I've been searching for information regarding the step by step process of getting a Z visa for China. The info on how to get the Z visa is quite direct, but the amount of documentation that is needed to get the "Alien Employment Permit" which enables you to get the Z visa is astounding.

Since I had to find info from various sources and also a lot of trial and error, I would like to list down step by step what you need to do.

In order to get the "Alien Employment Permit", in my case, I am working for a multinational company and posted to China, so normally your company will ask a specialized company to handle your application for the work permit, they will email to you what are the requirements, in my case, it is:

1. Evaluation Form -
this form is just a form that you will need to fill with your info, with a passport size photograph with white background.

2. Reference letter -
this letter is a letter from your ex company saying that what position you held in the company and for how long. Must be in official company letterhead and it must show you have more than 2 years working experience.

3. Top Academic Cert -
Meaning, if you have a Uni Degree, use that, if have Masters Degree, use that. Please note that you need to photocopy and get the photocopy certified by "Kementerian Luar Negeri" (certified 1 copy is RM 10.00) and the link is http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/home. But do not do it now, wait until you get the "Letter of Good Conduct" please read below

Update## You need to get the chop from Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi (http://jpt.mohe.gov.my/) before you take your cert to be certified at KLN. Please take note, you need to have the chop dates in order like that, KPT chop first then only KLN chop

4. Non criminal record certificate or otherwise known as "Letter of Good Conduct". You need to register as an ekonsular user here https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my/en/ and then apply for the "Letter of Good Conduct" online. You will need to scan a copy of a passport size photo. It says it will take 1 to 2 months but actually, it will take around 10-14 days. You need to always log into your account to check the status. Once ready you have to go to KLN to collect the letter which will be RM 20.

After you get the "Letter of Good Conduct", head over to Makamah Persekutuan (http://www.kehakiman.gov.my/node/178). Go to second floor to the
Makamah Rayuan and there you can get your "Letter of Good Conduct" and your "University Degree Cert" translated to chinese. Make photo copies of the
original documents (Letter of Good Conduct, University Degree and the translation). Go back to KLN and have all the photocopies certified as true copies.

You think you are done? Not yet...you still need to download this form (http://kuching.chineseconsulate.org/eng/lsfw/fd/P020111102508077558930.pdf) or (http://kuching.chineseconsulate.org/eng/lsfw/leg/P020131128607046329977.pdf) I have no idea why got 2 different forms, so to be on safe side, i filled up both. After that go to the Chinese Consular at Plaza OSK (http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/cemy/eng/sgxx/t174883.htm) to get your "Letter of Good Conduct" and University Degree" authenticated (4 documents x RM 80 = RM 320). Please take note they only open from 9am to 11.00am. 4 days later come collect.


5. Health Screening -
I only found one Hospital that actually provides a package for Health Screening for China visa application purposes which is Tung Shin Hospital (http://www.tungshin.com.my/packages/health-screening-packages/). You need to download and print out the form, bring 2 passport size photograph in white background for the screening (https://www.visaforchina.org/MEL_EN/generalinformation/downloads/270951.shtml). The screening will cost around RM 400 and the report will take 3 days to process and available for pickup


After you get all the required documents, scan and send it to the people that is helping you apply for the Alien Work Permit, after which, they will email to you the permit and you will need to use the permit to apply for Z visa. This one you can ask any tour agent to do for you, they will know what to do.

I hope at least me going thru all those running around, I write my experience here hope I can save other people a lot of time instead of running around like a blind fly.

reign226

well it's good to know about working in China.

can anyone share inside on working condition, salary range etc.

I supposed your employee should engage some agent to assist you with the Visa application. It is a super lengthy process.

1. First you apply the Z-visa in Malaysia. Please take note that the Z-visa only valid for single entry, any prior multiple entry travel / business visa will be voided so with this Z-visa, you can only enter China once, until your work permit / residence permit is applied.
(Please take note that at this point, you need to have a medical report done in recognized hospital in China. Which means, prior to applying Z-visa, you should be in China once with business / travel visa, for the medical checkup)

2. After you enter China with the Z-visa, the agent should collect your passport & medical report and start to apply work permit. Normally they prefer to do it in big city, like Guang Zhou, Bei Jing, Shang Hai instead of smaller cities (at least this is what my agent told me). Small cities tend to be more strict with approval. Work permit for alien can take about 2 - 3 weeks.

