SHORT ANSWER
The standard path: your China entity sponsors a work permit notice, you enter on a Z visa, then convert to a work permit card + residence permit. Class B needs a degree + 2 years experience; Class A (high earners/talent) skips the degree. Budget 4-8 weeks, $950 per person fixed fee.
Employer-side setup comes first: the entity must be licensed and registered on the Foreigner Work Permit system. Then per employee: (1) work permit notice — apostilled degree, CV (2+ years relevant experience), no criminal record certificate, health declaration; Class A fast-track via salary (usually RMB 60k+/month in tier-1 cities) or talent points, no degree needed; (2) Z visa at a consulate (7-14 days); (3) in China — medical check, permit card, then residence permit at the PSB within 30 days. Compliance that follows: IIT monthly withholding (progressive 3-45%), five social insurances (employer cost ≈ 35-40% on top of gross), housing fund by city, and the six-year worldwide-tax rule for long-stayers (a 30-day exit each 5 years breaks the chain). Title on the labor contract must match the permit application. Never book relocation before the residence permit is issued.
General information only — not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Rules change; verify with official sources (SAMR, STA, SAFE, MOFCOM, NIA) and licensed advisors before acting.