Founders Starting a Business in China
Foreign entrepreneurs registering a China entity who need simultaneous processing of their own legal work authorization and residence status.
- Company Setup
- Work Permit
- Residence
China Work Visa & Work Permit Services
Kerui helps employers, HR teams, foreign founders, and incoming expats plan China work visa, work permit, and residence permit applications with eligibility review before filing.
- Full Work Permit & Residence Permit Process, End to End
- For Employers, HR Teams, Founders & Expats
- Service Starts From $800
- Eligibility Reviewed Before Filing
How Visa, Permit, and Residence Differ
China Z Visa
The Z visa is the entry visa used before arrival in China. After entry, the holder needs to convert the status into a residence permit within the required timeline.
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China Work Permit
The work permit route is filed by the employer and usually starts with the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit before the employee applies for the Z visa.
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China Residence Permit
The first residence permit issuance is commonly valid for around six months and can later be renewed based on actual employment status.
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Permanent Residence and Other Visa Routes
Permanent residence in China carries a significantly higher threshold. Kerui also handles family, business, talent, and investor-related visa cases.
Learn MoreCheck Eligibility Before Filing
Early eligibility review matters because China work permit cases can fail at the document stage if the employer profile, educational background, work history, or supporting records do not align.
Employer Requirements
- The company is legally registered and operating normally
- A real office address is available
- The company has Chinese employees and pays taxes legally
- No major violations that would affect the application
Applicant Requirements
- A bachelor's degree or above
- At least two years of relevant work experience outside China after graduation
- A valid non-criminal record certificate from the nationality country or residence country
- A valid passport
- Good health for the required medical examination
How the Process Works
Employer
- Business license
- Legal representative ID
- Proof of office premises
Applicant
- Passport
- Degree authentication
- Non-criminal record certificate
- Work experience proof
- Medical examination report
Kerui can provide translation support for required materials within the filing process.
1
Employer Qualification Review
Confirm the employer registration status, office address, compliance condition, and the applicant's initial document profile before the formal filing route begins.
2
Work Permit Notification Filing
Prepare and submit the application for the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit based on the employer and applicant documents.
3
Z Visa Application
After the notification is issued, the foreign employee applies for the Z visa outside China before travel.
4
Medical Examination After Entry
Once in China, the applicant completes the required medical examination and prepares for the in-country permit stage.
5
Work Permit Issuance
The work permit application is filed after entry. The typical processing time is around 15 working days for the work permit stage.
6
Residence Permit Filing
The residence permit is then filed with the relevant public security authority. The typical processing time is around 15 working days for this stage.
Support After the First Application
Residence Permit Renewal
Renewal planning should begin before the current residence permit expires so the employer and employee can update documents in time.
Employer Change Cases
When the employer changes, the work permit and residence permit route usually needs to be updated together rather than handled as separate issues.
Family Residence Permit Support
Spouses and children may apply for the S1 private affairs residence route, subject to relationship documents such as marriage or birth certificates with translation and notarization where required.
Business Visa and Extension Cases
Kerui also supports business visa planning where a formal invitation letter is available, along with visa extension scenarios that need timing and document review.
Permanent Residence Consultation
China permanent residence has a higher threshold depending on years of stay, contribution level, or investment background. Kerui can provide an initial assessment to determine the practical next steps for eligible cases.
Compliance Notes Before Applying
Thorough Preparation Supports a Stronger Application
Visa, work permit, and residence permit outcomes are subject to government review. Thorough document preparation, correct eligibility assessment, and well-organized filing are what consistently improve approval results.
Policy Changes Can Affect Timing
Local processing standards and policy implementations can shift unexpectedly, potentially altering timelines and required supporting materials during an active application.
Applicant Documents Must Be Authentic
The applicant and employer are fully responsible for the accuracy and consistency of all submitted background and employment materials.
Early Planning Reduces Risk
Initiating the process two to three months in advance secures critical buffer time for document authentication, risk mitigation, and well-prepared filing coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without a bachelor's degree?
The case needs to be reviewed based on the applicant's full profile, including education, work history, and practical filing feasibility.
How long does the whole process take?
The work permit stage typically takes around 15 working days after entry, and the residence permit stage typically takes around 15 working days. Z visa timing depends on the embassy or consulate. Document preparation and the notification letter come first, so the full process is longer than those two filing stages.
Can I use my own China company to sponsor my work permit?
Yes. A foreign founder who sets up a company in China can apply through that company if the employer and applicant conditions fit the filing route.
What if the visa expires while I am outside China?
The application generally needs to be restarted rather than continued as a normal in-country renewal.
Can a tourist visa be converted into a work visa?
It may be possible in some situations, but the timing, current visa validity, and local policy handling all need to be checked before action is taken.
Start with an Eligibility Review Before the Visa Timeline Gets Tight
Whether the case involves a new China work visa, a work permit renewal, an employer change, or a family residence route, the safest first step is to review the real eligibility basis before filing.
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- 5,000+ Clients Served Worldwide
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