3. After you obtained your work permit, you will get a small passport like book. You will need to go to some immigration office, have an interview with the officer there. This is for the application for residence permit. In case they ask you, just say you'll stay permanent at the address provided. Then, you submit your passport again for residence permit application.

4. After 7 - 10 days, you will get back your passport.

My work permit valid for 2 years and residence permit valid for 1 year. According to the rules, you are supposed to write in to them in case you change address in China to update on the residence permit or to cancel the residence permit if you leave China after completion of work. No worries, you don't have to do that. Just keep it with you and for the coming 1 year you can have multiple entry to China with the residence permit.

I am not sure if the process might vary at different place, but I think it will be more or less.

Good luck.

Another important thing to note especially for fresh graduates, you need a minimum of 2 years post graduate work experience (after graduating) in order to satisfy local district laws for Z-Visa. This is heavily enforced at major cities like Shanghai, Beijing etc. Had a few offers from MNCs in Shanghai and HK when I graduated last year, but couldn't secure my Z-Visa due to this restriction.

I've tried adding my summer internship experiences which amounted to 2 years and those were rejected too. The only way I could foresee myself working there legally with a Z-Visa are either,

1. Obtain 2 years post grad working experience elsewhere and then jump over China.
2. Inter company transfer (another type of Visa is issued instead and can be renewed).
3. Have either parent who has HK Citizenship and apply for 'Rights of Abode' for HK PR. (Which was what I did after finding out a year later )

Finally, the packages I had for my graduate position (structural firm) was very competitive ranging from 18,000-24,000 RMB per month not including other allowances (I do believe these are expat rates, locals only get half or a quarter of that). If you have the opportunity to work in China, I'd say go for it. Art, food and culture there is superb compared to ASEAN countries.

working in china is good. its a modern city and more advanced than Singapore in some context.

The currency is good, getting stronger but the air can be catastrophic depending on where you stay.

You see to be quite knowledgeable about the process. So here's a simple question.

I've heard varying comments about the requirement for a degree in order to get a job in shanghai.

I only have a diploma so I'm just curious whether that will affect my chances.

Hey there. This section lacks of info of working in China.

Just got offered to work in Shenzhen, China but most probably non-managerial position. Could be Assistant Manager or lower by 1 tier.

Would like to hear tips/opinions of working in Tongsan lel.

I'm quite excited yet scared bcos of going so far.

How much should I expect of my salary package in order to survive there? Accommodation will be provided by the company, (a SOHO or studio)

malaysia company based in china?

or china company?

Any significant differences?

Company owned by Malaysian. He is my manager in my current company (Malaysia). He has his own business in China (no relation at all to current company)

oh, did the boss or top management knows about his 2nd biz besides of current job, generally employment contract prohibits such hidden 2nd biz by employee unless got approval by company in advance.

why didn't he juz go there and leave current job since he is the boss? did he feel still need a local 'backup plan' in case cn biz got problem?

if like that seems u are at greater risk than him, if his cn biz face problem juz close down then u need back to malaysia to find job again?

if it's a mnc in china, you can go ahead on exposure point of view. salary package wise you need to see what's their offer . expenses in Shenzhen is not cheap nor too exp like in shanghai and beijing. do some study on the expenses with the salary package they offered , weight it yourself.

Shenzhen is an awesome place. Every weekend you can go HK play.

The working scene in Shenzhen can be quite hectic. I got a Taiwanese friend who just left Shenzhen after spending about 30 months there. He was a senior engineer in some electronic firm, pay was not bad but the work is a BIG FULL load too.

My friend in China shared with me that the rental for a normal apartment costs approximately 4,000 RMB/month.

I'm not sure about but they have known each other for many years. He is resigning by April.

I think he started the business while he's the boss.

That's what I had in my mind. Scared of time wasted overseas then come back cannot find job. But I don't think the company will close down so soon.

It's not a mnc. Just a small company of <20 people.

Company is a vendor/supplier to a big electronic company. Company will have a joint-venture with another MNC company for project/business soon.

