An employer’s guide to work permits in China

Common challenges in securing Chinese work permits

Securing a work visa in China involves navigating a multi-layered regulatory environment that can pose significant challenges for businesses. From stringent eligibility criteria to regional variations in rules, the process demands meticulous attention and expertise.

Here’s a closer look at the key challenges faced during the process:

• Employers must go through Chinese national policies and regional regulations, which vary significantly across provinces and cities.
• Lengthy approval timelines, including obtaining a work permit notice and visa conversion, often disrupt hiring schedules in China.
• Ensuring candidate eligibility in China requires meeting strict criteria like holding a bachelor’s degree, two years of experience, and an unblemished criminal record.
• Extensive documentation, such as an official invitation letter, company registration certificates, and proof of the employee’s qualifications, must meet specific formatting and approval standards.
• Frequent updates to China’s employment laws and labor policies make compliance a moving target, increasing the risk of errors.
• Regional variations in China mean cities like Shanghai or Beijing may have additional requirements or faster processing times compared to smaller provinces.
• Language barriers arise as most documents and official processes in China are conducted in Mandarin, necessitating professional translators or local agents.
• Processing costs in China include application fees, notarization of documents, translation services, and mandatory health checks at government-approved clinics.
• Delays or complications in the Chinese work permit process can frustrate foreign hires, making it crucial for employers to manage expectations.
• Post-issuance compliance in China includes converting work visas to residence permits and adhering to local labor and tax regulations to avoid fines or penalties.

Partnering with an EOR offers a powerful solution to these challenges. EORs can fast-track the process of securing work permits and ensuring full compliance. 

Let’s take a closer look at how an EOR simplifies this journey.

How to secure work permits in China: A step-by-step guide

For businesses, collaborating with an Employer of Record (EOR) is the smartest and most efficient choice. Here’s how it works step-by-step:

Step 1: Partner with an EOR (Employer of Record)

Choose an EOR experienced in Chinese labor laws and immigration processes. The EOR becomes the legal employer, managing administrative responsibilities for hiring and onboarding foreign employees in China.

Step 2: Submit employee and employer information

Provide the EOR with details about your business and the employee, including job roles, responsibilities, and the employee’s personal information like passport details, education, and work experience.

Step 3: Verify employee eligibility

The EOR ensures the employee meets China’s requirements, such as holding a bachelor’s degree, having at least two years of work experience, and maintaining a clean criminal record. They also assist with any additional certifications needed.

Step 4: Document preparation and submission

The EOR collects and submits required documents, such as notarized degrees, authenticated certificates, and the employment contract. They also handle all translations and notarizations to meet Chinese authorities’ standards.

Step 5: Work permit application

The EOR submits the application through China’s Foreign Work Permit Management System, manages communication with authorities, and addresses any issues that may arise during the review process.

Step 6: Z Visa (work visa) issuance

Once the work permit notice is approved, the EOR provides the employee with necessary documents to apply for a Z visa in their home country.

Step 7: Health check coordination

After arriving in China, the EOR arranges the mandatory health examination at a government-designated hospital to fulfill work permit requirements.

Step 8: Work permit card issuance

The EOR obtains the official work permit card by submitting the health check results, Z visa, and other required documents to local authorities.

Step 9: Residence permit application

The EOR ensures the Z visa is converted into a residence permit within the required 30-day timeframe by handling all interactions with the local Public Security Bureau.

Step 10: Ongoing compliance and renewals

The EOR tracks the China employment license validity, handles renewals, and updates permits as needed for employment changes. They also ensure compliance with Chinese labor laws, including social security and tax obligations.

Step 11: Payroll and benefits management

The EOR manages payroll, tax filing, and social insurance contributions, ensuring adherence to Chinese regulations and reducing administrative burdens.

Step 12: Employee support

The EOR provides ongoing assistance to employees, resolving any administrative or compliance-related challenges during their employment in China.

With an EOR like Multiplier, managing the Chinese work permit process becomes hassle-free. Forget the red tape and focus on hiring the best talent—Multiplier takes care of compliance and admin with ease. Get started in minutes and save time for what really matters.

Now, let’s dive into why partnering with a Chinese EOR is a game-changer for work permits.

Benefits of partnering with an EOR for work permits

Navigating China’s work permit process can be challenging, given the complexities of local regulations and compliance requirements. Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) offers significant advantages, making the work visa process in China smoother, more efficient, and risk-free for global employers.

Simplified compliance

China’s work permit regulations are complex and ever-evolving. An EOR ensures full compliance with national and provincial laws, eliminating risks, safeguarding against penalties, and simplifying the entire process.

Seamless hiring and onboarding

Effortlessly hire and onboard talent in China with an EOR managing everything from work permits to compliant contracts. Employees can start faster, and your team avoids the administrative burden.

Cost-efficient hiring

Traditional hiring methods, like setting up a local entity, can be expensive and time-consuming. An EOR offers a cost-effective alternative, letting you bypass unnecessary expenses while maintaining compliance.

Employee benefits tailored to China

Deliver a superior employee experience with localized benefits packages that meet China’s labor standards. From healthcare to retirement contributions, an EOR handles it all to attract and retain top talent.

Flexible hiring solutions

Whether hiring contractors or full-time employees, an EOR adapts to your needs. Scale your workforce in China without limitations, ensuring compliance and simplicity across all employment types.

World-class immigration support

From managing visa applications to handling renewals and work permit complexities, an EOR provides unmatched expertise in Chinese immigration, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on growth.

Partnering with an expert EOR like Multiplier allows you to move beyond administrative tasks and focus on building a future-ready workforce. With a trusted partner managing compliance and operational intricacies, your business is poised to thrive in China confidently and compliantly.

Now, let’s explore how it compares to traditional methods.

Traditional work visa process vs. EOR-assisted process

Hiring talent from China through traditional processes is complex. Local laws, regional nuances, and endless paperwork drain time and resources. An Employer of Record (EOR) makes it simple—no legal hassles, no admin overload, just seamless hiring.

Here’s how the two approaches compare side by side.

An Employer of Record (EOR) transforms the way you hire in China. By managing compliance, streamlining processes, and cutting through complexities, an EOR enables you to onboard talent quickly, efficiently, and without the usual headaches. 

Simplify hiring in China with Multiplier

Expanding into China presents unique challenges—from navigating complex regulations to managing compliance across diverse provinces. Multiplier, as your Employer of Record (EOR), offers a streamlined solution that eliminates these barriers and accelerates your hiring process.

Our approach combines regulatory expertise with operational efficiency, allowing you to onboard top-tier talent without the need for local entities or time-intensive administrative tasks. Multiplier ensures full compliance with China’s labor laws while managing work permits and payroll seamlessly, so your focus remains on strategic growth.

Partner with Multiplier to turn expansion into China from a logistical challenge into a competitive advantage.

Book a demo today to experience a smarter, faster way to hire.