Health certificate (健康证) — what it is

The health certificate (健康证, jiànkāngzhèng) is an official document certifying you passed a basic health check — required in China for jobs in food service, catering, childcare, and certain public-facing roles. If your job involves handling food (restaurants, cafés, bakeries), your employer will ask for one.

What's involved:

• A quick visit to a designated hospital (指定医院) with your passport and photos.
• Checks: chest X-ray (TB screening), blood tests, stool test, basic physical — usually done in one morning.
• Certificate issued within a few days; valid 1 year, then renew.
• Cost is modest (often employer-paid or reimbursed; a few hundred RMB if you pay yourself).

Practical notes for foreigners:

• The check is routine and fast; the hard part is just finding a designated hospital — ask your employer or call 12333 (social insurance hotline) for the list.
• Bring your passport; the certificate is issued under your passport number.
• If your employer requires it, they normally arrange the appointment and pay.
• It's separate from the foreigner medical check for residence permits — that's a different, more thorough exam.