One of the reason, boss needed someone that he can trust to help him over there.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to discuss about my salary package in details with my boss. Somehow when we talked over the phone, he did mentioned RMB 5000 + allowances. Kinda low tho.

Yes, that's what I'm told. Competition is everywhere. Gotta hustle hard or else fall behind.

Whoa! That's approx. RM2,500. Luckily, a studio will be provided but i guess it will be very small. Maybe similar to HK one?


I'm not sure how much the taxes (I assume it does) will be on the salaries for expats and allowances will be taxable.

maybe u can help me i help u do side income, haha (if u got times)

if got chance try xplore your 'own opportunity' there, may earn far more than working for your boss

RMB 5000 is really really low. i wouldn't think about it . just saw you mentioned studio will be provided. anyhow,think twice...

This post has been edited by zarksentinel: Feb 18 2017, 12:59 AM

Considering spending 1.5k and save up 1k per month, so for this 1k you will sacrifice all your contact relations and accumulative years of experiences in local company to become senior, worth it or not ?

better go other country better if paid peanuts

Hi, I have some questions here can anyone of you help me out?

1. How long does it takes for Makhamah Rayuan to translate Certificate of Good Conduct? Can it be completed in a day?

2. Knew that appointment can be made for certification at Chinese Consular, if I were to make an appointment, can the certification be done in the same day?

3. Certification at KPT and KLN can complete in a day?


Sorry I have to check for the turn-around time as boss dont let me take too much leave for doing this and so time is quite crucial for me.

Much appreciated

Guys I'm an upcoming fresh graduate soon from the US. I applied to a big company in China and they look very interested in hiring me after an interview.

Problem is how much should I ask for starting salary in shenzhen, China? Really no clue on what their salary range is. My current salary is around 2k usd part time.

They require someone who can speak fluent English and Chinese and have an engineering background and all which I have.

Thanks

Can i have more details on the chop from Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi for the degree cert? Can i know where should i go or who should i look for?

To get the chop from Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi....you need to go to...Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi lar...go to recept and tell you want to get photocopy of your cert certified

http://www.mohe.gov.my/hubungi-kami/alamat-dan-lokasi

Great write up TS. Thank you for sharing.

I just went KPT today. You need to bring letter of proof from your university to proof that you studied and graduated. Bring also your original degree cert. Go to KPT, enter through main entrance, then turn right and look for helpdesk 6. Letter of proof IS A MUST, without that the office wont chop for you even you bring your ori cert.

The minimum requirement to get China work permit is 2 years of working experience in related field.

Are you graduated from oversea university? Because i went today morning as well. The officer just get my IC and original certificate to check something on their system then they chopped "Certified True Copy" with date for me. Are we having the same chop? btw im graduated from Multimedia University which is local private U.

'related' as long as intern or part time qualifies too and not to worry visa is not a problem, company told me that but I'm not sure what salary range to nego..

This post has been edited by sheldonyong: Jan 25 2018, 10:20 PM

Guys I just came back from the Chinese Consulate. They said that in addition to my degree, which was certified by KLN and KPT, they require a letter from my university stating that i attended and graduated from there. The guy was questioning where i studied. I studied at Monash University in Sunway. He seems particular about the location whether Malaysia or Australis. Does it matter? Monash told me it takes them 3 - 5 working days to produce the letter which will cause a delay.

Just want to know if anybody came across this problem.

I also just came back from consulate just now. The guy that servicing me didn't requested letter from me, but KPT is the one which requested the letter from me.

Nope. I graduated from UTAR. That officer insisted to get the letter proof from my UNI

Then I called my uni and they prepared the letter and send me thru email. I show her and then she only chop for me

IKR. But the permit is tough to get now. My employer in China told me it is better to have 2 years of working experiences before applying for permit as they are very strict in this now. Btw are you working in China now?

Can i know how much the Consulate charge to certify each document?

RM164.80 per copy.

omg. how many copies you certified? 4 ? Degree Cert (chinese, english) and Certificate of Good Conduct (chinese, english) ?

I certify 3 copies. My degree cert is bilingual. Super expensive tho but I will try to claim from my employer haha

No not yet, waiting for graduation and offer letter..

Hi all, if I got total of 2 year working experience in the related field ,but none of the position I stay more than 2 year.. Is it possible to apply the Z visa?

