The short-term work visa for foreigners in China is a type of visa set up for foreigners working in China for no more than 90 days. It requires applicants to meet specific conditions and follow a certain application process. The visa aims to promote short-term work exchange and cooperation. Applicants need to provide relevant materials, including work contracts, invitation letters, etc., which can only be obtained after approval. The following is a guide for foreigners to apply for short-term work visas in China.
No.1 Scope of application of short-term work visa:
The scope of the common short-term work visa refers to foreigners who enter the country to complete short-term work tasks, enter the country for the following reasons, and stay in the country for no more than 90 days:
1) Complete a certain technical, scientific research, management, guidance and other work with domestic partners;
2) Conduct trial training at domestic sports institutions (including coaches and athletes);
3) Shoot films (including commercials and documentaries);
4) Fashion shows (including car models, shooting print advertisements, etc.).
No.2 Not within the scope of short-term work visas:
1) Purchasing machinery and equipment for maintenance, installation, debugging, disassembly, guidance, and training;
2) Providing guidance, supervision, and inspection for winning projects within the country;
3) Sent to domestic branches, subsidiaries, or representative offices to complete short-term work;
4) Those who participate in sports events (including athletes, coaches, team doctors, assistants, and other related personnel. However, according to the requirements of international sports organizations, except for those who enter the country with registration cards and are approved by the competent authorities in China);
5) Volunteers and volunteers who enter the country to engage in unpaid work or receive compensation from overseas institutions.
For those who meet the conditions of 1-4 and stay for no more than 90 days, they should apply for an M-letter (business) visa;
Those who meet the fifth condition and stay for no more than 90 days should apply for an F visa.
If any person listed in Items 1, 2, 3 and 5 has stayed for more than 90 days each time, he/she shall apply for a long-term work permit, i.e. a long-term work permit, in accordance with the Regulations on the Administration of Foreigners’ Employment in China.
No.3 The advantages and disadvantages of short-term work visas:
Short term work visa advantages:
1) The application process is fast and can be completed in approximately 10 working days;
2) The required documents are simple. For short-term modeling jobs, applicants only need to prepare passport information and health certificates;
3) Like long-term work visas, it is considered legal employment and protected by labor laws;
4) It is allowed to work for multiple employers, but all city names (not exceeding 5) must be listed when applying.
The disadvantages of short-term work visas:
1) The maximum validity period is 90 days and cannot be extended;
2) There are limitations on the scope of application, and not all jobs can apply for a short-term work visa. For jobs that exceed the scope of application, a long-term work visa should be applied for, and the application requirements for a long-term work visa should be followed. The significance of a short-term work visa is not equivalent to a business M visa or a visit F visa;
3) Those holding a Z visa with a stay period not exceeding 30 days are not required to apply for a work type residence permit. Those with a stay period exceeding 30 days (including 30 days) are required to apply for a work type residence permit;
4) Short term work visas need to be processed every 6 months, and can only be applied for up to 2 times a year.
