Can I work in China on a business visa?

No. M visas cover business meetings, not employment. Working on one risks deportation and blacklisting. The legal route is work permit + residence permit.

Is there a China digital nomad or freelancer visa?

No. The standard legal vehicle is a single-shareholder WFOE sponsoring your own permit. Short stays can use 30-day visa-free or 240-hour transit-free windows for non-working activities.

How long is the work permit valid?

Typically 1 year initially, renewable annually together with the residence permit. Class A talent can get 2-3 year terms.

China Work Visa Guide 2026

SHORT ANSWER

Sequence: your China entity files a work permit notice → Z visa at a consulate → work permit card + residence permit in China. Class B needs a degree + 2 years experience; Class A (salary/talent points) skips the degree. Budget 4-8 weeks, ~$950 fixed fee per person.

Who needs what

Any revenue-generating work requires a work permit + residence permit. Business (M) visas cover negotiations and supplier trips, not employment. Shareholders without an operational role do NOT qualify — you must be a director/supervisor/manager with genuine activity.

Class A / B / C

A (talent/high-earner): points ≥85 or salary thresholds (≈RMB 60k+/month in tier-1); no degree needed; fast-track processing
B (standard): bachelor degree + 2 years relevant experience + clean record; most founders land here
C: quota-controlled; rarely relevant

The process

Employer eligibility — entity licensed and registered on the Work Permit system (new WFOEs qualify immediately)
Work permit notice — apostilled degree, CV, no-criminal-record certificate, health declaration (2-3 weeks)
Z visa at consulate (7-14 days, single entry)
Arrival: medical check → permit card → residence permit at PSB within 30 days

The compliance tail

IIT withholding starts with payroll (3-45% progressive); five social insurances are mandatory for foreigners in most cities (employer ≈35-40% on top of gross; totalization treaties exempt detached workers from 12+ countries); renew permit and residence permit together annually; keep title consistent between labor contract and permit.

Founder shortcut

Register your WFOE first (the entity is the sponsor), then run your own permit inside the All-Inclusive package — one team, one timeline.

One partner for the whole journey

Zhonghui Consulting — licensed, fixed-fee, English-speaking. cross-border compliance engagements, ICPA-reviewed.

See All Services & Pricing → Free AI Entry Check

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.