And any. Net developer job in china ? Thanks

As long as your working experience gained after your GRADUATED DATE as mentioned on your academic certificate is more than 2 years then it should be ok. Do get your letter proof of working duration from your previous employers with clearly mentioned the working period in each respective company that you served.

I failed to get my Z visa due to the graduation date (convo date was mentioned on my cert but in fact i started working 4 months before my convo), even if i have sufficient working experiences. End up I have to use the other visa (M visa) with limited duration of stay to be able to "trade" in china now. Using travel visa to work in china is a BIG NO, dont even try to think of it.

This post has been edited by cheekiat95: Apr 1 2018, 12:14 AM

hi, i am new here~ Im a fresh graduate from taiwan.
I just had an video interview and the company seems very interested to hiring me.
like u said, can I apply for M visa to work in china? just to renew the M visa every 90days in HK?

I can't renew M visa this time. I was informed there is no agent doing now. Therefore, it force me go for Z visa. I am just at the beginning stage, waiting for my collage preparing the certification letter to support my uni degree. The good conduct certificate is still in process, just apply before Raya. If I've read this forum earlier, I'll send in application for GCC in China for early move.

Thanks for sharing the above useful info.

I can't renew M visa this time. I was informed there is no agent doing now. Therefore, it force me go for Z visa. I am just at the beginning stage, waiting for my collage preparing the certification letter to support my uni degree. The good conduct certificate is still in process, just apply before Raya. If I've read this forum earlier, I'll send in application for GCC in China for early move.

Thanks for sharing the above useful info.

hi guys ,

Thanks for sharing all the info , it helps alot

ive got a big question here ,

i studied until form 5 n work for a company for 4 yrs

after that being self employed ( free lance ) for about 8 yrs

i'm very keen to go shenzhen to explore so started to look for a job

would it be an obstacle bec of my low qualification ?

i dont really look for the job that is related but more into sales and i speaks fluent chinese and english

my concern is can i get the visa with my work experience as in free lance ?

Thanks bro !

This post has been edited by samern: Jul 10 2018, 01:15 PM

I'm from Penang and I just came back from KL for doing all those govn dept stuffs and here's a lil bit of update on the latest info i get:

To start all of these, you need to prepare documents as below:
Items:
1. Certificate of Good Conduct
2. Resume in English and Mandarin language
3. Academic Certificate (Original and Photocopy-Colour)
4. Verification Letter from Uni/College
5. Testimonial from previous company
6. Medical report from Tung Shin Hospital
7. Application Form of Notarization/Legalization (Chinese Visa Application Center CVAC) There are a lot of format online, this is the one i use, get it here:
http://ss.chineseembassy.org/eng/lsfw/bgxz/t1071815.htm

Steps:
1. Apply Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) at MOFA website, it takes around 2 weeks time to be done and you need to check the status always.
2. Prepare item 2,3,4,5 at the same time before you go to govn dept.
3. Make appointment with Tung Shin Hospital for Chinese Visa Health Screening program. Print 2 copies of the form from Tung Shin website, it's ok if you dont print, you can get it from lobby CS counter with RM3 each copy. Go to 5th floor of the main building for health screening dept, no need fasting. Request 2 original report and X-Ray film, get your report after 2 days (RM420 include 2nd set of report)
4. Collect your CGC at MOFA Putrajaya when it's done. (RM20)
5. Bring your academic certificate and verification letter to MOHE Putrajaya and cerfity. (Free)
6. Translate your academic certificate, verification letter and CGC at mahkamah rayuan. (Each document translate cost RM50 for me, it depends on the translator to quote you), my company told me CGC no need translate to mandarin because this is an official document from govn, visa application center will accept the english copy, and it's true, at the end visa application centeraccept it! But whether you want to translate CGC or not, it depends on you.
7. Bring your academic certificate, verification letter (both in english and mandarin) to MOFA Putrajaya again to certify. (RM10 for english, RM20 for mandarin) Please check the staff really certify all the documents for you, must have the certify stamp and date! my case they forget to chop the date and visa application center staff ask me to go back MOFA and chop the date then come back again! 1 hour drive from central KL to Putrajaya.. duhhhhhh!!!
8. Fill up item 7 (fill up whatever you know and leave empty whatever you not sure, go there ask the staff) and go to China Visa Application Center CVAC (already moved to new office at Hampshire Place, 6th floor, behind Plaza OSK/Bank of China, 9am-3pm) and get your item 1,3,4 to cerfify. Some people say that item 4 no need to certify here, but since my company request then i just do it. In my opinion, if you graduate from a local university then you can skip certify item 4. Bring along one set of photocopy passport and IC, in case the center staff request. (RM160 for each document certify), total is 5 documents: a.CGC(English), b.Academic Certificate(English and Mandarin), c.Verification Letter from Uni(English and Mandarin). Come back and collect after 4 days, bring the collection receipt and pay during collection. Total RM800, damn this chinese are money sucker!! They inform that the price is double up since they moved to the new office.

