How long does a China work permit take?

Notice + Z visa + conversion totals 4-8 weeks from complete documents. Class A fast-tracks; Class C (unskilled) is quota-managed and sector-dependent.

Can my spouse work in China?

Generally no on an S dependent visa — spouses need their own work permit via an employer. Some pilot cities ease this for high-talent (Class A) households; we check current rules per city.

China Work Permit & Visa — Class A/B, Z Visa, Residence Permit

SERVICE IN BRIEF

The standard path: your China entity sponsors the work permit notice, you enter on a Z visa, then convert to a work-permit card and residence permit. Class B needs a degree plus 2 years experience; Class A (salary RMB 60k+/month in tier-1 cities, or talent points) skips the degree. 4-8 weeks, $950 per person.

What we handle, per person

Employer setup — entity registration on the Foreigner Work Permit system (one-time)
Work permit notice — apostilled degree, CV with 2+ years relevant experience, no-criminal-record certificate, health declaration
Z visa at your consulate (7-14 days)
In-China conversion — medical check, permit card, residence permit at the PSB (within 30 days of entry)
Dependents — S1/S2 visas for spouse and children, tied to the permit holder
Renewals and role changes — title on the labor contract must match the permit; changes require re-filing

Traps we design around

Booking relocation before the residence permit is issued, degree/CV mismatches against Class B points, and the six-year worldwide-tax rule for long-stayers (a 30-day exit each 5 years resets the chain — plan it, do not discover it).

One partner for the whole journey

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

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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.