Foreigner's Work Permit (外国人工作许可证) — what it is
The work permit is the document that makes your employment in China legal. Without it, your employer is breaking the law — and so are you.
The Foreigner's Work Permit (外国人工作许可证, wàiguórén gōngzuò xǔkězhèng) is issued by China's human-resources administration and authorizes a specific foreigner to work for a specific employer in a specific job category. It's the foundation document of legal expat employment.
How it fits together:
- Your employer applies for the work permit (categories: A = high-end talent, B = professional, C = limited quota) — 1-3 weeks.
- With the permit notification, you get a Z visa at the embassy.
- You enter China and, within 30 days, your employer finalizes the permit and you apply for the residence permit.
Key facts:
- You cannot work without it. Working on a tourist visa, or for a different employer than the permit names, is illegal and can mean fines, detention, or a re-entry ban.
- It's tied to your employer and job. Changing jobs → the new employer transfers or re-issues the permit.
- It's usually electronic now — a card or digital record, linked to your passport and checked by HR and the authorities.
- Category affects everything: A-category talent gets faster processing and longer permits; C-category (quota) roles are time-limited.