After get all these done, send it to your company or any appointed agent. They will continue from here.




*For Penang lang, if you are lazy to go Putrajaya and KL to do all these stuffs, you can follow this steps:
1. CGC can be courier to your home address with extra charges, pay using bank draft or smtg like that.
2. Document translation can be done in the mahkamah building beside Dewan Sri Pinang, 7th floor. I translate my documents here before head to Putrajaya and KL. You can look for a translator name Fiona Wan, she is nice and she got agent that can help you bring all your documents to Putrajaya and KL to certify. (extra charges applies)
3. In case you got anything want to ask about China Visa, you can go to Bishop street, opposite Cruises Steak House, the 3 floor building is the new CVAC. You can certify your document here too, but they just send your documents to the one at KL, it's kinda useless unless you certify all at Putrajaya then come back Penang to certify at CVAC here.
4. But no matter how medical check up must be at Tung Shin Hospital, unless you found one in Penang. So at the end the only choice for me is DIY everything at Putrajaya and KL since i need to go tung shin also.

Samern,

You need to be prepare for rejection on permit. China is damn strict now on foreign worker permit. Even a college diploma is out from consideration, unless you have college diploma + at least 5 years of working experience. My company want to transfer our GM to China branch and support that side, but due to she is just Form 5 graduate, she cant get the permit although she have more than 20 years of working experience at the same field! Btw, if you really wanted to try, you can ask "INS Global Consulting" to help you process this visa and permit. It cost 3000RMB per month for the first time application, it took 3 months so total is 9000RMB. You can refer to https://ins-globalconsulting.com/chinas-new-work-visa/
INS is a PEO that helps you to apply visa and permit. They will give you advice on what you should do and get in order to apply for the visa and permit. You can email to the supervisor at caroline.lecronc@ins-globalconsulting.com and seek for advice.

Hope this can help you

hm

This post has been edited by savannah91: Aug 27 2018, 11:20 AM

Hi, may I know the academic certificate is it use the original to certify or use the copy version?

Is my resume needed to be notarized by notary public?

M visa is a loophole of China's visa policy. However in order to get the M visa and work "legally" in China, you should not receive your monthly salary in China. In that case it can be considered as you are receiving training in China instead of working. It should be wired from Hong Kong or somewhere else to your Malaysian account. If you are paid by company in China, you NEED A WORK PERMIT.

Hi Lynn,

No need. Resume is just for your company use as they need it to prove to china govn that they wanted to hire you. It's not a document that will keep by china govn.

Hi, may I know whom you contact to get the letter? And how long it takes for UTAR to send your letter by email?

Hi, may I know do I need to translate uni verification letter? I thought just to show to KPT for notarization only?

I emailed the staff from Dept of examination. I got it by email within 3-4 days after the request, but I chose to collect at Sg. Long campus for the original letter.
Tips: you can request for Chinese version of the letter. As in my case I need to present the letter during application of permit letter.

I thought just need academic certificate for the application of permit letter? Still need uni letter?

As in my case, the date stated on my academic certificate is March 2017, but I graduated on Oct 2016 and employed then. So I need the letter as a proof for "2 years working experience".

Does the Full Academic Transcript able used to prove that have completed the study in the University ?

Nope. You will need a letter from your uni.

Thanks for your reply bro.
All documents was ready and submitted to the China company which was hiring me.

