Private visa service, not the Chinese Embassy. British passport? You can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. Check if you need a visaMon–Fri 9am–4pm · Manchester 0161 956 2003 · London 020 7205 2282
China Visa Expert, corporate and business travel services, home

China work visa from the UK(Z visa).

The China work visa, known as the Z visa, is for taking up employment in China. Your employer arranges the work permit notification first; we then prepare your China work visa application and book your appointment.

Start China work visa application Call 0161 956 2003
  • Z visaEmployment in China
  • Work permitArranged by your employer
  • £351Standard, all in
  • £382Express, all in

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What a China work visa covers

Full-time employment

Working for a company in China.

Teaching

Teaching at schools and universities.

Specialist roles

Engineers, managers and experts.

Senior postings

Transfers within your company.

Not covered by a China work visa

  • Short business trips, which use the M visa or visa-free entry
  • Working before your residence permit is issued, if your employer requires it

Documents you’ll need

DocumentDetailsNeeded
PassportYour original passport, valid for at least 6 months after you arrive, with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a copy of the photo page.Required
PhotoOne recent colour photo, 33 × 48 mm, on a plain white background, no glasses, face and ears clearly visible. We check it before your appointment.Required
Online application formThe official Chinese visa application form, completed and printed with its confirmation page.We prepare
Work permit notificationThe Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, issued by the Chinese authorities to your employer.Required
Invitation letterFrom your Chinese employer or an authorised unit, if issued.If applicable
Previous Chinese visasA copy of your last Chinese visa, if you’ve had one. Former Chinese citizens need extra documents, which we’ll explain.If applicable
UK residence statusIf you’re not a British citizen: your UK visa, BRP or eVisa share code page showing you live here legally.If applicable

Upload them from your phone. We check every document and resize it to the official limits before we submit.

Embassy fees are for British passport holders. Our fee for work visas is £200 for standard or express service.

  1. 1

    Apply online

    Answer a few questions and upload your passport, photo and documents.

  2. 2

    We check and book

    We complete the official form, check every document and book your appointment.

  3. 3

    Visit the visa centre

    Hand in your passport and give fingerprints in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

  4. 4

    Collect your visa

    Your passport comes back with the visa inside, usually within 3 to 4 working days.

Rules to know before you travel

You apply in person at a visa centre

Chinese visas are submitted at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. In the UK there are centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. We complete your form and book your appointment, and you attend to hand in your passport and give fingerprints.

Passport rules

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you enter China and have at least two blank visa pages. If yours is close to expiry, renew it first.

Residence permit after you arrive

This visa lets you enter China. To stay longer, you apply for a residence permit at the local public security bureau, usually within 30 days of arriving.

Start with the work permit

Your employer applies for your work permit in China first. This usually needs your degree certificate and a criminal record check, which may need legalising. We can help with document legalisation through our sister company Unique Visa Services.

Need a visa for your team?

We handle China visas for companies of every size, from one-off trips to regular travellers.

Corporate accounts

Fees

The embassy fee and our service fee, shown separately, so you always know where your money goes.

VisaProcessing timeEntriesEmbassy feeOur feeTotal you pay
Standard serviceWork (Z) visaUsually 4 working daysSingle entry£151£200£351
Express serviceWork (Z) visaUsually 3 working daysSingle entry£182£200£382

Embassy fees shown are those charged by the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre to British passport holders, and may differ for other nationalities. They aren’t refundable, even if the visa is refused. Our fee is per person and includes checking your documents, completing the online form and booking your appointment.

Need it quickly? Choose express service when you apply. Tell us your travel date and we’ll tell you the latest day to submit.

How the China work visa process works

1. Your employer applies for your work permit in China, using documents such as your degree certificate, CV and criminal record check. 2. The Chinese authorities issue a work permit notification. 3. You apply for the China work visa in the UK with that notification. 4. After arriving, you get your work permit and residence permit, usually within 30 days.

China work visa documents from the UK

Chinese employers usually ask for your degree certificate and a recent criminal record check, often legalised for use in China. Start these early, as they can take several weeks. Once the work permit notification is issued, the China work visa itself is usually quick.

Bringing your family

Your partner and children can apply for S1 visas to join you. See the China S visa page.

Related pages

Family of foreigners (S1, S2)Corporate China visa servicesBusiness visa (M)

Questions people ask

Can I work in China on a business visa or visa-free entry?

No. Paid work in China needs a China work visa and a work permit.

How long is a China work visa valid?

The Z visa is usually a single entry visa for entering China. Your residence permit, issued after arrival, covers your stay.

Why is the service fee different for work visas?

Work visa applications involve more documents and checks, so our fee is £200 for standard or express service.

How long does a China visa take?

The visa centre usually processes standard applications in 4 working days and express applications in 3 working days, after your appointment. Allow extra time to prepare and book the appointment.

Do I need to go to the visa centre?

Yes. Most applicants aged 14 to 70 must attend in person to give fingerprints. We prepare everything and book the appointment, so your visit is quick.

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Start online in about 10 minutes, or call us if you’d rather talk first.

Start China work visa application Call 0161 956 2003
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