Guide
Work Permit & Residence
From notification letter to residence permit — the sequence that matters.
Checklist-style. Confirm every item with HR and the competent authority — this is unofficial.
Who this covers
Foreign employees (and candidates) going through employer-sponsored work authorization in Beijing: work permit related filings, entry visa, and residence permit. Dependants are out of scope except a short note at the end.
Sequence at a glance
- Employer confirms they can sponsor you
- Document pack prepared (see checklist)
- Work-permit / notification process started by employer
- Visa application (often Z) at the Chinese mission abroad
- Enter China within visa validity
- Complete any post-arrival work-permit steps
- Apply for residence permit
- Diary renewal / expiry dates
Your HR may reorder steps; follow their timeline.
Documents checklist (typical — verify)
- Passport valid well beyond your planned stay
- Degree diploma + authentication / consular legalization or apostille as required
- No-criminal record + legalization/apostille as required
- Recent photos meeting official specs
- Medical examination items if asked
- Offer / employment contract materials HR requests
- Application forms signed exactly as passport name
Tip: Keep color scans and originals. Name spelling must match the passport everywhere.
Employer vs you
| Usually employer | Usually you |
|---|---|
| Filings and system accounts | Accurate personal data |
| Invitation / notification letters | Degree & police docs from home country |
| Coordinating local agencies | Visa appointment & fees abroad |
| Guidance on medical providers | Showing up to appointments in Beijing |
| Tracking card pickup | Passport custody only when they ask — get a receipt |
Timeline & common blockers
- Authentication of degree / police certificates often takes the longest
- Medical results that don’t meet the panel’s rules
- Passport almost expired
- Job title / salary / entity mismatch between offer and filing
- Travel planned before residence permit is ready
Build buffer; ask HR for a written milestone list.
Pickup, renewal, job change
- Know where cards/slips are kept (you vs HR)
- Photo both sides of every permit and keep cloud + offline copies
- Set calendar reminders 60–90 days before expiry
- Job change or early exit: ask HR before you resign or leave China — status may not transfer automatically
When to get official help
If your case involves prior overstay, complex nationality situations, or conflicting official answers, ask HR to involve their immigration counsel or the issuing office — don’t improvise.
Dependants (short)
Some family members can apply later once you hold the right status. Treat this as a separate project after your own permit path is stable; start with HR, not forum advice.
Pitfalls
- Starting unpaid “work” before you’re authorized
- Letting hotel registration lapse when you move to an apartment
- Booking international travel without checking exit/re-entry rules on your current stamp/permit