But don't know how long does the Working Notification Cert will get

Hello everyone Im asking for a friend, if a fresh grad has these two offers line up for them, which would you recommend?

a) 2.5 years Management Prog. @ Garment manufacturing in China (3rd tier city) - RM10k/month (housing and all meals provided) - graduate to be asst. Manager of the production facility. Parent company is listed in HKEX if that matters.

b) 1 year Sales Management Prog. @ US Tech Company (Networking) in Singapore - RM12k/month (RM1.5k/monthly allowance) +++ commissions too if hit annual KPI. However have to return home to KL one year for a bond.

Fresh grad so we felt like it is an important stepping stone for him. He however does have interest in both industries.He is personally into textiles/fashion, but is also a geeky one and feels that technology/5G is really the future. Thanks in advance.

This post has been edited by garlicpesto: Jun 16 2019, 12:40 AM

Up

This post has been edited by cky93: Jun 18 2019, 02:50 PM

I am planning to working in China, but I only able to speaking + hear Mandarin and Cantonese can't read and write Chinese word.
In China block Google Translate, what kind of locally China company app are able to take take pictures of any Chinese word and translate into English word?
Thank you

Hi friend. No worries. You can use WeChat. It can translate all the Chinese word into English. You can scan and it can translate automatic for you. It can translate mandarin voice/ sound into English as well. In China WeChat is the most important apps. Regard

Yes I am using that right now. I want to read roadsigns, station name, signboard and restaurant menu and letter notice.

Hi Friend, My opinion take the option B. ( Not because it is more money) If you plan to work in China, they need at least 2 years work experience before they give you working Visa. The authority is very strict over there. They would require a reference from the previous company ( to proved you have 2 years working experiences). Working in China is good, however bear in mind the process to get working Visa is a long process and various steps. You can scroll up and read the information about the process of getting China working Visa. I wish you good luck. Regard

Hello everyone I would like to ask some question about working in China.
- any recommend website/ apps to get a job to prevent to get scam?
-Is sales kind of job would be hard to look for?
-or anyone here have any job offer from China 😂😂

Hi friend.
My personal advice would be ,
You should find the the relevant person/ job agency depending on the job that you are looking
As you know, China having 1.4 billion people, they would require only certain jobs that are very specialized, which basically out of bound for the local people.
Examples: Teaching English, IT related jobs, Engineering, English Editor.
So for the first question, Get yourself to be sure what the job you looking for , then do find the correct person / guanxi (connection)
Do look for internet too, but remember the agent only collect commissions from the companies and not from you.
If they request any payment in advance, please turn them down !!! Its a big snake ( Scam)

Second questions,
Sales person is a suitable job for foreigners , but do take note,
They would like you to work for their company that is based in foreign countries.
Examples: If you able to speak Malay, they would like you work in Malaysia, so you can able to communicate and market their product locally here.
If you can speak English, they would like you to work in other countries that uses English as the medium
I met a Malaysian in China who work for a Chinese company in China but posted to South Africa
* For Chinese speaking consumer, they would use their own locals, as it is more economical.
So for the second questions, prepare yourselves to take new adventures in a new land


Third questions,
This forum does not functions as job search engine

Do take note, the process of the getting China work Visa is a long process.

1 Need to notarized all documents, ( There are few different documents, scroll up and read, earlier post)
2 Need for Police Clearance Certificate ( In Malaysia it would take between 3 weeks to 4 weeks)
3 Need medical check up
4 Submitting scan copy of 1, 2 and 3 , will enable you to get a Work Notification letter of foreigner's work permit (Depends on your HR efficiency, 2 weeks to 4 weeks)
5 After that you submit Work Notification letter to get to apply Z visa in your home country (Depend on yourself, 1 week to 2 weeks）
6 With Z Visa enter China, and apply for Work Permit and Residence Permit ( Depends on your HR efficiency, 2 weeks to 3 weeks)

Finally notarizing all the documents and doing all this stuffs above require some fees.
Chinese Embassy charges USD 40 per documents.

Me my wife and child had around 15 to documents, last time to notarized as some certificates are also in English and Chinese Version ( Translated)

I hope my answer for your questions is sufficient.
Hope you make a good choice. Take care

Thanks for your reply is very helpful for me

But rental at china big cities is more expensive than singapore


Sg mostly is 400 until 800 sharing room


Save more money

How long you work in china?