If you're planning to work in Shanghai and you're not a Chinese citizen or permanent resident of China, you'll generally need a Z visa to enter China for work. You must also obtain any work permit and residence permit required for your employment.

Who can apply

• Foreign experts working in China
• Commercial performers
• Chief representatives or representatives of resident representative offices of foreign enterprises
• Personnel engaged in offshore oil operations
• Volunteers (for stays of more than 90 days)
• Foreigners holding a valid work permit issued by the Chinese government

How to apply

Follow the application requirements of the Chinese embassy or consulate in the country where you are applying. Complete the visa application form online and submit the required application materials.

Documents required

Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check the "Guidance on Visa Application" section of the China Online Visa Application or the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate handling your application. 

Basic application materials include:

• Original passport.
• Fully completed, printed, and signed China Visa Application Form.
• A recent passport-sized color photograph taken within the past six months.
• Proof of legal stay or residence in the country where you are applying (if you are not applying in your country of nationality).
• A photocopy of the information page of your previous foreign passport and of your previous Chinese visa (for former Chinese citizens who have previously obtained a Chinese visa and are applying with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain it).
• A previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its information page (for former Chinese citizens applying for a Chinese visa for the first time after acquiring foreign nationality).

Supporting materials: One of the following supporting documents is required:

(1) Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China; 

(2) A registration document for a resident representative office of a foreign enterprise, issued by the competent market regulation authority;

(3) Commercial performance:

  a. For commercial performances lasting more than 90 days: the approval document issued by the competent Chinese cultural authority;

  b. For commercial performances lasting 90 days or less: both the original and a copy of the approval document issued by the competent Chinese cultural authority, together with the original and a copy of the Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in China;

(4) The Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

Click here for more details on required materials.

Note: Holders of a Z visa must apply for a residence permit at the exit-entry administration of the local public security organ at or above the county level in their intended place of residence within 30 days of entry into China, except those whose visas permit a stay of 30 days and state that their work period must not exceed the period specified in the work certificate.

Service hotline

For inquiries regarding exit-entry affairs, please call +86-21-12367. 

 Updated Aug 3, 2026

Sources: Chinese Visa Application Service Center; Exit-Entry Administration Corps of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau