After entering the country with a tourist visa, foreigners generally cannot directly convert a tourist visa into a work visa within the country, but need to apply for a work visa (Z visa) from Chinese embassies and consulates that leave the country of their nationality or other countries. The details and procedures are as follows:
General process
Find a job and obtain relevant permits: Foreigners need to find a legitimate employer in China first, and the employer will prepare relevant materials and go to the relevant departments to handle the Alien Employment Permit Certificate and Work Visa Invitation Letter for them.
Outbound application for work visa: foreigners carry materials such as Employment Permit and Work Invitation to apply for work visa (Z visa) at the Chinese embassy or consulate in the host country.
Entry and subsequent procedures: After obtaining a Z visa, return to China and sign an Employment Contract with the employer. The employer shall, within 15 days after the foreigner enters the country, go to the local labor bureau of the employment city with relevant materials to apply for the Employment Permit. In addition, foreigners should also, within 30 days after entry, go to the Exit and Entry Administration Bureau with the Employment Permit and other materials to apply for the residence permit for work with a validity of one year.
The conditions for applying for a work permit directly within the country under special circumstances are:
Foreign high-end talents (Class A) who have entered China with other visas or valid residence permits: scientists, international entrepreneurs, specialized special talents, etc. needed for China’s economic and social development can work in China without age, education, and work experience restrictions.
Foreigners working in China change employers, but their jobs (occupations) remain unchanged, and their work type residence permits are within the validity period.
A foreign spouse or child of a Chinese citizen, or a spouse or child of a foreigner residing or working in China, who holds a valid visa or residence permit within the validity period.
Those that comply with the relevant preferential policies of free trade zones and comprehensive innovation and reform pilot zones.
Employers who are eligible for preferential policies related to the headquarters of multinational corporations in China.
Internal personnel turnover within the enterprise group.
Implementing intergovernmental agreements or protocols.
Representative personnel of Chinese institutions who have lawfully entered China with work visas; Foreigners who have obtained a work permit to work in China for less than 90 days and are legally employed by domestic employers within the validity period of their stay in China.
Other approval agencies have determined that it meets the conditions.
