passport.
The validity period of work related residence permits can be extended to foreign high-level talents, urgently needed and scarce specialized talents, and investors, who can be issued residence permits with a residence period not exceeding 5 years; For personnel working in reputable filing units, a residence permit with a residence period not exceeding 2 years can be issued; For other personnel, a residence permit with a residence period not exceeding one year can be issued.
To renew a work visa, certain conditions must be met. If the employer continues to employ the applicant in their original position (occupation), they shall submit an application to the decision-making authority 30 days before the expiration of the applicant’s work permit in China. Foreigners residing in China who apply for an extension of their residence period shall submit an application to the exit and entry management agency of the public security organ of the local people’s government at or above the county level in their place of residence 30 days before the expiration of their residence permit, and submit relevant materials on the reasons for the application as required.
If the age limit is exceeded, such as foreign workers holding a work visa who are over 60 years old and still have the possibility to continue working as long as they are in good health, they can apply for an extension of the special work visa for exceeding the age limit.
The specific renewal policies and requirements may vary depending on the region, industry, individual circumstances, and changes in relevant Chinese laws and regulations.