If you are a UK citizen planning to work in mainland China, you will almost certainly need a China Z visa (work visa). The Z visa is the only visa category that allows foreigners to enter China for employment, and it must be supported by official work authorisation issued in China before you apply.
Crucially, the Z visa is not the final step. After you enter China, you must complete the mandatory conversion to a residence permit for work purposes within 30 days.
This guide explains the official process, the documents involved, and—most importantly for UK applicants—how UK solicitor certification and UK Apostille fit into the China work-visa system.
What the China Z Visa Is (and What It Is Not)
The China Z visa is an entry visa for employment.
It allows you to:
- enter China legally for work purposes
- begin post-arrival immigration formalities
It does not allow you to:
- work long-term
- live in China beyond the short entry window
In practice, working legally in China requires three stages:
- Z visa – entry permission
- Work permit – employment authorisation
- Residence permit for work purposes – long-term legal stay
Failing to complete the post-entry steps on time can result in illegal stay or employment issues.
Who Needs a China Z Visa
You generally need a Z visa if you will:
- work for a company registered in mainland China
- teach at a school or training institution authorised to hire foreign staff
- take up a locally hired professional or specialist role
- work in China beyond short-term business activities
If you intend to work in China, tourist or business travel categories are not sufficient and should not be relied on.
The One Document Required Before You Apply
Before you can apply for a Z visa, your China-based employer must obtain an official approval document commonly known as the:
Work Permit Notification (or equivalent work authorisation approval)
This document is issued inside China, confirms that you are approved to work, and is a mandatory prerequisite for a Z-visa application.
Applicants cannot usually obtain this document independently without employer sponsorship.
China Z Visa: Step-by-Step Process (Official Flow)
Step 1: Secure a job offer in China
You must have a confirmed offer from an employer legally permitted to hire foreign workers.
Step 2: Employer applies for work authorisation in China
Your employer applies for the Work Permit Notification through the relevant local authority.
Step 3: Apply for the Z visa outside China
Once the approval document is issued, you submit your Z-visa application through the Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application centre serving the UK.
Step 4: Enter China on the Z visa
The Z visa is usually issued as an entry visa with a short permitted stay.
Step 5: Apply for the residence permit within 30 days
Within 30 days of entry, you must apply for a residence permit for work purposes through the local Exit-Entry Administration.
Step 6: Finalise work permit formalities
Your employer assists with completing the work permit process and issuing the formal work authorisation.
Documents Commonly Required (UK Applicants)
Exact requirements vary by city, employer, and role, but the Z-visa and work-permit process typically involves:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form and photo
- Official work authorisation approval (Work Permit Notification)
- Employer-issued supporting documents
Documents often requested by employers for work-permit approval
These documents are frequently required before the Z visa is issued:
- University degree certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Professional or teaching qualifications (if relevant)
- Medical or health examination documents (depending on role and duration)
This is where UK solicitor certification and UK Apostille become critical.
UK Document Certification and Apostille for China
Many China work-permit cases require UK-issued documents to be formally accepted for use overseas.
When required, this typically involves two distinct steps:
1. UK Solicitor or Notary Certification
A UK-qualified solicitor or notary:
- certifies a true copy of the original document, or
- verifies the document’s authenticity in line with overseas use requirements
This step is often required for:
- degree certificates
- professional qualifications
- teaching credential
- TEFL
- DBS check
2. UK Apostille (FCDO)
The UK Apostille is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and:
- confirms the authenticity of the UK solicitor’s or notary’s signature, or
- confirms the signature of a UK public authority (for certain documents)
China recognises UK apostilled documents under international conventions, and no Chinese embassy legalisation is required once an apostille is correctly issued.
Important: Not every document always needs both steps. Requirements depend on the employer and local authority. Apostilling unnecessary documents can cause delay rather than speed.
Teaching Roles: Higher Documentation Scrutiny
Teaching roles in China are often subject to stricter document review.
Employers may require:
- teaching or training certificates relevant to the role
- formal certification of those documents
- apostille to ensure overseas acceptance
For teaching positions, it is especially important to confirm exact document formats before starting certification.
How Ginkgo Advisory Can Help
Ginkgo Advisory supports UK clients preparing documents for China Z visas and China work-permit applications, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and speed.
Our support includes:
- UK solicitor certification of degrees, qualifications, and supporting documents
- UK Apostille (FCDO) coordination for China-bound documents
- Review of employer document lists to avoid unnecessary certification
- End-to-end handling of document preparation for overseas use
Why this matters
Most China work-visa delays occur before the visa application stage, due to:
- incorrectly certified documents
- apostilles applied to the wrong version
- missing or mismatched paperwork
Our role is to ensure your UK documents are:
- correctly certified
- correctly apostilled (only when required)
- accepted by your employer and local authority in China
This allows your Z-visa and work-permit process to proceed smoothly, without last-minute rework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Z visa enough to work in China?
No. The Z visa allows entry. You must obtain a work permit and convert to a residence permit after arrival.
How long do I have to apply for the residence permit after entry?
You must apply within 30 days of entry, where required.
Do all UK documents need an apostille?
No. Only documents required by your employer or local authority should be certified and apostilled.
Final Summary
For UK citizens working in mainland China, the China Z visa is the correct entry route. The process depends on employer sponsorship, official work authorisation approval, and timely post-arrival conversion to a residence permit for work purposes.
When UK documents are required, solicitor certification and UK Apostille must be handled carefully and accurately. Getting this stage right is often the difference between a smooth visa process and weeks of delay.
Contact Us
Address
167-169 Great Portland Street, 5/F, London
English 
Chinese