Chinese Visas and Work Permits
Our tax guide for freelance contractors working in China
All foreign nationals entering, leaving, passing through or residing in China must obtain permission to do so from the relevant Chinese authorities, including the Chinese diplomatic missions, consulates and other representatives in foreign countries and the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local designated authorities within China.
The status and type of passport held by a foreign national determines what type of visa - diplomatic, courtesy, business or ordinary - will be issued.
Anyone staying more than one year in China must submit a notarized health certificate. Foreign nationals may obtain residence permits valid for one to five years which can be renewed an unspecified number of times, usually for one year at a time.