Short Work Stays In China: Work Visa Now Probably Require

Home | China Law Blog | China Visa Requirements for Short Work Stays Under Chinese law a foreigner who comes to China to complete a "short-term work task" and stays no more than 90 days, must get a work visa (a Z visa). A “short-term work task” is defined as one of the following: Tasks such as those involving technology, scientific research, management and guidance at the place of the China partner Athletic tryouts at a China sports institution Shooting films, including advertisements and documentaries Performing in fashion shows, including car models, and shooting print advertisement. Participating in foreign-related commercial performances The Processing Procedures specifically exclude the following as short-term work tasks: 1. Providing services such as maintenance, installation, commissioning, disassembly, guidance or training associated with the purchase of machines and equipment 2. Guiding, supervising and inspecting a China project won in a bid 3. Being seconded to work short-term at a China branch, subsidiary or representative office established by a foreign company 4. Participating in most sports competitions 5. Working as a volunteer for free, or even though paid, payment is received from a foreign entity 6. Participating in commercial performances not noted as “foreign-related commercial performances” by the relevant cultural authorities in the approval letter A foreigner coming to China for no more than 90 days to complete tasks in categories 1-4 (directly above) needs an M visa (visas issued to those invited to China for commercial and trade activities) and those coming for no more than 90 days to complete tasks in categories 5-6 need an F visa (visas issued to those invited to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities). Before a foreigner can come to China to perform one of the short-term tasks stated above, the foreigner must take the following steps. First, the China partner (the entity/institution/etc. that invites the foreigner to China) must apply for an employment license and a work certificate, which generally requires submission of the following documents: the China partner’s business registration certificate and organization code, a cooperation agreement/project contract between the parties, the resume of the foreigner who is applying for the work visa, the foreigner’s passport or other valid travel document. If the task to be completed involves technology, a certificate that proves the foreigner’s academic degrees or skills is also required. The second step is for the China partner to apply for a work visa invitation letter. Next, the foreigner needs to apply for a work visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate, usually by submitting the employment license approval letter and work certificate, the work visa invitation letter, and the foreigner’s passport or other valid travel document. If the foreigner is staying in China for over 30 days (but no more than 90 days), they must also obtain an alien residence permit. Check Out Our China Law Services Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn E-mail Comment China Law Blog The China Law Blog focuses on the practical aspects of Chinese law and how it impacts foreign companies that do business in or with China. The goal is to help readers understand what works and what does not work and what businesspeople can do to use the law to their advantage. China Law Blog's aim is to assist businesses already in China or planning to go into China, not to break new ground in legal theory or policy. Harris Sliwoski Blog Read more posts [email protected] Read More Legal News Related Posts September 15, 2026 Your AI-Drafted China Contract Says It Needs a Lawyer. Listen to It. September 11, 2026 Forensic Accountants in China Business Litigation: How True Numbers Can Tell the Wrong Story September 4, 2026 China NNN Agreement or Trademark Registration? You Usually Need Both September 1, 2026 AI Didn't Replace Lawyers. It Gave Us the 48-Page Contract. August 27, 2026 Do I Need a China NNN Agreement or a China Manufacturing Agreement? Usually Both. August 26, 2026 China’s New Overseas Investment Rules: Can Your Chinese Investor Actually Get the Money Out? August 24, 2026 International IP Protection for Startups: What to Protect and Where August 19, 2026 The Documents Are the International Deal August 19, 2026 China Supplier Fraud in Yiwu: Why We Recommended the Police, Not a Lawsuit August 17, 2026 China Trademark Registration: Why U.S. Companies Need More Than a Filing Agent August 10, 2026 Buying Expensive Equipment from China: Seven Questions to Answer Before You Pay August 7, 2026 DDP Shipping Risks: What Boise Cascade’s Guilty Plea Means for U.S. Buyers August 6, 2026 Protecting Your Artwork Internationally: What Artists Need to Do Before the Work Travels August 5, 2026 Your China Employee Signed the Vacation Policy. You Can Still Lose. July 29, 2026 The RedNote Contract Lesson for Companies Doing Business in China Leave a comment Cancel reply