Z — Work (Information Only) Verified 2026-06-09China Work Visa (Z Visa — Information Only)
Information only — China Z work visas are NOT processed by SureshotVisa. This page explains the route for reference; the work permit is initiated by your Chinese employer.
No visa is ever guaranteed — the final decision always rests with the China visa authority. We make sure your file is presented at its strongest.
SureshotVisa does NOT provide China work visa (Z visa) or work-permit services. This page is published for information only. We do not file, advise on, or apply for Chinese work permits. Please contact your prospective employer in China and the competent Chinese authorities for the official process.
Processing
Determined by the Chinese authorities; the work permit is initiated by the employer in China
Stay Duration
Long-term — the Z visa is for entry; a residence permit is obtained in China within 30 days of arrival
Starting Fee
Varies
Apply At
1 VFS centres
Good to know before you apply
Rules that apply to every China visa type — worth a quick read so nothing trips up your file.
- 1This page is informational only — SureshotVisa does NOT process China work visas (Z visa) or work permits.
- 2The Foreigner's Work Permit / approval is initiated by the employer in China with the competent authorities.
- 3Z-visa holders must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authority within 30 days of entry to China (unless the stay is marked 30 days).
- 4A certificate of physical examination is generally required — download the form from the Chinese Embassy in India's website.
Who Can Apply
- For reference only: foreign nationals with a Foreigner's Work Permit (or equivalent approval) issued by the Chinese government, initiated by a Chinese employer
Not eligible under this visa:
- This route is NOT offered by SureshotVisa — we do not process China work visas/permits
- Short business trips — those use the M (commercial) visa instead
- Tourism — apply for the L tourist visa
What it costs
Government & VFS fees
Paid directly to China / VFS — these are not our service fee, and we never mark them up.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| China work visa / permit | Varies |
SureshotVisa does not process China work visas/permits and does not quote fees for them. Any fees are set by the Chinese authorities and arranged via your employer. This page is informational only — confirm current fees with the Chinese Visa Application Service Center / Embassy.
What to gather
Documents required
Having a document isn't the same as presenting it right — that's the part we handle.
Reference Only — Not Processed by SureshotVisa
6 items- Original Foreigner's Work Permit / Notification Letter of Work Permit (or equivalent approval)
Issued by the Chinese government authority for Human Resources and Social Security, or the State Bureau of Foreign Experts. For work of 90 days or less, an Approval of Short-Term Employment is used instead.
- Original passport (≥6 months validity, >2 blank pages)
Reference only.
- COVA visa application form (printed & signed)
Reference only — completed online, with one 33×48 mm photo.
- Personal written statement / covering letter
Place of visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting/contact company or person.
- Certificate of physical examination
Download the form from the Chinese Embassy in India's website.
- Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy / Consulate-General
Required · optional / if applicable
The journey.
2 steps from intake to approval. Curved spine on the right shows the natural pace — never as linear as government sites pretend.
- 01
Speak to your Chinese employer
The Foreigner's Work Permit (or equivalent approval) is initiated in China by the employer with the competent authorities — SureshotVisa is not involved in this process.
- 02
Follow the official Chinese process
Once the work permit / notification letter is issued, the Z visa is applied for via the Chinese Visa Application Service Center / Embassy. Refer to the competent Chinese authorities and the Embassy of China in India for the official steps and the residence-permit requirement (within 30 days of entry).
What works
3 levers that flip a borderline case.
- SureshotVisa cannot help with China work visas/permits — please approach your employer and the competent Chinese authorities directly.
- The Foreigner's Work Permit (or Notification Letter) is initiated by your employer in China before the Z visa can be applied for.
- Z-visa holders must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authority within 30 days of entry, unless the stay is marked as 30 days.
What kills cases
Top 3 refusal triggers we see.
- 1Foreigner's Work Permit / approval not issued by the Chinese authorities
- 2Physical examination certificate missing where required
- 3Incomplete documentation per the Chinese authorities' requirements
Download official forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens the official VFS Global page for China
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
China Online Visa Application Form (COVA)
Complete the form online, upload your electronic photo, then print and sign it. Carry the printed, signed form plus one 33×48 mm photo to the centre.
Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) — India
Official application channel for India. Select your jurisdiction (Delhi / Mumbai / Kolkata / Chennai) to see local instructions, hours and appointment details.
VFS application centres
Quiz not yet available for this visa type
We're actively building per-visa quizzes. For now, the best way to assess your eligibility for China Work Visa (Z Visa — Information Only) is a free 1-on-1 consultation with our team.
Free · No obligation · Reply in minutesFrequently asked
Questions, answered straight
No. SureshotVisa does not provide China work visa (Z visa) or work-permit services. This page is informational only — please contact your prospective employer in China and the competent Chinese authorities.
The Z visa is for employment in China and requires a Foreigner's Work Permit (or equivalent approval) issued by the Chinese government, which is initiated by your employer in China. Only then is the Z visa applied for; after arrival you must obtain a residence permit within 30 days. We are not involved in this process.
The competent Chinese authorities and the Chinese Embassy/Consulate-General decide work permits and Z visas — not SureshotVisa and not the visa application centre.
Still have a question about your case? Ask us directly — we usually reply in 5 minutes.
This page is for information only
SureshotVisa does not process this visa category. For other China visa types we can help with — Tourist, Visitor, Business, Student, or Family Reunification — see the related visa types below.
Other China Visa Types
China Tourist Visa (L Visa)
The L visa for Indian citizens travelling to China for tourism, sightseeing and leisure as independent tourists. Applied through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).
View guideChina Business Visa (M Visa)
The M visa for Indian professionals travelling to China for commercial and trade activities — trade meetings, fairs, exhibitions and competitions. Applied through CVASC.
View guideChina Family Visit Visa (Q2 / S2)
The Q2 / S2 visa for Indian citizens visiting relatives in China for up to 180 days — relatives who are Chinese nationals, PR holders, or foreigners residing in China. Applied through CVASC.
View guideChina Student Visa (X1 — Long-term Study)
The X1 visa for Indian students enrolled in a Chinese institution for long-term study of more than 180 days. Applied through CVASC, then a residence permit is obtained in China.
View guideSource & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global China website and Embassy of China. Last verified 2026-06-09. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.